Tag Archives: theology

Charles Spurgeon – Justice satisfied

May 29, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Suggested Further Reading: Genesis 50:15-21

I have heard of Mr John Wesley, that he was attended in most of his journeyings by one who loved him very much, and was willing, I believe, to have died for him. Still he was a man of a very stubborn and obstinate disposition, and Mr Wesley was not perhaps the very kindest man at all times. Upon one occasion he said to this man, “Joseph, take these letters to the post.” “I will take them after preaching, sir.” “Take them now, Joseph,” said Mr Wesley. “I wish to hear you preach, sir; and there will be sufficient time for the post after service.” “I insist upon your going now, Joseph.” “I will not go at present.” “You won’t?” “No, sir.” “Then you and I must part,” said Mr Wesley. “Very good, sir.” The good men slept over it. Both were early risers. At four o’clock the next morning, the refractory helper was accosted with, “Joseph, have you considered what I said—that we must part?” “Yes, sir.” “And must we part?” “Please yourself, sir.” “Will you ask my pardon, Joseph?” “No, sir.” “You won’t?” “No, sir.” “Then I will ask yours, Joseph!” Poor Joseph was instantly melted, and they were at once reconciled. When once the grace of God has entered the heart, a man ought to be ready to seek forgiveness for an injury done to another. There is nothing wrong in a man confessing an offence against a fellow-man, and asking pardon for the wrong he has done him. If you have done aught, then, against any man, leave thy gift before the altar, and go and make peace with him, and then come and make peace with God. You are to make confession of your sin to God. Let that be humble and sincere. You cannot mention every offence, but do not hide one.

For meditation: If we cannot bring ourselves to apologise to and to forgive those we have seen, we must know little about true confession to and the forgiveness of God whom we have not seen (Matthew 6:14,15; 1 John 4:20).

Sermon no. 255
29 May (1859)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – The Characteristics of Hypocrisy (Judas Iscariot)

May 29, 2015 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

The twelve apostles included “Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him” (Matt. 10:4).

Hypocrisy is a spiritual cancer that can devastate lives and destroy ministries.

On a recent trip to New Zealand I learned that sheepherders there use specially trained castrated male sheep to lead other sheep from holding areas into the slaughtering room. Those male sheep are appropriately called “Judas sheep.” That illustrates the commonness with which we associate Judas with deception and death. Pretending to be a friend of Jesus, Judas betrayed him with a kiss and became for all time and eternity the epitome of hypocrisy.

Several characteristics of spiritual hypocrisy are clearly evident in Judas’s life. First, hypocritical people often seem genuinely interested in a noble cause. Judas probably didn’t want the Romans to rule over Israel and he saw in Christ an opportunity to do something about it. He probably had the common misconception that Jesus was immediately going to establish His earthly kingdom and put down Roman oppression.

Second, hypocritical people demonstrate an outward allegiance to Christ. Many of those who followed Jesus in the early stages of His ministry deserted Him along the way (John 6:66). Not Judas. He stayed to the end.

Third, hypocritical people can appear to be holy. When Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray Him, none of them suspected Judas. Even after Jesus identified Judas as His betrayer, the other disciples still didn’t understand (John 13:27-29). Judas must have put on a very convincing act!

Fourth, hypocritical people are self-centered. Judas didn’t love Christ—He loved himself and joined the disciples because he thought he could gain personal prosperity.

Finally, hypocritical people are deceivers. Judas was a pawn of Satan, whom Jesus described as a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Is it any wonder that his whole life was one deception after another?

Judas was an unbeliever, but hypocrisy can also thrive in believers if its telltale signs are ignored. That’s why you must guard your motives carefully, walk in the Spirit each day, and immediately confess even the slightest hint of hypocrisy.

Suggestions for Prayer

Ask God to purify your love for Him and to protect you from the subtle inroads of hypocrisy.

For Further Study

Read John 12:1-8.

How did Mary demonstrate her love for Christ?
What objection did Judas raise?
What was his motive?

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Don’t Quit!

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And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. Galatians 6:9

“I’ve been a Christian for twenty-three years,” Cheryl said. I’m just not getting anywhere. I’m as weak as I was when I first accepted Christ as my Savior. I still fail. I just don’t know if it’s worth it.” Tears streamed down her cheeks as she continued to talk about her failures. “By now I know all the right things to do, but I don’t do them. Sometimes I deliberately do something mean-spirited or unkind. What kind of Christian am I?”

“Probably a growing Christian,” I said. A startled look appeared on Cheryl’s face. “Growing? Did you hear?

“Yes, I heard. But if you weren’t growing, you wouldn’t lament your failures. You’d be satisfied about your spiritual level or tell yourself how good you are.”

“But I’m so discouraged, and I fail God so many times.”

I went on to tell Cheryl she was correct that she had failed. All of us do at times. None of us is perfect. If we’re not careful, we allow the devil to point to what we haven’t accomplished and where we have been weak. When that happens, it’s easy to feel bad or want to give up.

That’s not the way of the Spirit. No matter how we mess up our lives, God doesn’t give up on us. The Spirit constantly nudges us.

We can allow our thoughts to dwell on what we haven’t done, why we ought to be more spiritual, or how spiritual we ought to be after all these years in our Christian faith. That’s a trick of the devil to make us think of our defects and shortcomings. If we focus on what we’re not or what we haven’t accomplished, we are allowing the devil to make advances on the battlefield of our minds.

The fact that my troubled friend was upset was a healthy sign, even though she didn’t see it that way. With the Holy Spirit’s help, she can push back the devil She can regain the territory Satan has stolen from her.

Cheryl seemed to think that holy, victorious living came slowly. They come little by little. It’s as if we inch forward. Because we move slowly in our spiritual growth, we are often unaware of how far we have moved. If the devil can make us think that we must have one decisive spiritual victory after another or we’re losers, he has gained an important stronghold. My advice to Cheryl, and to all Christians who face those dark moments, is to listen to the words of the apostle Paul.

He exhorted us not to grow weary; or as another translation says it, “not to lose heart.” He’s saying, “Don’t quit. Keep fighting.”

Life is a struggle, and the devil is determined to defeat and destroy us. We don’t ever reach the place where we never have to fight. But it’s not just our fight. Jesus is not only with us, but He is for us. He’s at our side to strengthen us and to urge us onward.

My friend kept remembering the times she had failed, but I reminded her of the times she had succeeded. “You think the devil is in control, but that’s not true. You have failed, but you have also succeeded. You have stood your ground and you have made progress.”

“Don’t quit. Don’t give up.” That’s the message we need to hear. I think of the words of Isaiah: Fear not, for I have redeemed you … ; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you (Isaiah 43:1-2).

This is God’s promise. He doesn’t promise to take us completely out of troubles or hardships, but He does promise to be with us as we go through them. “Fear not,”‘ He says. That’s the message we need to ponder. We don’t need to fear because God is with us. And when God is with us, what is there to worry about?

God, despite my failures, You are with me, encouraging me not to give up. Please help me to remember that, with Your help, I can win. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Our Treasuries Filled

May 29, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“My paths are those of justice and right. Those who love and follow Me are indeed wealthy. I fill their treasuries” (Proverbs 8:20,21).

“How does it feel to be a millionaire?” someone once asked the maker of Pullman cars, George M. Pullman.

“I have never thought of that before,” replied Pullman, “but now that you mention it, I believe I am no better off – certainly not happier, than when I did not have a dollar to my name and had to work from daylight to dark.

“I wore a good suit of clothes then, and I only wear one suit at a time now. I relished three meals a day then a good deal more than I do three meals a day now. I had fewer cares, I slept better and may add that I believe I was generally far happier in those days than I have been many times since I became a millionaire.”

As Pullman learned, true wealth is not found in earthly riches. The heart can never be fully satisfied with anything of the world; beside, the world passes away. True wealth is found in the knowledge of Christ and of His great salvation, and in the possession of the abiding riches which He bestows on all who believe in Him.

True wealth has to do with spiritual health – inner peace, clear conscience and sins forgiven. That man, woman or young person with abiding faith in Christ, who is yielded to the control of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit, has true wealth – the supernatural life.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I’ll begin to look more to the “Bank of Heaven” for my true wealth.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Standing on the Promises

May 29, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Russell Carter was a star athlete and scholar at the military academy. After several years as a teacher, coach, musician, songwriter and pastor, he went to medical school. But at age 30, his health became critical. Nothing could be done. Carter called upon God for help and healing. He mined the Bible for promises of God, claiming them and praying them back to the Lord. After several months, his heart was healed, and he lived another 49 healthy years. His song, “Standing on the Promises,” became an integral part of his life.

God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your fathers.

Genesis 48:21

While dying, the patriarch Jacob blessed his family with the promise of return to the land of God’s covenant with Abraham. It took another 400 years, but the promise was kept. The Bible contains hundreds of promises. Count on them, because when you rely on the promises of God in uncertain times, you can face the future with confidence and an optimistic outlook.

Scripture says the promises of God find their “Yes” in Him (II Corinthians 1:20). Search His Word today and find the promise that meets your need. Pray for America’s leaders to find God’s tender heart and then stand upon the promises He has given.

Greg Laurie – Your Best for God’s Glory

May 29, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. —Genesis 39:2

When it looked as though life was over for Joseph, in many ways it was just beginning. His brothers had sold him to slave traders, and as it turned out, those slave traders sold him to a very important person named Potiphar, who was the captain of the guard in Egypt. Potiphar was basically the head of the military police and part of the royal body guard. It was sort of like being the head of the Secret Service of that day. Also, as the chief of the executioners, Potiphar was responsible for the execution of all criminals. He was not a man to mess with.

Potiphar became the owner of Joseph and put him to work, and the Bible tells us that the Lord was with Joseph (see Genesis 39:2). God blessed Joseph because of his hard work, faithfulness, honesty, and integrity, and success followed him like a shadow.

It was almost as though Joseph had a Midas touch. He kept his priorities straight, and whatever Joseph did, he did so well that Potiphar eventually put him in charge of everything. Even Potiphar, who was clearly a nonbeliever, recognized that the Lord was with Joseph.

Joseph’s life serves as a reminder that Christians should be the hardest workers and do the best work. Colossians 3:23–24 tells us, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Whatever you do, do it as though you were doing it for Christ Himself—not for the paycheck, not for the boss, and not even for the promotion.

Here is what I believe: if you will do your best work for God’s glory, He will bless you.

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Goodness and Mercy

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Our moods may shift, but God’s doesn’t. Our minds may change, but God’s doesn’t. Our devotion may falter, but God’s never does. Even if we are faithless, he is faithful, for he cannot betray himself. He is a sure God. And because he is, we can confidently say with Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

What a huge statement. Look at the size of it! Goodness and mercy follow the child of God each and every day. Think of the days ahead. He will walk you through. He will take your hand. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me—not some, not most, but all the days of my life. Release your doubts. You are no candidate for insecurity. You can trust God. . .all the days of your life!

From Traveling Light

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Holy Spirit’s True Identity

May 28, 2015 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

John 15:26

During the early weeks of my seminary education, a doctoral student invited me to his dorm room. When I arrived, he sat me down, put a Greek Bible in my hands, and said, “I noticed that you called the Holy Spirit an ‘it’ while we were talking at dinner tonight. He is not an ‘it.’” This man then led me through the New Testament, translating scriptures concerning the third person of the Trinity. An hour later he said, “The one thing I want you to remember is that the Holy Spirit is a Somebody.”

God’s Spirit possesses three defining characteristics of personhood: intelligence, will, and emotion. Let me prove these points by guiding you to some New Testament verses, just as that doctoral student did for me. First Corinthians 2:10-11 explains that the Spirit knows God’s thoughts and illuminates the truth for us. Later in the same book, He is identified as the One who determines the spiritual gift(s) of each believer (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Finally, the Holy Spirit’s feelings are revealed in verses like Romans 15:30, which tells of His love, and Ephesians 4:30, which warns against grieving Him.

Consider also that Jesus spoke of a Helper who would come after Him (John 14:16, 26). Aiding and assuring others are the acts of a person, as is teaching—these are some of the Holy Spirit’s primary tasks.

Perhaps you misunderstand the Spirit of God as I once did. He isn’t an “it” any more than God the Father or Jesus Christ is. The Spirit is a member of the Trinity, and if you’re a believer, He is with you now. God has given you His Spirit as a special Helper—one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — I’m Stumped

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Read: Proverbs 30:1-4

Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 4-6; John 10:24-42

I am afraid that . . . your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. —2 Corinthians 11:3 NIV

The riddle stumped me: What is greater than God—and more evil than the devil? The poor have it. The rich need it. And if you eat it you will die.

I missed the solution by allowing my mind to be distracted from the obvious answer: “Nothing.”

That riddle reminds me of another test of wits that would have been far more difficult to solve when it was originally posed. An ancient wise man named Agur asked: “Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you know?” (Prov. 30:4).

Today, we know the answer to those questions. But sometimes when we’re in the middle of the questions, worries, and needs of our lives we may lose sight of the obvious. The details of life can so easily distract us from the One who answers the most important riddle: Who is One with God; more powerful than the devil; the poor can have Him; the rich need Him; and if you eat and drink from His table, you’ll never die? Jesus Christ, the Lord. —Mart DeHaan

Father, in the details and distractions of our spiritual journey, it is so easy to look right past You and Your Son. May we see You today in a new and fresh way.

Focusing on God helps us to take our eyes off our circumstances.

INSIGHT: The book of Proverbs contains many pithy sayings that promote a wise approach to life. Living by them does not guarantee that life will always go smoothly, but taking their advice will help avoid unnecessary problems. Proverbs 30 is slightly different in that it is prefaced by a reflection on the wisdom of the Lord. By introducing the Lord in the beginning of his reflection, Agur acknowledges that he has not “mastered human wisdom” (v. 3 NLT) and suggests that all wisdom is from the Lord.

Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – Signs or Symptoms

May 28, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The human condition is a source of endless delight and endless curiosity. We seem to swing from rampant idealism to the most barbarous actions. In today’s globalized and globalizing world, people, ideas, cultures, and ideologies are being flung together into a desperate mix, with many clashes, lots of uncertainties, and unknown outcomes. What does it mean to be human? Who says and does it matter? Don’t all views lead to harmony and justice? And by simply granting space, time, and freedom, we will not finally achieve the Brave New World?

The hopes and expectations, the optimism, all unleashed from the time of the Enlightenment, have been central to both Western thought and the globalizing vision from the beginning. It is a narrative of rational men and women in control of their own destinies, unfettered by religion, superstitions, or the past and fueled with the power of science and rational thought to pursue progress and universal peace and harmony. I believe it functions for many as an alternative salvation story. This is perhaps seen most clearly with the New Atheists, who view all religion or religious thought as something to be saved from!

What is the human condition? How are we to live? With all our education, experience, and insight, we are still mystified by what we do and don’t do, what seems to be right, true, or good in a way that is really lasting and effective. As a means of probing these kinds of questions, the philosopher Peter Kreeft considers the four steps of medical analysis: Observation of symptoms, diagnosis of disease, prognosis of cure, and prescription for treatment. He writes, “The symptoms are the undesired effects, and disease is the undesired cause; the cure is the desired effect, and the treatment is the desired cause.”(1)

Indeed, but in a world of competing and combative claims, we are left confused and divided in the hope of any kind of shared diagnosis and solution. Some years ago I attended a consultation in Europe, which included many leaders, dignitaries, and guests all concerned at that time about the “new” Europe, and what was needed for a better life for all. Many well-considered ideas and scenarios were presented, and yet there was a deep sense that economics, democracy, and better management would not be enough. Almost with a sense of resignation, one voice said, “The problem at the heart of Europe is the problem of the human heart.” There was a sudden quiet as many grasped the reality and depth of that statement. We can substitute Europe in the sentence with America or Asia or Africa and it still fits. It seems we all need heart surgery and some real internal work if external realities are to be impacted and changed.

The good news is that God has provided a solution for this very concern and the promise of a new heart. The hope of inner renewal which leads to outward change is part of what Christianity offers to the human dilemma. Truly, what we need is not more moralizing and polishing of externals, but deep heart surgery and a new beginning. Indeed, we need the very gift of new creation in the one who makes all things new.

Stuart McAllister is regional director for the Americas at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

(1) Peter Kreeft, Back to Virtue: Traditional Moral Wisdom for Modern Moral Confusion (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1992), 38.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Your Troubles Will End Soon

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Whom he justified he also glorified.Romans 8:30

Here is a precious truth for you, believer. You may be poor or suffering or unknown, but for your encouragement take a moment to review your calling and the consequences that flow from it, and especially the blessed result spoken of here. As surely as you are God’s child today, so surely will all your trials soon come to an end, and you shall be rich to an extent that is hard to imagine.

Wait awhile, and your weary head will wear the crown of glory, and the worker’s hand shall grasp the palm-branch of victory. Do not bemoan your troubles, but rather rejoice that before long you will be where no longer “shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore.”1 The chariots of fire are at your door, and it will take only a moment to transport you to the glorified. The everlasting song is almost on your lip. The portals of heaven stand open for you.

Do not think that you can fail to enter into your rest. If He has called you, nothing can divide you from His love. Distress cannot sever the bond; the fire of persecution cannot burn the link; the hammer of hell cannot break the chain. You are secure; that voice which called you at first shall call you yet again from earth to heaven, from death’s dark gloom to immortality’s unuttered splendors. Rest assured, the heart of Him who has justified you beats with infinite love toward you. You will soon be with the glorified, where your portion is; you are only waiting here to be made ready for the inheritance, and with that done, the wings of angels shall carry you far away, to the mount of peace and joy and blessedness, where

Far from a world of grief and sin,

With God eternally shut in,

you shall rest forever and ever.

1) Revelation 21:4

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

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Characteristics of faith

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“Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” John 4:48

Suggested Further Reading: Matthew 12:38-42

Trust in the Lord; wait patiently for him; cast all thy confidence where he put all thy sins, namely, upon Christ Jesus alone, and thou shalt be saved, with or without any of these signs and wonders. I am afraid some Christians in London have fallen into the same error of wanting to see signs and wonders. They have been meeting together in special prayer-meetings to seek for a revival; and because people have not dropped down in a fainting fit, and have not screamed and made a noise, perhaps they have thought the revival has not come. Oh that we had eyes to see God’s gifts in the way God chooses to give them! Where the Spirit works in the soul, we are always glad to see true conversion, and if he chooses to work in the church in London, we shall be glad to see it. If men’s hearts are renewed, what matter it though they do not scream out. If their consciences are quickened, what matters it though they do not fall into a fit; if they do but find Christ, who is to regret that they do not lie for five or six weeks motionless and senseless. Take it without the signs and wonders. For my part I have no craving for them. Let me see God’s work done in God’s own way—a true and thorough revival, but the signs and wonders we can readily dispense with, for they are certainly not demanded by the faithful, and they will only be the laughing-stock of the faithless.

For meditation: A demand for signs and wonders regularly meets with the same response in the New Testament—Matthew 12:38-40; 16:1-4; John 2:18-22; 1 Corinthians 1:22-24.

Sermon no. 317
28 May (Preached 27 May 1860)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur –Jesus Purposely Selects a Traitor (Judas Iscariot)

May 28, 2015 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

The twelve apostles included “Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him” (Matt. 10:4).

God works all things together for His purposes.

At one time the little town of Kerioth was a relatively obscure Judean town, but all that changed when it produced the most hated man who ever lived: Judas Iscariot.

The first mention of Judas is here in Matthew’s list of disciples. We have no record of his call, but we know Jesus did call him along with the others, and even gave him authority to minister in miraculous ways (Matt. 10:1). His first name, Judas, is despised today, but it was a common name in the days of Christ. It is the Greek form of Judah—the land of God’s people. Iscariot literally means “a man from the town of Kerioth.”

People commonly ask why Jesus would select such a man to be His disciple. Didn’t He know how things would turn out? Yes He did, and that’s precisely why He chose him. The Old Testament said the Messiah would be betrayed by a familiar friend for thirty pieces of silver, and Jesus knew Judas was that man (John 17:12).

Some people feel sorry for Judas, thinking he was simply misguided or used as some kind of pawn in a supernatural drama over which he had no control. But Judas did what he did by choice. Repeatedly Jesus gave him chances to repent, but he refused. Finally, Satan used him in a diabolical attempt to destroy Jesus and thwart God’s plan of salvation. His attempt failed however, because God can use even a Judas to accomplish His purposes.

Undoubtedly there are people in your life who wish you harm. Don’t be discouraged. They are as much a part of God’s plan for you as those who treat you kindly. You must reach out to them just as Jesus reached out to Judas. God knows what He’s doing. Trust Him and rejoice as you see His purposes accomplished even through your enemies.

Suggestions for Prayer

Praise God for His sovereign control over every circumstance and for the promise that His purposes will never be thwarted.

For Further Study

Read Matthew 26:14-50 and 27:1-10.

How did Jesus reveal that it was Judas who would betray Him?
What reaction did Judas have when he heard that Jesus had been condemned?

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Don’t Waste Your Pain

May 28, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

All things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28

Life is full of unjust situations that create a great deal of pain for you, especially in your relationship with other people. You will experience some hurt and pain, but you don’t have to allow these experiences to destroy your happiness. You can’t always choose what happens to you, but you can choose how you respond to it.

If you’ve been hurt, God can take your bad experiences and make them work for your good. Believing this truth is a positive decision that can help stop your pain.

Choose to learn from the hurtful experiences instead of wasting your pain by allowing them to make you bitter. One way to do this is to overcome evil with good by making sure you don’t hurt others. It’s a good place to start!

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Real Life, Radiant Health

May 28, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“I have been crucified with Christ; and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

George Muller was asked the secret of his fruitful service for the Lord. “There was a day when I died,” he said, “utterly died.”

As he spoke, he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor.

“I died to George Muller,” he continued, “his opinions, preferences, tastes and will – died to the world, its approval or censure – died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends – and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God.”

With that kind of obedience to God and His inspired Word, it is small wonder that that great man of faith, George Muller, saw God perform miracle after miracle in his behalf, helping to support hundreds and even thousands of orphans simply by trusting God to provide.

Men and women of the world today would pay literally millions of dollars for the real life and radiant health promised in Proverbs 4:20-22 to the believer for simple faith and trust in God. “Listen, son of mine, to what I say. Listen carefully. Keep these thoughts ever in mind; let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they will mean real life for you, and radiant health.” To me, these verses encourage reading, studying, memorizing and meditating upon the Word of God.

Being crucified with Christ and hiding His Word in our hearts will not only keep us from sin, but it will also promote real life and radiant health for us, which we will want to share with others.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:23-27, 5:1-2

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: By faith, I will recognize that I have been crucified with Christ and will keep His thoughts in my mind throughout this day, meditating on His promises and faithfulness.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Great Grace

May 28, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

In The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning wrote, “Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.”

The days of the years…are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life.

Genesis 47:9

In Genesis 47, Joseph brought his father Jacob before Pharaoh. Pharaoh asked him how old he was. In his answer in today’s verse, Jacob surely remembers many bad events: his brother Esau wanting to kill him for his trickery; being tricked himself by Laban into serving extra time for his wives; his daughter being raped; his wife Rachel dying and his son Joseph supposedly being killed but sold into slavery. Through all this evil, Jacob trusted God – and because of God’s grace, he was blessed.

Though suffering, sorrow and evil may be great on your life’s journey, know God’s grace is greater. As you pray today, thank Him for His grace, and ask that He would continue to shed His blessings on you and your nation.

Recommended Reading: I John 5:1-5, 13-15

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – God’s Loving Discipline

May 28, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” —Hebrews 12:6

Lot’s point of reference was Egypt. Genesis 13:10 tells us, “Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)”

Instead of lifting his eyes up to Heaven, Lot lifted his eyes up to the plain of Jordan and saw a place called Sodom. The eyes will always see what the heart loves.

Next, Lot separated himself from godly influence. In Abraham’s defense, he was supposed to separate from Lot. But Lot should have stayed close to Abraham. And a sure sign of spiritual decline is when we find ourselves wanting to get away from godly people.

Then Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom. He wasn’t quite in Sodom, but he was very close. He could overhear the parties. He could kind of see what was going on. Call it research if you want, but Lot was just a few feet away from full participation.

If you have sensed that God is warning you to walk away from certain things you are doing, then rejoice. That means you’re a child of His. Hebrews 12:6 says, “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

The fact that the Lord brings about a conviction of sin in your heart, puts a roadblock in your path, or allows your secret sin to come into the open is a good thing. God loves you so much that He will try to stop you from going any further. So you have a choice. You can persist in your course. Or, you can listen to what God is saying to you.

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – God Gives Hope

May 28, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

God gives hope! So what if someone was born thinner or stronger, lighter or darker than you? Why count diplomas or compare resumes? What does it matter if they have a place at the head table? You have a place at God’s table! And he’s filling your cup to overflowing. Hasn’t our Father given us a strong wall of grace to protect us? A sure exit to deliver us? Of whom can we be envious? Who has more than we do?

Rather than want what others have, shouldn’t we wonder if they have what we do? Instead of being jealous of them, how about zealous for them? Hold out the cup! There’s enough to go around. One thing is certain. When the final storm comes and you are safe in your Father’s house, you won’t regret what he didn’t give. You will be stunned at what he did.

From Traveling Light

Night Light - James & Shirley Dobson

Night Light for Couples -Letting Go

May 28, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Bring [your children] up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

I admit that it was difficult to watch my two children, Danae and Ryan, grow up. I knew they couldn’t remain children forever, and I certainly didn’t want to freeze their development. But I loved every minute of their childhood, and I cherish the memories we created.

I worked especially hard on “letting go” of Danae during her last three years at home. One of the most difficult times occurred when she was fifteen. She was having trouble getting ready for school on time, and I repeatedly rescued her by driving her there at the last minute. Finally, Jim and I agreed that it was time for Danae to accept full responsibility for beating the tardy bell.

One morning Danae missed her carpool ride, and she appeared at my door as I was preparing for an appointment. I ignored her hints about driving her, and we lived too far from school for her to walk. When she realized I wasn’t going to rescue her, she called Dial‐A‐Ride, our city‐sponsored cab company. She gathered her books and sat on the curb in front of our house with her head down, waiting for the cab.

I reluctantly faced one of my most difficult assignments ever. I backed my car out of the driveway and drove off, leaving my beloved teenage daughter dejected and alone. My mind flooded with all the horrible things that could happen to a young girl by herself. I asked God to protect Danae and help her learn from this experience.

The Lord heard my prayer. Danae came bounding into the house after school, threw her books on the table, and wailed, “Oh, Mother! How embarrassing! Do you know what kind of cab Dial‐A‐Ride has? It is a huge, old, beat‐up station wagon. The driver drove me right up in front of the school, and all my friends saw me. Oh, I will never do that again!” The next morning, Danae was up at the crack of dawn.

It’s extremely difficult for loving, caring parents to let their vulnerable children face embarrassment or failure. Our impulse is to bail them out or cover for their irresponsibility. But if we have faith in our objectives—and in our kids—we’ll stay the course and all do some growing up together.

– Shirley M Dobson

From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson

Encouragement for Today

Encouragement for today – When I Don’t Get What I Want

May 28, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Have you ever wanted something so badly your heart ached with each thought of it? It seems life would be so much better if you had that.“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

There would be more happiness.

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Tag Archives: theology

Charles Spurgeon – Justice satisfied

John MacArthur – The Characteristics of Hypocrisy (Judas Iscariot)

Joyce Meyer – Don’t Quit!

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Our Treasuries Filled

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Standing on the Promises

Greg Laurie – Your Best for God’s Glory

Max Lucado – Goodness and Mercy

Charles Stanley – The Holy Spirit’s True Identity

Our Daily Bread — I’m Stumped

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – Signs or Symptoms

Alistair Begg – Your Troubles Will End Soon

Charles Spurgeon – Characteristics of faith

John MacArthur –Jesus Purposely Selects a Traitor (Judas Iscariot)

Joyce Meyer – Don’t Waste Your Pain

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Real Life, Radiant Health

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Great Grace

Greg Laurie – God’s Loving Discipline

Max Lucado – God Gives Hope

Night Light for Couples -Letting Go

Encouragement for today – When I Don’t Get What I Want

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