Tag Archives: Peace

Joyce Meyer – Enjoy Life as You Grow

September 22, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect. —Matthew 5:48

Being perfect sounds good, but it is not reality. Reality is that you are a human being, and no matter how hard you try to be perfect, you still make mistakes. Your heart can be perfect, but your performance will never be perfect as long as you are on earth.

You are legally and positionally perfect in Christ, but experientially, you are in the process of changing every day from glory to glory. It is a growing process, and it takes time.

Struggling for perfection to gain acceptance and approval from God or others only brings frustration and never-ending struggle. And it isn’t necessary because Jesus accepts you just as you are. He will never pressure you to perform or demand something of you that you don’t know how to give. So just do your best . . . and enjoy life while you’re maturing.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Worth the Price

September 22, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

John DiFazio is a 62-year-old veteran who survived the Vietnam War but has had to wage an ongoing battle with Hepatitis C. Now two tiny pills are on the market and reported to beat his disease. Unfortunately, the treatment costs roughly $150,000 a dose. The high cost has left many questioning whether the cure is worth the price.

Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears.

Isaiah 38:5

Hezekiah is portrayed in the Bible as a good king and friend of Israel. However, in the prime of his life he is laid low by illness and the prophet Isaiah, directed by God, tells him he is going to die. In response, King Hezekiah takes up an intense conversation with the Lord through prayer. Soon God sends Isaiah to him again – but this time with the good news that his prayers have been heard and he will recover. In addition, God delivers Hezekiah’s army from their enemy by His own hand.

As you pray for America today, remember God is listening. Acknowledge His sovereign power and holiness, and pray for the nation’s leaders to do likewise. God’s treatment for America will definitely be worth the price.

Greg Laurie – Trusting in the Dark Times

September 22, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. —Ephesians 3:14–15

Why does God even allow Satan to exist? Have you ever wondered that? As the Evil One says in his own words, he is restlessly going back and forth across the earth (see Job 1:7), looking for trouble . . . looking for lives to ruin . . . looking for saints to stumble. Why does God allow him to carry on? Why doesn’t the Lord just take him out, as He could in a nanosecond?

You might be surprised to know that Satan, in his own twisted way, serves the purposes of God. You ask, How in the world could that be?

Just consider this. Satan unwittingly played a major role in the cross of Christ. In his enduring hatred for God’s Son, the Devil thought it would be a great idea to have Jesus betrayed, arrested, beaten within an inch of His life, and then crucified and put to death on a Roman cross.

Everything went according to Satan’s plan. As Jesus told the mob who came to apprehend him, “This is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns” (Luke 22:53, NLT).

The power of darkness did indeed reign that day, and Satan’s plan succeeded. But so did the plan of God. What the Evil One didn’t realize was that it was the Father’s plan all along that the Messiah would die for the sins of the world. In the prophecy of Isaiah, we’re told, “It was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer” (Isaiah 53:10, NIV). Unaware that he was making the biggest blunder since his rebellion against God, Satan played into the plan and purpose of God when, in his rage and hatred, he inspired Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (see Zechariah 11:12-13).

Satan’s “best shot” against God and the people of God was the crucifixion of the God-man, Jesus Christ. And in that act he not only unwittingly sealed his own doom, but he opened the door for Jesus to offer redemption and salvation to the whole world.

Remember then, if you hold on to God and trust Him through the dark times, that Satan’s best shots against you also will end up working for your good . . . and God’s glory.

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

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Access to the Father

September 22, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

If a child you don’t know appears on your doorstep and asks to spend the night, what would you do? Likely you would ask his name, where he lives, find out why he is roaming the streets, and contact his parents. On the other hand, if a youngster enters your house escorted by your child, that child is welcome.

The same is true with God. By becoming friends with the Son, we gain access to the Father. Jesus promised in Matthew 10:32, “All those who stand before others and say they believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they belong to me.” Jesus ushers us into that blessing of God’s grace we now enjoy and what Paul spoke of in Romans 5:2—”a permanent access by faith into this grace by which we now stand.” We can have a place with God because Jesus has presented us to the Father!

From In the Grip of Grace

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Growing in Servanthood

September 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Kids love to show off their height. They eagerly anticipate being tall enough to do all the things their short stature currently prevents. Many parents record and celebrate their children’s growth. They follow the tradition of marking heights on a doorframe.

God the Father also measures His children’s growth. He delights in seeing us reach new levels of spiritual maturity so we can accept greater responsibility. Because a new believer is like a little child in faith, his or her kingdom tasks are, at first, light. God is beginning the transformation process that will grow a saved human being into the image of Christ.

The call to servanthood requires us to do as the Lord Jesus did: act humbly on behalf of our fellow man. When we successfully minister where we are called, new opportunities will open up and offer fresh challenges.

Every opportunity to bless others honors the Lord and increases a believer’s wisdom and stature before Him. Much of God’s work goes on where only He can see it. But our heavenly Father is always measuring His children for future service. He’s gauging how much closer we are to His goal for us and what new task will draw us even closer.

God calls each believer to a life of service, just as He called Paul, Peter and James. This should be an exciting prospect. But too many people get hung up believing they can’t be “as good” as the apostles of old or the preachers and missionaries of today. A popular idea in the church is that the Lord’s servants are only those doing full-time ministry. Everyone else is simply trying to live well. Nothing could be further from the truth. From God’s perspective, you and I are the same as Paul, Peter, and James: servants with important kingdom work to do.

Some kingdom jobs look more important than others. But that’s only because we evaluate them with human eyes. Every work that advances the Gospel or serves a need is valuable—from cleaning the church or preaching to evangelizing or recording a praise album.

Everyone can’t be on a foreign mission field. But we can all share the gospel with a neighbor. Some people can sing in the choir. Others can put a dollar in the hand of homeless man. God invites us to do His work in the world, whether the task is great or small. We accomplish it by serving our fellow man. Ask Him what He would have you do.

Whatever your calling, remember… spiritual growth impacts our fruitfulness. The longer we’ve been believers, the greater our service should be. That does not mean tasks will be highly visible. Satan tries to convince people that some jobs are trivial. But the moment a believer falls for that lie, growth is stunted. God will promote those who put forth the best effort, no matter what the task is.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Medieval Meal

September 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Psalm 19:7-14

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! —Psalm 119:103

A while ago I attended a conference on the Middle Ages. In one seminar we actually prepared several foods that would have been common in medieval times. We used pestle and mortar to grind cinnamon and fruit to make jam. We cut orange rinds and broiled them with honey and ginger to produce a sweet snack. We crushed almonds with water and other ingredients to create almond milk. And, finally, we prepared a whole chicken to serve as a main dish with rice. As we sampled these dishes, we enjoyed a tasty culinary experience.

When it comes to spiritual food for our souls, God has given us a varied menu that we can chew on and savor. In doing so, we can be filled and satisfied. The historic books, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, and other parts of the Bible strengthen us when we are weak, give us wisdom and encouragement, and nourish us for the day’s journey (Ps. 19:7-14; 119:97-104; Heb. 5:12). As the psalmist tells us: “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps. 119:103).

So what are we waiting for? God has set before us a banquet of delectable spiritual food and calls us to come and dine. We are all invited! —Dennis Fisher

Thank You, Lord, that You call me to Your

table to feast on Your Word. I know that I need

it for my spiritual nourishment and to grow

close to You. I open my heart to You now.

The Bible is the bread of life, and it never gets stale.

Bible in a year: Ecclesiastes 7-9; 2 Corinthians 13

Insight

Some scholars have criticized Psalm 19 as an artificially constructed piece, saying that the two halves of the psalm do not naturally go together. However, a case can be made that both portions of the psalm reflect on how God has chosen to reveal Himself to humanity. In verses 1-6, we see “general revelation,” where God is revealed through the creation He has made. The remainder of the psalm (vv.7-14) describes how God has revealed Himself through Scripture, which theologians call “special revelation.” In both cases, the psalm describes how God has made Himself known to us.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Holy Anxiety

September 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Do not sweep my soul away with sinners. Psalm 26:9

Fear made David pray like this, for something whispered, “Perhaps, after all, you may be swept away with sinners.” That fear springs mainly from holy anxiety, arising from the recollection of past sin. Even the pardoned man will inquire, “What if at the end my sins should be remembered, and I should be left out of the company of the saved?” He thinks about his present condition—so little grace, so little love, so little holiness; and looking forward to the future, he considers his weakness and the many temptations that surround him, and he fears that he may fall and become a prey to the enemy. A sense of sin and present evil and his prevailing corruptions compel him to pray, in fear and trembling, “Do not sweep my soul away with sinners.”

Reader, if you have prayed this prayer, and if your character is correctly described in the Psalm from which it is taken, you need not be afraid that you will be swept away with sinners. Do you have the two virtues that David had—the outward walking in integrity and the inward trusting in the Lord? Are you resting upon Christ’s sacrifice, and can you approach the altar of God with humble hope? If so, rest assured, you will never be swept away with sinners, for that calamity is impossible. At the judgment the command will be given, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”1

If, then, you are like God’s people, you will be with God’s people. You cannot be swept away with sinners, for you have been purchased at too high a price. Redeemed by the blood of Christ, you are His forever, and where He is, there His people must be. You are loved too much to be swept away with reprobates. Will one who is dear to Christ perish? Impossible! Hell cannot hold you! Heaven claims you! Trust in Christ, and do not fear!

1) Matthew 13:30

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The family reading plan for September 21, 2014 * Ezekiel 24 * Psalm 72

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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 – Comfort proclaimed

September 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.” Isaiah 40:1

John MacArthur – Conquering Doubt

September 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Take the helmet of salvation” (Eph. 6:17).

The key to conquering doubt is to focus on the preserving power of God.

Doubt comes to Christians in many ways. After you’ve sinned, your conscience might hiss at you, saying, “Surely you’re not a Christian. Why would God save you anyway? You don’t deserve His mercy. You’re not good enough. How presumptuous to think God could ever use you!” Such doubts are common among Christians who focus on their performance rather than God’s power.

All too often we’re quick to acknowledge God’s power to save us but slow to understand His power to keep us. To complicate matters, many Christians believe they can lose their salvation, so they live in constant fear of falling away from the faith. Still others have never learned what Scripture teaches about their security in Christ. They’re so intent on pleasing God through their own efforts that they lose sight of grace and drift into a subtle works- righteousness mentality.

Your performance doesn’t determine your standing in Christ; your standing in Christ determines your performance. Good works are the necessary result of salvation (Eph. 2:10) but they don’t save you or keep you saved. That’s God’s work.

Jude said, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy” (v. 24). “Able” in that verse translates a Greek word that speaks of power. “Keep” literally means “to secure in the midst of an attack.” “Stumbling” refers to falling into sin. Together they say that God is powerful enough to prevent you from stumbling into sin and falling away from Him—no matter how intense Satan’s attacks might be. He will continue to protect and cleanse you until the day you enter His glorious heaven perfected.

Sin is a serious issue and you should never take it lightly. But when you do sin, remember that as a believer you’re immediately cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7). So always confess your sins and turn from them, but never doubt God’s power or willingness to keep you saved. Trust in His grace, not in your ability to perform.

Suggestions for Prayer; Praise the Lord for continually cleansing your sin.

For Further Study; Memorize Jude 24-25 and recite it often as a reminder of God’s power and majesty.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Get Fit

September 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. —2 Timothy 1:7

“Every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things” (1 Corinthians 9:25, emphasis mine). That word all is a difficult concept for us to grasp.

We need to live a disciplined life, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, if we want to enjoy God’s plan for us. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, and the fruit of the flesh is no control.

Paul said, “I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become un.t [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – If Two Agree

September 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“I also tell you this – if two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask for, My Father in heaven will do it for you” (Matthew 18:19).

Some of the richest experiences of my life have occurred in the practice of meeting with one or two individuals to pray specifically for definite things. The Scripture promises that one person can defeat 1000 but two can defeat 10,000 (Deuteronomy 32:30).

I believe that same principle holds in prayer. When individuals pray together, agreeing concerning a certain matter – assuming, of course, that they are praying according to the Word and will of God – the mighty sources of deity are released in their behalf.

Some interpret this verse to refer to church discipline, rejecting the claim that I am making in principle that there is great power, supernatural power, released when God’s children unite together in prayer. We have not because we ask not (James 4:2). Whatsoever we shall ask in prayer, believing, we shall receive (Matthew 21:22). If we ask anything according to God’s will, He hears and answers us (1 John 5:14). If we ask anything in Christ’s name, He will do it (John 14:14).

When two or more individuals unite and together claim these promises concerning a certain matter whatever it may be, they should expect answers. That is in accordance with God’s promise and God does not lie.

Bible Reading: Matthew 18:15-20

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will seek opportunities to unite with others to pray specifically concerning the needs of individual believers or my church or missions around the world, and we will expect answers in accordance with God’s promise.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – All Night Long

September 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Prayer was such a crucial practice in the ministry of Jesus and His disciples. At times, Christ was even known to pray all night as He continually sought the Father’s direction throughout His time on Earth. The apostle Paul also considered prayer essential and he called the Colossians to give themselves energetically to ongoing and regular prayer. Paul also earnestly asked others to pray that he would be effective in ministry.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2

People all around you are struggling in so many areas: financial, relational, physical and emotional. Yet God has entrusted you with other people so your life can be a blessing to them. The greatest way to do that is through steadfast prayer. Before you communicate to those around you, consider interceding for them and asking for God’s wisdom. Be willing to pray all night if necessary. Listen carefully to what He tells you to do or say.

Remember also to faithfully intercede for this nation’s leaders. Your prayers can have a significant impact on their personal and professional thoughts and actions, today and for the future.

Charles Stanley – The Impact of Prayer

September 20, 2014 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

John 17:20-26

God has total authority over all people and events. He knows the hearts of men, how each person will act, and what steps are needed to achieve His purposes. At the same time, He calls us to pray.

Colossians 4:2 says we are to devote ourselves to prayer. Communication with God is so vital, in fact, that we are told to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). Our lives should be characterized by continuous listening, talking, and relating to our heavenly Father. The Scriptures explain why this is so important:

Prayer changes us. As we seek God’s face and spend time in His Word, we will be transformed. Our desires will be replaced by His, and our thinking will align more closely with His thoughts. As our understanding of His character grows, we will have a better idea of how to pray in accordance with His will.

The Lord answers prayer (James 5:16). God has promised to listen and respond to the prayers of His children (Isa. 65:24). He assures us that He will act when our petitions are in Jesus’ name—which is to say, when they match His will and His timing (John 14:13).

Prayer invites God to act. Praying doesn’t alter God’s purposes or plans, nor does it cause Him to change His mind. What He has decided will occur, and His decisions will be exactly the right ones to accomplish what He wants to achieve. Our prayers are powerful when, without reservation, we invite God to do His work in our lives and the lives of others.

What impact, then, does prayer have? It allows people, who are inadequate, to connect with an all-sufficient God. Hallelujah!

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Rooted

September 20, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

2 Chronicles 24:15-22

Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. —2 Chronicles 24:2

Joash must have been confused and frightened when he was told about the evil deeds of his grandmother Athaliah. She had murdered his brothers to usurp the power of the throne in Judah. But baby Joash had been safely hidden away by his aunt and uncle for 6 years (2 Chron. 22:10-12). As he grew, he enjoyed the love and instruction of his caregivers. When Joash was only 7 years old, he was secretly crowned king and his grandmother was overthrown (23:12-15).

Young King Joash had a wise counselor by his side—his very own Uncle Jehoiada (chs. 22–25). Joash was one of the rare “good kings” of Judah, and while his uncle was alive he obeyed the Lord by doing right (24:2). But once his uncle was no longer there to teach and lead by example, Joash fell away and his life ended badly (24:15-25). It seems that the roots of his faith did not run very deep. He even began to worship idols. Perhaps Joash’s “faith” had been more his uncle’s than his own.

Others can teach us the principles of their faith, but each of us must come individually to a lasting and personal faith in Christ. For faith to be real, it must become our own. God will help us walk with Him and become rooted and established in the faith (Col. 2:6-7). —Cindy Hess Kasper

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,

And it told Thy love to me;

But I long to rise in the arms of faith

And be closer drawn to Thee. —Crosby

The faith that continues to the end gives proof that it was genuine in the beginning.

Bible in a year: Ecclesiastes 4-6; 2 Corinthians 12

Insight

Some scholars believe that Jesus may have been referring to the brutal murder of Jehoiada’s son Zechariah (2 Chron. 24:21) in His final confrontation with the Jewish religious leaders (Matt. 23:35; Luke 11:51). The statement “but killed his son” (v.22) is reminiscent of Jesus’ own impending death.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Reflections on the Evening

September 20, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

At evening withhold not your hand. Ecclesiastes 11:6

In the evening of the day opportunities are plentiful: Men return from their work, and the zealous soul-winner finds time to share widely the love of Jesus. Do I have no evening work for Jesus? If I have not, let me no longer withhold my hand from a service that requires wholehearted endeavor. Sinners are perishing for lack of knowledge; he who loiters may find his shoes red with the blood of souls. Jesus gave both His hands to the nails. How can I keep back one of mine from His blessed work? Night and day He toiled and prayed for me. How can I give a single hour to the pampering of my body with luxurious ease? Up, lazy heart; stretch out your hand to work, or lift it up to pray. Heaven and hell are serious; so must I be, and this evening I should sow good seed for the Lord my God.

The evening of life also has its calls. Life is so short that a morning of manhood’s strength and an evening of decay make up the whole of it. To some it seems long, but a dollar is a great sum of money to a poor man. Life is so brief that no man can afford to lose a day. It has been well said that if a great king were to bring us a great heap of gold and bid us take as much as we could count in a day, we would make a long day of it; we would begin early in the morning, and in the evening we would not withhold our hand.

Winning souls is far nobler work; so how is it that we quit so soon? Some are spared to a long evening of green old age; if such is my case, let me use any talents I still retain and serve my blessed and faithful Lord to the final hour. By His grace I will die with my boots on and lay down my commission only when I lay down my body. Age may instruct the young, cheer the faint, and encourage the despondent. If evening has less stifling heat, it should have more calm wisdom; therefore in the evening I will not withhold my hand.

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The family reading plan for September 20, 2014 * Ezekiel 23 * Psalm 70, 71

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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 – Things that accompany salvation

September 20, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Things that accompany salvation.” Hebrews 6:9

Suggested Further Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

The “things that accompany salvation” make a glorious march in the forefront of it— from election down to these precious opening buds of virtue in the sinner’s heart. What a godly array! Sure the angels do sometimes fly along in admiration, and see this long array that heralds salvation to the heart. And now comes the precious casket set with gems and jewels. It is of God-like workmanship; no hammer was ever lifted on it; it was smitten out and fashioned upon the anvil of eternal might, and cast in the mould of everlasting wisdom; but no human hand hath ever defiled it, and it is set with jewels so unutterably precious, that if heaven and earth were sold they could never buy another salvation! And who are those that are close around it? There are three sweet sisters that always have the custody of the treasure—you know them; their names are common in Scripture—Faith, Hope, and Love, the three divine sisters; these have salvation in their hearts and do carry it about with them in their loins. Faith, who lays hold on Christ, and trusts all in him; that ventures everything upon his blood and sacrifice, and has no other trust. Hope, that with beaming eye looks up to Jesus Christ in glory, and expects him soon to come: looks downward, and when she sees grim death in her way, expects that she shall pass through with victory. And thou sweet Love, the sweetest of the three; she, whose words are music and whose eyes are stars; Love, also looks to Christ and is enamoured by him; loves him in all his offices, adores his presence, reverences his words; and is prepared to bind her body to the stake and die for him, who bound his body to the cross to die for her.

For meditation: Faith, Hope and Love are close companions of one another and of salvation (1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:3;Hebrews 6:9-12). How well are you acquainted with them?

Sermon no. 152

20 September (1857)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Repelling Discouragement and Doubt

September 20, 2014 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“Take the helmet of salvation” (Eph. 6:17).

Discouragement and doubt are deflected when you know you’re secure in Christ.

The Roman soldier’s helmet was a crucial piece of armor designed to deflect blows to the head—especially the potentially lethal blow of a broadsword. Soldiers of that day carried a swift and precise dagger designed for close- quarter hand-to-hand combat. But they also carried a giant broadsword, which was a two-edged, three to four-foot long sword. It had a massive handle that, similar to a baseball bat, was held with both hands. With it they could take broad swipes from side to side or deliver a crushing blow to an opponent’s skull.

To protect us from Satan’s crushing blows, Paul tells us to “take the helmet of salvation.” Now considering all he’s been telling us so far, he was not saying, “Oh, by the way, go get saved.” Paul was addressing believers. Unbelievers don’t have to put on spiritual armor. They aren’t even in the battle. Satan doesn’t attack his own forces.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Paul describes the helmet of salvation as “the hope of salvation.” That implies Satan’s most fierce and powerful blows are directed at the believer’s assurance and security. Therefore Paul was encouraging believers to have confidence in the salvation they already possess. He knew that doubting their security in Christ would render them ineffective in spiritual warfare—just as a blow to the head renders one’s physical body incapable of defending itself.

As a believer, you should have the assurance that you are secure in Christ. If you don’t, you haven’t put your helmet on, and that makes you vulnerable to discouragement and doubt. Romans 8:29-30 assures us that all whom God justifies, He sanctifies and glorifies. No one is lost in the process.

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28). That’s a wonderful promise. So don’t let your enemy rob you of the joy and assurance of knowing you belong to Christ, for the Lord will never let you go (Heb. 13:5).

Suggestions for Prayer; Praise God for your eternal security in Christ!

For Further Study; Read John 6:37-40.

Who receives eternal life?
How does Christ respond to those who come to Him?

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – On-Purpose Thinking

September 20, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

But Jesus, knowing (seeing) their thoughts, said, Why do you think evil and harbor malice in your hearts?

—Matthew 9:4

It’s amazing how quickly and completely our thoughts can change our moods. Negative thinking of any kind quickly steals my joy and causes a variety of bad moods. When we are negative and gloomy, other people don’t enjoy being with us; when our thoughts are down, everything else goes down with them. Our moods, countenance, conversation, and even our body can begin to droop in a downward position. Hands hang down, shoulders slump, and we tend to look down instead of up. People who tend to be negative in their thoughts and conversations are usually unhappy and rarely content with anything for very long.

Even if something exciting does happen, they soon find something wrong with it. As soon as they see one thing wrong, they tend to fix their minds on it; any enjoyment they might have is blocked by concentrating on the one negative. They may occasionally experience momentary enthusiasm, but it quickly evaporates and gloom once again fills their entire demeanor. They probably do not realize that they could be happy if they would simply change the way they think. We must stop merely waiting for something good to happen and take action to ensure that something good will happen.

I am truly amazed when I consider the fact that we have the ability to make ourselves happy or sad by what we choose to think about. The Bible says we must be satisfied with the consequences of our words, whether they are good or evil (see Prov. 18:20).

Our words begin with our thoughts, so the same principle that applies to our mouths also applies to our minds. We need to be satisfied with the consequences of our thoughts because they hold the power of life and death. I would add that they hold the power of contentment and discontent, of joy and sadness.

Trust in Him God has given us the ability to make choices about so many things in life, including our thoughts, and we must be responsible to make those choices carefully. Trust Him to help you choose positive thoughts and to think on purpose.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Maturity – In His Timing

September 20, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self- control” (Galatians 5:22,23).

One of my dear friends had a 25-year old son who had never grown past the baby stage mentally or physically. He had greeted the birth of his beautiful baby boy with great joy, but his joy turned to heartache and sorrow with the passing years as his son never matured.

Unfortunately and tragically, many Christians never pass the baby or childhood stages. Think of the heartache and sorrow that God experiences when He looks upon those of His children who have never matured, though they have been Christians for many years.

Martha, a new Christian, approached me with this question, “With all my heart I want to be a woman of God, but I do not experience the consistency of Galatians 5:22,23 in my life. What is wrong?”

Maybe you are asking the same question, if so, it will be helpful for you to understand that the Christian life is a life of growth. Just as in our physical lives we begin as babies and progress through childhood into adolescence, young adulthood and mature adulthood, so it is in our spiritual lives.

The Holy Spirit takes up residence within every believer at the moment of new birth. The growth process is greatly accelerated when a believer consciously yields himself to the lordship of Christ and the filling and control of the Holy Spirit. A believer who is empowered by the Holy Spirit and is a faithful student of God’s Word, who has learned to trust and obey God, can pass through the various stages of spiritual growth and become a mature Christian within a brief period of time. Some Spirit-filled Christians demonstrate more of the fruit of the Spirit within one year than others who have been untaught, uncommitted believers for 50 years.

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-5

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I am determined that I will become a spiritually mature Christian, in whose life the fruit of the Spirit will be demonstrated. Through the enabling of the Holy Spirit I will dedicate myself to prayer, reading the Word and witnessing, and living a life of obedience.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Praying People

September 20, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Throughout history, people have tried to get rid of the living God by getting rid of His followers. In fifth century BC Persia, Haman was a particularly arrogant and evil government official who took up the quest. Like others before him, however, he underestimated the power of prayer.

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

God placed two praying people in Haman’s world: Mordecai, a brave and politically savvy man; and Esther, his beautiful orphaned niece. When faced with Haman’s overpowering plot for evil, Mordecai and Esther both fell on their knees before God. Mordecai’s prayer went something like this: Lord, King and ruler, everything is in your power, and there is no one, even Haman, able to oppose you when it is your will to save us. Esther’s prayer: My Lord, you alone are our King, save us from the power of the wicked and deliver me from fear.

As you read the news today, are you concerned over the nation’s distaste for what is holy and good? Consider that God has placed you, like Mordecai and Esther, in this specific time to pray for America. Take courage in a powerful God…and know those setting themselves up to destroy His people will eventually fail.

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Tag Archives: Peace

Joyce Meyer – Enjoy Life as You Grow

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Worth the Price

Greg Laurie – Trusting in the Dark Times

Max Lucado – Access to the Father

Charles Stanley – Growing in Servanthood

Our Daily Bread — Medieval Meal

Alistair Begg – Holy Anxiety

Charles Spurgeon – Comfort proclaimed

John MacArthur – Conquering Doubt

Joyce Meyer – Get Fit

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – If Two Agree

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – All Night Long

Charles Stanley – The Impact of Prayer

Our Daily Bread — Rooted

Alistair Begg – Reflections on the Evening

Charles Spurgeon – Things that accompany salvation

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Joyce Meyer – On-Purpose Thinking

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Maturity – In His Timing

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Praying People

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