Tag Archives: Peace

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Nothing you do can please God apart from faith.

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John MacArthur

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is” (Hebrews 11:6)

Throughout history, people have tried everything imaginable to gain favor with God. Most turn to religion, but religion apart from Christ is merely a satanic counterfeit of the truth.

Many trust in their own good works, not realizing that even their best efforts are offensive to God (Isa. 64:6; Phil. 3:8). And the more we try to justify ourselves, the more we offend God, because “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Rom. 3:20).

Some trust in their family heritage or nationality. The Jewish people thought they were pleasing to God simply because they were descendants of Abraham. But John the Baptist warned them, saying, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you, that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham” (Matt. 3:7-9).

Apart from faith, man cannot please God. And the first step of faith is simply believing God exists. That isn’t enough to save a person–even the demons have that level of faith (James 2:19)–but it’s a start, and by God’s grace can blossom into full saving faith.

God has given ample evidence of His existence. Romans 1:20 says, “Since the creation of the world [God’s] invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made.” David said, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands” (Ps. 19:1).

Creation itself proclaims the existence, power, and glory of God, yet most people “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18) by rejecting the Creator and denying their accountability to Him. Rather than bowing to the true God, they pay homage to “Mother Nature” or evolution. How foolish!

Suggestions for Prayer:

Praise God for the beauty of His creation.

Worship Him as the giver of every good gift (James 1:17).

For Further Study:

Read Romans 1:18-32. Is there a connection between denying God, practicing idolatry, and committing gross immoralities? Explain.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Practical Ways for Your Days

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Oh, that they had such a [mind and] heart in them always [reverently] to fear Me and keep all My commandments, that it might go well with them and with their children forever!

—Deuteronomy 5:29

God’s Word offers wise instructions about how to make the practice of peace a part of your everyday life.

First of all, you need to hush. Be still and stop all the rushing around. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 KJV). The creator of the universe wants a word with you, but how can He really talk to you if you’re always on the go? Chill…and listen!

Second, you must prepare your heart to receive Him and to hear His voice on a regular basis. This requires a reverent fear of God and obedience to His commandments.

Finally, you must acknowledge Him in everything you do. Make it a lifestyle to be identified with Jesus Christ and faithfully be a doer of the Word.

The rewards are great!

 

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Living the Godly Life

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“As God’s messenger I give each of you God’s warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you” (Romans 12:3).

A newly appointed director of affairs for our ministry came to me for counsel after being given his assignment. “Tell me,” he inquired, “what are the biggest problems that I will encounter in my new area of responsibility?”

“Three major ones,” I responded. “First, pride, the problem that causes Satan to seek a place of authority over God Himself, resulting in his expulsion from the heavenly kingdom. Since creation, man’s greatest problem has been pride – thinking more highly of oneself than one ought to think.

“Your second problem will be materialism – the desire to accumulate wealth, to live the good life, to keep up with the Joneses with better houses, cars, clothes, and security.

“And the third problem will be sex, the temptation to immorality. Man’s second greatest drive after self-perservation is sex. In the marriage bond, sex is one of the most beautiful of the God-given privileges. But out of marriage, it results in grieving and quenching the Spirit and, ultimately, in the discipline of God. Therefore, be faithful to the wife that God has given you and love her as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25).

“Keep yourself humble by God’s power. Seek the simple life and be motivated and constrained by the love of God for the souls of men, rather than for the good things of this world.”

 

This is my counsel to all of our staff. It is my message to all Christian leaders and to all who seek to live godly lives.

The highways and byways of the world are littered with men and women of great talent and ability who are no longer being used of God. The fire has gone out of their hearts; the smile is gone from their faces. They harvest no fruit for the kingdom. They have fallen, thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to think, after the example of Satan, the author of pride.

God’s Word admonishes us to think soberly, wisely, prudently and modestly. The faith which we each have is a gift from God, measure by Him. That fact alone should produce in you and me a true, humility, changing any feeling of pride to one of gratitude. The truly humble person regards God as the source of all blessings.

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: When the temptation comes to think more highly of myself than I ought to think, with God’s help I will remember that everything I have is a gift of His grace. I will humble myself before God and man and, by faith, live a supernatural, godly life, dedicated to the extension of His kingdom

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Spiritual Veteran

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President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919, to remember those who died in World War I. In 1945, Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama led the way to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans who served and currently serve in U.S. military. The national holiday of Veterans Day was born.

I thank God whom I serve…with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.

II Timothy 1:3

The apostle Paul speaks of an invisible fight. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

As you observe Veterans Day, remember to be a spiritual veteran. Put on the unseen armor of truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and Spirit-led prayer. Pray continually for your leaders, citizens and veterans of this country. Then thank the God whom You serve for the people who help protect you.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Standing By

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What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? —Romans 8:31

We tend to think that when we are in the will of God, the doors should fly open, birds should be singing, the sun should be shining, and everyone should be applauding. But it doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes when we are in the will of God, so-called bad things happen. They seem bad, but in reality they might actually be good things.

I think sometimes that what we define as good may in fact be bad. And some of the things we think of as bad in turn will ultimately turn out to be good.

Acts 23:11 tells us that while Paul was in prison in Jerusalem, “The following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’ ”

Here is what God was saying: “Paul, look. I told you what was going to happen, and you went for it. And I want you to know that you are doing what I wanted you to do.” You see, when a person is really walking with the Lord, it will impact other people. It will cause a reaction.

Paul felt that God wanted him to go to Jerusalem. The prophet Agabus warned him that if he went there, he would be arrested. Other believers begged him not to go. But Paul said, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13).

So Paul went to Jerusalem, and sure enough, he was arrested and found himself in a prison cell. Yet God still had a future for Paul. And guess what? God has a future for you, too.

 

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Just for You

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Max Lucado

I’m about to tell you something you may find hard to believe. You don’t have to agree with me, but I’d like you to consider it with me.  Here it is.  If you were the only person on earth, the earth would look exactly the same. The Himalayas would still have their drama and the Caribbean its charm. The sun would still nestle behind the Rockies in the evenings and spray light on the desert in the mornings. If you were the sole pilgrim on this globe, God would not diminish its beauty one degree.

Because He did it all for you.  And He’s waiting for you to discover His gift, for your eyes to pop, your heart to stop. He’s waiting for the moment between the dropping of the jaw and the leap of the heart. For in that silence He whispers, I did it just for you.

from Lucado Inspirational Reader

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – How to Turn Your Crisis into an Opportunity

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Charles Stanley

  1. Trust that God is working everything in your life for your good.
    “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
  2. Believe that our heavenly Father is in control of everything.
    “The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all” (Ps. 103:19).
  3. Accept that the Lord’s ways are higher than ours.
    “‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isa. 55:8-9).
  4. Refuse to make quick judgments in the midst of a crisis.
    “Thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength’” (Isa. 30:15)
  5. Focus on the Father instead of the crisis.
    “O our God . . . we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chron. 20:12).
  6. Avoid dwelling on the pain.
    “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence” (Ps. 42:5).
  7. Recall past crises and the opportunities that followed.
    “They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. He also brought me forth into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me” (2 Sam. 22:19-20).
  8. Let go of your anger immediately.
    “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity” (Eph. 4:26-27).
  9. Submit yourself to God’s will.
    “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Pr. 3:5-6).
  10. Demonstrate a spirit of gratitude.
    “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18).
  11. Determine to view the trial as a chance to see God at work.
    “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the LORD” (Lam. 3:25-26).
  12. Refuse to listen to unscriptural interpretations of your situation.
    “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. . . . The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts” (Ps. 119:105, 110).
  13. Remain in constant prayer, listening for the Father’s instructions.
    “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2).
  14. Do not give in to fluctuating emotions.
    “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps. 73:26).
  15. Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.
    “Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him” (Ps. 37:5-7).

 

Resources About Adversity

Related Video

Turning Our Crisis Into An Opportunity

How do you respond to a crisis? At some point in our lives, we all will face hardships, losses, and painful circumstances. Too often, though, we fail to view suffering with an eternal perspective. (Watch Turning Our Crisis Into An Opportunity.)

 

 

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Remembering Our Father’s Words

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Our Daily Bread

Psalm 119:89-93

I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life. —Psalm 119:93

Jim Davidson was climbing down Mount Rainier when he fell through a snow bridge and into a crevasse (a pitch-black, ice-walled crack in a glacier). As Jim stood bloodied and bruised in that dark ice cave, he reflected on his childhood and recalled how his father had repeatedly reminded him that he could accomplish great things if he pressed through adversity. Those words helped to sustain Jim as he spent the next 5 hours climbing out of that dark ice cave to safety with very little gear and under extremely difficult circumstances.

The psalmist seemed to climb out of his own crevasse of affliction and pain by recalling his heavenly Father’s words. He admitted that if God and His Word had not sustained him with joy, he would have died in his misery (Ps. 119:92). He expressed full confidence in the Lord’s eternal Word (v.89) and in the faithfulness of His character (v.90). As a result of God’s faithfulness, the psalmist made a commitment never to forget God’s words to him because they had a central part in rescuing his life and bringing him strength.

In our darkest caves and moments of affliction, our souls can be revived by our Father in heaven when we recall and fill our minds with His encouraging words. —Marvin Williams

THINKING IT OVER

What crevasse of discouragement are you currently in?

How can you use this time as an occasion to revive your

soul by filling your mind and heart with God’s Word?

Remembering God’s words revives our soul.

Bible in a year: Jeremiah 48-49; Hebrews 7

 

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – God, Our Refuge

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Alistair Begg

The eternal God is your dwelling place.

Deuteronomy 33:27

Dwelling place” may be translated “refuge” or “abiding-place” and provides the thought that God is our abode, our home. There is a fullness and sweetness in the metaphor, for our home is dear to our hearts, although it may be the humblest cottage or the tiniest loft; and dearer still is our blessed God, in whom we live and move and have our being.

It is at home that we feel safe: We shut the world out and dwell in quiet security. So when we are with our God we fear no evil.

He is our shelter and retreat, our abiding refuge. At home we take our rest; it is there we find repose after the fatigue and toil of the day. And so our hearts find rest in God when, wearied with life’s conflict, we turn to Him, and our soul dwells secure.

At home also we relax; we are not afraid of being misunderstood, nor of our words being misconstrued. So when we are with God we can commune freely with Him, laying open all our hidden desires; for if the Lord gives favor to the humble, then they may share their secrets with Him, confident in His love.

Home, too, is the place of our truest and purest happiness: And it is in God that our hearts find their deepest delight. We have joy in Him that far outweighs all other joy.

It is also for home that we work and labor. The thought of it gives strength to bear the daily burden, and quickens the hands to perform the task; and in this sense we may also say that God is our home.

Love for Him strengthens us. We think of Him in the person of His dear Son, and a glimpse of the suffering face of the Redeemer constrains us to work in His cause. We feel that we must work, for there are many still to be saved, and we desire to gladden our Father’s heart by bringing home His wandering sons; we would fill with holy laughter the sacred family among whom we dwell. Happy then are those who have the God of Jacob for their refuge!

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – A call to the unconverted

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“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” Galatians 3:10

Suggested Further Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

Suddenly a voice is heard, and shrieks from some, and songs from others—he comes—he comes—he comes; and every eye must see him. There he is; the throne is set upon a cloud, which is white as alabaster. There he sits. It is He, the Man that died on Calvary—I see his pierced hands—but ah, how changed! No thorn crown now. He stood at Pilate’s bar, but now the whole earth must stand at his bar. But listen! The trumpet sounds again: the Judge opens the book, there is silence in heaven, a solemn silence: the universe is still. “Gather mine elect together, and my redeemed from the four winds of heaven.” Swiftly they are gathered. As with a lightning flash, the angel’s wing divides the crowd. Here are the righteous all in-gathered; and sinner, there are you, on the left hand, left out, left to abide the burning sentence of eternal wrath. Listen! The harps of heaven play sweet melodies; but to you they bring no joy, though the angels are repeating the Saviour’s welcome to his saints. “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” You have had that moment’s respite, and now his face is gathering clouds of wrath, the thunder is on his brow; he looks on you that have despised him, you that scoffed his grace, that scorned his mercy, you that broke his Sabbath, you that mocked his cross, you that would not have him to reign over you; and with a voice louder than ten thousand thunders, he cries, “Depart, ye cursed.” And then—No, I will not follow you. I will not tell of quenchless flames: I will not talk of miseries for the body, and tortures for the spirit. But hell is terrible; damnation is doleful. Oh, escape! escape!

For meditation: Any one of your sins would send you to hell (James 2:10). No one but Jesus can divert you to heaven (Acts 4:12). Make sure you are trusting in him alone for your salvation.

Sermon no. 174

10 November (Preached 8 November 1857)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Walking with God

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John MacArthur

“Enoch walked with God” (Genesis 5:24)

When Scripture speaks of walking with God, it’s referring to one’s manner of life. For example, Paul prayed that the Colossian believers (and us) would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so they could walk (live) in a manner worthy of the Lord (Col. 1:9-10). To the Ephesians he said, “Walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind . . . [but] be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you” (Eph. 4:17; 5:1-2).

The Old Testament describes Enoch as a man who walked with God. Though relatively little is said about this special man, we can derive implications from his life that will help us better understand what it means to walk with God.

First, Enoch’s walk with God implies reconciliation. Amos 3:3 says, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” (NIV). Two people can’t have intimate fellowship unless they agree. Obviously Enoch wasn’t rebellious toward God, but had been reconciled with Him through faith.

Second, walking with God implies loving service. Second John 6 says, “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.” We obey Christ, but our obedience is motivated by love, not legalism or fear of punishment.

Third, a godly walk implies continuing faith, “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Colossians 2:6-7 adds, “As you therefore 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.” By grace Enoch believed God and pleased Him all his life.

Do those who know you best see you as one who walks with God? I trust so. After all, that’s the distinguishing mark of a true believer: “The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked” (1 John 2:6).

Suggestions for Prayer:

Praise God for granting the reconciliation, faith, and love that enables you to walk with Him day by day.

For Further Study:

What do the following verses teach about your Christian walk: Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; and 1 John 1:7?

 

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Talk about God—Not the Devil

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Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].

—Ephesians 4:27

God once said to me, “Quit talking so much about the devil, what he is saying, and what he is doing. I am saying something! Talk about what I am saying. I am doing something! Talk about what I am doing.”

Then one day God spoke a life-changing word to me, saying, “Why don’t you study the Word, and see how Jesus waged spiritual warfare?”

I found that Jesus didn’t talk or preach much about the devil and what he was saying or doing. He simply dealt with the devil by casting him out of people’s lives. He told him to shut up. He quoted the Word to him (See Luke 4:1–13). Resist the devil today and tell someone about the good things God is doing for you.

 

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Before We Even Call

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“I will answer them before they even call to Me. While they are still talking to Me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” (Isaiah 65:24).

Allenby’s Bridge, which spans the Jordan River, was built to honor the man whom God used to lead the miraculous conquest of Jerusalem with the firing of a single gun.

Allenby recalled how, as a little boy when he use to lisp his evening prayers, he was taught to repeat after his mother the closing part of the prayer:

“And, O Lord, we will not forget They ancient people, Israel. Lord, hasten the day when Israel truly shall be thy people and shall be restored to They favor and to their land.”

“I never knew then,” Allenby said at a reception in London, “that God would give me the privilege of helping to answer my own childhood prayers.”

Even more wonderful than that kind of divine providence is the truth expressed in Isaiah 65:24 (KJV): “Before they call I will answer.” I have seen this promise fulfilled many times in the global program of Campus Crusade for Christ. Even during the time we have prayed for desperate needs – financial and otherwise – God was already laying it upon the hearts of His faithful people to respond.

What a great comfort to know that we serve that kind of God!

Bible Reading: Isaiah 65:18-25

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Even as I pray for the needs of others and myself today, I will remember the power and faithfulness of God who has already begun to answer even before I ask

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Your Defender

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The judgment has been pronounced: Guilty…every one! There is no chance for appeal. The verdict stands. Listen to the very words: “None is righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10)

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 7:25

The decision of the Supreme Court of the universe is that all have sinned…all have missed the mark and have fallen short of God’s standard. Do not take this lightly! Don’t compare yourself with others. You may not have fallen as short as them, but you are “short” as far as the Lord is concerned.

Thanks be to God that there is a defender…Jesus Christ the Lord! It is He that stands and pleads your case. He has paid the price and set you, the prisoner, free. Take hold of that fact and apply it to your life. Yield your life to Him. It will be the new standard for your life…living to do all to the glory of God. The apostle Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Pray for a new standard in the lives of those who serve as leaders of this country. May they yield to Christ, being thankful to God for His grace.

Recommended Reading: Romans 7:21-8:6

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – When We Are to Blame

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Charles Stanley

Luke 15:11-32

As we saw yesterday, some needs are universal—necessities that are common to all people. Today, let’s focus on needs of a different kind: those that arise when we are to blame.

Think about the prodigal son. This young man had everything he could possibly want—he lived in a beautiful home, had plenty of food, and was raised in a wealthy and popular family. However, he unwisely set his eye on the one thing he didn’t have: prestige. He wanted to be his own man and get out from under the shadow of his father and older brother. Despite having the finest things in life, he wanted independence.

The result? This young man had a wonderful time, but only for a little while. He desired the joys that went along with success but paid no attention whatsoever to the responsibilities wealth required. Therefore, he drove himself into a world of pain and need that he’d never before experienced. And he had no one to blame but himself.

Hurting, hungry, and alone, the prodigal knew full well how and where his needs would be met. Then, accepting the blame, he turned and made the journey home.

When we are hurting, we often try to find someone else to blame. It can be heartbreaking to realize the fault is actually our own. When this describes your situation, can you, like the prodigal son, swallow your pride and turn back toward your heavenly Father? If you do, you’ll discover He’s already running out to meet you, ready to supply your needs again.

 

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — The Rock

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Our Daily Bread

Matthew 7:24-27; Ephesians 2:18-22

Jesus Christ Himself [is] the chief cornerstone. —Ephesians 2:20

On a trip to Massachusetts, my husband and I visited Plymouth Rock, an iconic symbol in the United States. It is traditionally thought to be the place where the Pilgrims, who traveled to America on the Mayflower in 1620, first set foot. While we enjoyed learning about its significance, we were surprised and disappointed that it is so small. We learned that due to erosion and people chipping off pieces, it is now just one-third its original size.

The Bible refers to Jesus as a Rock (1 Cor. 10:4), who never changes (Heb. 13:8). He is the solid Rock on which we can build our lives. The church (the body of believers) is built on a foundation with “Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” In Him all believers are joined together (Eph. 2:20-22).

Jesus is the solid Rock we can cling to when the storms of life blow and beat against us (Matt. 7:25). Writer Madeleine L’Engle said: “It’s a good thing to have all the props pulled out from under us occasionally. It gives us some sense of what is rock under our feet and what is sand.”

Plymouth Rock is an interesting mass of minerals with an intriguing historical significance. But Jesus is a precious cornerstone, and those who trust in Him will always have a solid Rock to depend upon. —Cindy Hess Kasper

O build on the Rock, forever sure,

The firm and true foundation,

Its hope is the hope which shall endure—

The hope of our salvation. —Belden

Christ, the Rock, is our sure hope.

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

 

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – One antidote for many ills

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“Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.” Psalm 80:19

Suggested Further Reading: Revelation 3:1-6

We want a revival, if we would promote the glory of God. The proper object of a Christian’s life is God’s glory. The church was made on purpose to glorify God; but it is only a revived church that brings glory to his name. Do all the churches honour God? I tell you no; there are some that dishonour him—not because of their erroneous doctrines, nor perhaps because of any defect in their formalities, but because of the want of life in their religion. There is a meeting for prayer; six people assemble beside the minister. Does that proclaim your homage to God? Does that do honour to Christianity? Go to the homes of these people; see what is their conversation when they are alone; mark how they walk before God. Go to their sanctuaries and hear their hymns; there is the beauty of music, but where is the life of the people? Listen to the sermon; it is elaborate, polished, complete, a masterpiece of oratory. But ask yourselves, “Could a soul be saved under it, except by a miracle? Was there anything in it adapted to stir men up to goodness? It pleased their ears; it instructed them in some degree, perhaps, but what was there in it to teach their hearts?” God knows there are many such preachers. Notwithstanding their learning and their wealth, they do not preach the gospel in its simplicity, and they do not draw near to God our Father. If we would honour God by the church, we must have a warm church, a burning church, loving the truths it holds, and carrying them out in the life. Oh that God would give us life from on high, lest we should be like that church of old of whom it was said, “Thou hast a name to live, and art dead.”

For meditation: Is the revival of God’s church and the glory of his name in this land a great concern to you (Psalm 85:6-9)?

Sermon no. 284

9 November (1856)

Campus Crusade for Christ

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

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“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

 

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Why Jesus Had to Die, Part 2

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Hebrews 12:3 (NKJV) says, “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” Consider means to “think over, ponder, or compare.” So let’s consider what the cross was to Jesus Himself. For Jesus, the cross was a fate worse than death. Indeed it was death, and a very cruel one at that. It can’t get much worse than that, but for Jesus it was.

Can you remember the most painful moment of your life? There are different types of pain. There is physical pain. Perhaps you’ve had a horrible fall and broke an arm or a leg, or worse. It’s an interesting thing how the human body will sort of shut down temporarily when it’s in a state of shock, so that it doesn’t feel the pain as severely.

But there are other kinds of pain that can actually be worse than physical pain: the pain of rejection, betrayal, or abandonment, for example. When a husband says to his wife, “I’ve been unfaithful to you.” When a wife says to her husband, “I want a divorce!” When the child says to the parent, “I don’t want to live the Christian life!” Or when you are betrayed by a friend, perhaps someone you’ve done so much for. It cuts like a knife.

When we think about the most painful moment in the earthly life of Christ, our minds immediately race to the act of crucifixion itself—the crude spikes that were driven through His hands and feet, or the cruel lashes on His back, or the physical abuse he took from the soldiers. And all of that was truly horrific.

But, as horrible as that was, I believe that none of those things were Jesus’ most painful moment. The most painful moment for Jesus was when He bore the sin of the world. This is what He recoiled from in Gethsemane, this “cup” of God’s wrath. Understand that He had never spent a single moment out of fellowship with His Father. Now He would, for a time, be completely separated from God.

And that, for Jesus, was a fate worse than death. This, His worst moment of personal pain and anguish was our greatest moment in its effect. In essence, His lowest moment was our highest.

His pain, our gain.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Our Basic Needs

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Charles Stanley

Psalm 107:9

Every individual is a beautiful and unique creation, complete with needs and desires that are specific to his or her own life. There are, however, a few necessities we call universal. They are things all people need in their lives:

1. Sense of Belonging. Everyone yearns to “fit in” somewhere. The joy you feel when surrounded by intimate friends and family stands as a powerful testament to this truth. The discomfort associated with moving to a job or home where no one knows you also reveals how powerful this need is in our lives.

2. Sense of Worth. It is critical for all of us to be able to say, “I matter.” Yet, many people are not convinced this is true. They are overcome by a horribly disfigured self-image that is stealing the joy of the Lord from their lives.

3. Sense of Competence. We need to know for certain that we can accomplish the tasks God puts before us. A lack of confidence in His power and provision in our lives can be devastating.

God responded to every one of these needs at the cross. We belong because our heavenly Father called us into His holy family. We have worth because Jesus paid such a great price for our salvation. We are competent because God has sent His Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us.

A breakdown in even one of these areas will have a negative impact on your spiritual growth. Are you struggling with regard to any of them? Lay your needs before the Lord today, and trust Him to make you the complete person He designed you to be.