Today's Verse

VERSE:
  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the
Spirit.

   -- Galatians 5:25
      

THOUGHT:
  It is one thing to talk about being filled with the Spirit; it
is quite another to live under the Spirit's control and direction
in our lives. Paul is reminding us that we must do more than talk
the talk; we must walk the walk. The Holy Spirit must guide our
decisions, determine our morality, and control our speech. His
fruit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control -- must be in evidence.
Paul says to Christians filled with the Spirit, "Live like it!"

PRAYER:
  Holy God, thank you for your gift of your Spirit, who is alive
in me. May your Spirit guide my thoughts and mold me to be like
Jesus in words and deeds. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the
rights of all who are destitute.
   -- Proverbs 31:8
     

THOUGHT:
  God's people in every era are called to defend the rights of the
weak, speak up for the disenfranchised, and protect the lives of
those who are vulnerable. This comprehensive call is the great
reminder that the blessings, rights, wealth, and power we may have
is not ours alone; it is a gift from God to be used to bless those
who have no power to speak, to defend, or to protect themselves.

PRAYER:
  Father, rouse in your people, rouse in me, a passion to stand up
for those who are vulnerable to abuse, to abandonment, and to
attack. Please use us, and especially Father, please use me, to be
a redemptive force in the time and the circle of influence in which
I live. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting
God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired
or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives
strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
   -- Isaiah 40:28-29
      

THOUGHT:
  God is eternal. He has unlimited power. His supply of strength
is limitless. He blesses and shares his grace without growing
tired. Most importantly, he longs to share his power and grace with
us daily.

PRAYER:
  Almighty and eternal God, loving and generous in your mercy,
thank you for giving me strength in my weariness, guidance in my
confusion, and hope in my despair. Please bless me with courage to
follow your will and trust in your presence through the Holy
Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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Today's verse

VERSE:
  "'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and
unsearchable things you do not know.'"
   -- Jeremiah 33:3
    

THOUGHT:
  This was originally spoken to Jeremiah about the fate of
Jerusalem. However, this promise is true in special ways for us as
well. God wants us to call to him. God often waits for us to ask
before he blesses us with what he longs to give us. Yet we lack the
ability to comprehend and receive all the great truth about God. He
is simply too big and too glorious for us to fully comprehend him
and his grace.

PRAYER:
  Father and Almighty God, you are breath-taking and beyond my
ability to comprehend. Dear Father, please bewilder the world by
coming on a day everyone least expects it. I do long to know you
better, dear Father. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your
heart.
   -- Jeremiah 29:13
      

THOUGHT:
  God wants us to seek him. In fact, he made us to seek him!
Unfortunately, however, we often seek God along with the other
things that draw our eyes for a moment or two. We must never let
anything distract us from God having first command of our hearts.
Only God is worthy of our full devotion.

PRAYER:
  Righteous God and Holy Father, please bless me with an undivided
heart, one that seeks you as the first and ordering priority of my
life. Forgive me, dear Lord, for letting other things distract my
focus from you and interfere with my service to your Kingdom. Fill
me with a holy passion for Kingdom matters above all other concerns
and interests. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to
God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
   -- Acts 16:25
      

THOUGHT:
  Falsely imprisoned, Paul and Silas had been beaten "with many
blows," placed in prison, and locked down in stocks. Under such
horrible circumstances, they managed to praise God in hymns and
pray to their Father in Heaven. Under this kind of pressure, their
faith caught the attention of the other prisoners who listened to
them. We need to be reminded that over the years of Christian
witness, some of the most effective times of evangelism happened
because Christians remained faithful and joyous people despite
persecution and harassment. Nothing should limit our prayer and
praise. God will use them to reach the hearts of those in the most
difficult of places!

PRAYER:
  Holy Father, in times of adverse reaction against me because of
my faith, I pray that you will make me a loving, respected, and
forceful witness for Jesus. I ask this not so that I can boast, but
so that others can more fully know your grace and come to Jesus to
be saved. In the name of my Savior, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you
before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy -- to
the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and
forevermore! Amen.
   -- Jude 24-25
     

THOUGHT:
  Two things I trust implicitly: 1) God's power and might, and 2)
my joy at getting to share in his presence. My best efforts will
always fall short, but God's grace is greater and more glorious
than my best efforts! The faultlessness that I have when I stand
before him is based on his grace and mercy. How can I not praise
him from a thankful heart and anticipate seeing him face to face in
glory?

PRAYER:
  Father, you are gracious, you are glorious, and you alone are
God! I praise you for what you have done in my life through your
transforming Spirit. Please strengthen me and keep me in your care.
I am confident about my salvation because of your greatness and
grace. Fulfill your purposes in me and bring me to your throne of
glory with great joy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
   -- Ephesians 2:10
      

THOUGHT:
  We are not just saved by grace from death; we are saved by grace
for God's glory. He has remade us. We are his craftsmanship, his
artistry, and he longs to display his goodness and grace through
our actions and words as we help others.

PRAYER:
  O LORD, Creator and Sustainer of all things, please do your
creative work in me, making me into a useful tool for your service.
Please use my influence, and your abilities fashioned in me, to
bless my family, my friends, and those around me who need to more
fully know your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
   -- 1 Peter 5:7
      

THOUGHT:
  So often our worries are so heavy because we refuse to put them
down. Let's cast our burdens on the Lord. Let's consciously put our
future in his hands. Let's trust our worrisome fears to his care.
We know he loves us and longs to sustain and comfort us because of
what he has done to save us.

PRAYER:
  Holy God and loving Father, I consciously place my fears,
worries, anxieties, and burdens in your hands. I know that I have
so little power to change the outcome of these events and
situations that can cause me to have these anxious feelings.
However, dear Father, I trust that you will work what is pleasing
to you, and best for me, out of these situations. Forgive me for my
anxious thoughts and for letting my own worry become an idol that
robs you of my full trust. Strengthen and empower me to trust you
more by the power and presence of your Spirit. In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
   -- Philippians 1:21
     

THOUGHT:
  The ultimate question in each of our lives is simply this: do we
have something to live for that is also worth dying for? Paul's
answer is "Yes!" Christ is the answer, the reason, and the hope.
Now if we can get our wills and our hearts to line up with our
commitments, we can make that same statement, too!

PRAYER:
  O Lord, please forgive me for the things I have done or have
said that have made the work of Christ in me more difficult to see.
For as many years as you give me on this earth, I want my life to
be a living testimony to Jesus and his powerful grace. I do look
forward, dear Father, to the day that Christ comes in victory to
bring me home to you. Until that day, please use me in your
service. I am thankful that no matter what may lie ahead, I know
that my future is tied to your Son and my Savior. In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he
may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because
he cares for you.
   -- 1 Peter 5:6-7
   

THOUGHT:
  You've probably had a similar experience to this one. Someone
asks you how you're doing. At first, they seem interested, but as
you begin to share the burdens of your heart, you begin to realize
that they aren't really listening and aren't really interested;
they're just being polite. Most people have so many burdens they
simply don't know what to do with more. Our Father in heaven,
however, says "Cast all your anxieties on me. You can share all of
them with me, because I genuinely care for you."

PRAYER:
  Father, I have been blessed in so many ways. Thank you so very
much. I do have some really burdensome things, however, that
trouble me. Please do with the following concerns what is best for
each of the people involved and what brings you the most glory.
(Please share your burdens and concerns with the Lord.) I thank you
for listening to my words and my heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  I know that through your prayers and the help given by the
Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for
my deliverance.
   -- Philippians 1:19
      

THOUGHT:
  Paul is possibly facing death. Yet he knows that his life, his
future, is securely in the Lord's hands. The Holy Spirit will help
empower him to be what he needs to be in the face of persecution
and hardship. The Spirit will also work for his deliverance; either
he will be delivered from prison and death to serve others, or he
will be delivered into the presence of the Lord he loves. Either
way, he awaits and expects deliverance!

PRAYER:
  O LORD, God Almighty, please give me the courage to never waiver
in my confidence in your deliverance. In addition, dear Father, I
have several beloved friends who are fighting for their lives with
physical problems. Please bless them with your deliverance, whether
it is your healing that restores their health or your grace that
insures their future is with you and your triumphant Son, Jesus, in
whose name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the
ruin of those who do evil.
   -- Proverbs 10:29
      

THOUGHT:
  What is your source of security, hope, and protection? The way
of the Lord is a refuge, a strength, a place of security! Let's
make sure we live our lives there, knowing that God's commands and
demands for righteousness are for our protection as well as his
glory.

PRAYER:
  Please, dear LORD, help me more perfectly find your will and
have the courage to build my life there. I don't want to follow
false voices, nor do I want to be tempted away from your truth and
righteousness. May your will not only be my delight, but also my
refuge. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Lords Kid

Be ye strong in the Lord and the power of His might!     Firmly standing for the truth of His Word;     He shall lead you safely through the thickest of the fight,     You shall conquer in the Name of the Lord!                                                               (El Nathan)

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your
heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you
prosperity.
   -- Proverbs 3:1-2
      

THOUGHT:
  Those who are older are not as respected in Western cultures
today as they once were and as they are in other cultures. The
Bible repeatedly reminds us of our NEED to honor those who are
godly and who have gone before us. Whether the father behind this
passage is the physical father of the person receiving instruction
or is the teacher of this student seeking wisdom, either way the
principle is the same. We have much to learn and much to gain from
heeding the voice of those who have served God for many years and
have proved themselves wise and faithful.

PRAYER:
  Loving God and Almighty Father, thank you for those wise people
in my life who have shared your wisdom and their experience with
me. Please help them know how much I appreciate their investment of
love and guidance in me and please use me to do the same for those
who come after me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  So after they [the church at Antioch] had fasted and prayed,
they  placed their hands on them [Barnabas and Saul] and sent them
off.

   -- Acts 13:3
      

THOUGHT:
  While fasting is not widely practiced in many churches today, it
is clearly something that was a part of the early church
experience. Whether sponsored by our congregations or not, let's
make sure that we prepare for major events with a time of prayer
and fasting, asking for God's leading, power, and guidance as we
embark on his work in the world.

PRAYER:
  O Lord, I know you love all people. Please bless those who are
in cultures other than their own, seeking to lovingly share your
Gospel with those who are lost as Paul and Barnabas did when the
Holy Spirit and the church at Antioch sent them out. Bless their
efforts with success, protect them from the evil one, and lead them
in the direction they need to go. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit
said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I
have called them."
   -- Acts 13:2
      

THOUGHT:
  When people genuinely worship, when they fast and seek God's
will, he calls them to service and mission. Christian worship is
not an end in itself, but a launching pad to Christian mission. We
shouldn't get so caught up in the worship experience that we leave
it at the door when we walk away. Instead, we must understand that
our "private" or church worship is to inspire us to public worship
and service in the world during our everyday lives (cf. Rom.
12:1-2). As we worship with our brothers and sisters, we should
also listen to the words to the songs, the message of the
Scriptures, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit on our hearts.
God is calling each of us to a special mission in our world!

PRAYER:
  Father, please help me clearly discern your will and follow your
leading while I am worshiping you throughout each day. In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be
hidden."
   -- Matthew 5:14
     

THOUGHT:
  Darkness dominates our world. Despite appearances, darkness
controls much of what is said and how it is viewed by the world.
When people live for Christ, they will be noticed. Their allegiance
to Jesus and his righteousness cannot be ignored. So what are we
going to do with that light? Are others going to see and be drawn
to our Father in Heaven who sent his Son as Savior? Or, are they
going to reject the way of Christ because our walk is all talk and
not much service? Let's let them see God's grace through our lives
so they will come to know the Savior!

PRAYER:
  Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for your grace that saved
me. Please help me reflect your character and grace in all that I
do so that when folks notice me and know of my Christian
commitment, they will glorify you because of the service they have
seen. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its
saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for
anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
   -- Matthew 5:13
      

THOUGHT:
  Jesus wanted us to never give up our moral distinctiveness, our
redemptive influence, or our loving impact on those around us. The
purpose of our presence in the world is to be an influence in our
culture against further decay and to season the bitter, dog-eat-dog
world with grace and mercy.

PRAYER:
  Dear holy and majestic LORD, please help me resist being
conformed to my culture. Instead, dear Father, please use my
distinctiveness as a Christian to bless others and to expand the
influence and impact of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's verse

VERSE:
  "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those
who hate you."
   -- Luke 6:27
      

THOUGHT:
  Jesus was the perfect example of this command in his life and
death. Love has such redemptive, life-changing power. While not
everyone responds, many do. While being kind in our deeds and
loving in our hearts to our enemies is not easy, God's Spirit can
fill us with Jesus' love and help us live powerful lives of grace
even in the presence of those who hate us.

PRAYER:
  Dear God, I confess that I have trouble with a few people in my
life. They seem determined to criticize, undermine, belittle, and
defeat me. Please give me the character to resist their attacks and
help me respond to their actions in a way that is redemptive and
righteous. In the redeeming and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand
slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance.
   -- 2 Peter 3:9
      

THOUGHT:
  God wants all people brought to repentance so they can receive
his grace and live with him in glory. If that is God's passion, how
can we not make it our passion?

PRAYER:
  Father, I know that you hold the day of Jesus' return in your
hands, and the reason he waits to return is known only to you.
However, dear Father, I also know that you want all people to come
to know Jesus as their Savior. Please use me to share the message
of salvation and the gift of your grace with someone around me this
week. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever
ignores correction leads others astray.
   -- Proverbs 10:17
      

THOUGHT:
  Discipline is not only important to us, but also to those who
are influenced by our actions. So often we undervalue the impact of
our personal decisions on others. But God has placed each of us in
a circle of influence to be a blessing and a redemptive influence
for those around us. To choose what is foolish, to ignore godly
correction, not only jeopardizes our own future, but also the
future of others.

PRAYER:
  Father, humble and correct me gently. I know I am weak and not
where I want to be spiritually. Mature me with your Spirit and
correct me with your Word, your shepherds, and your discipline.
Make my influence a blessing to those you have placed around me. In
Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love
him."
   -- 1 Corinthians 2:9
      

THOUGHT:
  Kids look forward to Christmas, Disneyland, and summer vacation.
They imagine how great those things could be. Christians look
forward to heaven and dream of seeing the Lord face to face, of
being reunited with those we love who have gone home to the Lord
before us, and of sharing in the glory of Jesus and his angels. But
we can't even begin to imagine the great things that God has
prepared for us. They are far more glorious than anything we can
dream or imagine. So let's anticipate being surprised and live with
passion for the cause of the Kingdom knowing that any loss, any
wound, any trouble, will "not be worth comparing to the glory to be
revealed in us" (Rom. 8:18).

PRAYER:
  Thank you, Father, for preparing a place of glory for me with
you in heaven. I believe it is far greater than anything I could
ever imagine. Thank you, Jesus, for going back to heaven to prepare
that place for me. I look forward to the day I stand in your
presence and praise you with the angels. In Jesus' name I praise
and thank you. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his
good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
   -- James 3:13
    

THOUGHT:
  Wisdom isn't shown by our "book learning," smart comments, or
arrogance. No, true wisdom is shown by the godly character of our
lives lived with humility and kind deeds.

PRAYER:
  O Father, make me wise like Jesus. Please give me the ability to
more fully know your will and more faithfully live it with kindness
and humility. May the words of my mouth and the actions of my life
please you and bring your grace to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE: Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. -- Proverbs 3:7 THOUGHT: Let's keep this simple. First, we need to admit that with the complexities and perplexities of life that even the smartest of us is not all that brilliant. Second, the LORD our God is awesome in holiness, majesty, power, wisdom, and grace; he is far beyond us and all we can truly grasp of him is the smallest of glimpses of glory. Finally, let's stay away from anything that smacks of evil knowing that evil infects and confuses us, as well as separates us from God. PRAYER: All wise and gracious Heavenly Father, your wisdom is matchless, your grace unfathomable, your holiness incomparable, and your love beyond comprehension. Thank you for all of your many blessings and gifts, but most of all I thank you for your gift of accessibility to those of us who have no right in your presence but who are invited here by your loving mercy. Please strengthen my will to withstand temptation and deepen my wisdom to see evil for what it is. Please empower me in my desire to stay far away from evil and its influence. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious
thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in
the way everlasting.
   -- Psalm 139:23-24
     

THOUGHT:
  Most of us don't like being scrutinized and tested. But God
knows us through and through. He has been with us from our
conception and will work with us through the grave and beyond. So
let's invite him into our interior world to search us, test us, and
even scrutinize our anxious thoughts. He is not there to condemn or
punish, but to cleanse and redeem so that we can be led to his
eternal grace.

PRAYER:
  Search me, O God. I know that my heart is not always pure and my
ways are far from perfect. Search me, O God, for I need your
purifying presence. Search me, O God, for I want you to set the
course and the destination of my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

B I B L E

The B-i-b-l-e, Yes that's the Book for me; I stand alone on the Word of God, The B-i-b-l-e!

What should you count?

Count your blessings-instead of your crosses; Count your gains-instead of your losses; Count your health-instead of your wealth; Count on God-instead of yourself!

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives
generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to
him.
   -- James 1:5
     

THOUGHT:
  So often we act out of ignorance and face grave consequences for
our actions. God longs to grant us spiritual wisdom that not only
helps us make wise choices, but also gives us the ability to act
and react with grace and wisdom. Before we face each day, before we
face challenging situations, before we make challenging decisions,
let's seek God's face and ask for his gift of wisdom.

PRAYER:
  Holy Father, I need your wisdom to help me make the right
decisions in the challenges and situations that will confront me
today and every day. Please pour your wisdom into my heart and head
so that my actions, words, and choices will not only be pleasing to
you, but also a blessing to those around me. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

Picnic to Hell

A wonderful book that every christian must read. Its available here on Scribd or can be downloaded from here. it woudl surely change your perspective on life as a Christian.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the
women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

   -- Acts 1:14
 

THOUGHT:
  Jesus' resurrection changed everything! The women who were so
faithful to him through the crucifixion and resurrection are there,
obediently praying in expectation. As we might expect, Jesus'
mother is there praying as well. But look carefully and you will
see Jesus' brothers, once doubting and ridiculing him, now praying
in expectation of their risen brother's release of power through
the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yes, they are waiting, but not
idly waiting. Yes, they are praying, but they are also expecting
the great work of the risen Jesus which will be done through them!
God does amazing things when people who love the risen Jesus pray
with expectation. So what are you waiting for? Get with a group of
those who love Jesus, and pray with expectation for God's work to
be done through you.


PRAYER:
  Almighty and all-powerful God, please bless my efforts as I seek
to encourage others to join me in fervent prayer. I pray that you
will bring revival among those who call on your name and a stirring
among those who are hungry but don't yet recognize their hunger is
for Jesus. Please bring revival to your people and an outpouring of
grace to those who need to know Jesus as their Savior. In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

   -- Proverbs 10:12
    

THOUGHT:
  Our worst tendencies want to repay evil with evil, spite for
spite, pettiness with pettiness, and hatred with hatred. God has
always wanted his people to be the redemptive influence in their
world, society, and relationships. Paul reminded the Christians in
Rome to "not repay evil with evil" (Rom. 12:17). Here, God's wise
man teaches us a similar truth. Love removes the teeth out of
difficult situations, while hatred only turns up the flames of
bitterness and hate. We're called to be a different kind of people
that leave the world a better place. It isn't always easy, but it
is always powerful.

PRAYER:
  Father, I confess that when I'm wronged it makes me angry and
I'm tempted to strike back in kind. Please, remove the baser side
of my character through the cleansing and redeeming influence of
your Holy Spirit and the love your Spirit inspires. In Jesus' name
I pray. Amen.

Waiting is Hard

"When the cloud tarried . . . then the children of Israel . . . journeyed not" (Num. 9:19).   This was the supreme test of obedience. It was comparatively easy to strike tents, when the fleecy folds of the cloud were slowly gathering from off the Tabernacle, and it floated majestically before the host. Change is always delightful; and there was excitement and interest in the route, the scenery, and the locality of the next halting-place. But, ah, the tarrying.   Then, however uninviting and sultry the location, however trying to flesh and blood, however irksome to the impatient disposition, however perilously exposed to danger--there was no option but to remain encamped.   The Psalmist says, "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." And what He did for the Old Testament saints He will do for believers throughout all ages.   Still God often keeps us waiting. Face to face with threatening foes, in the midst of alarms, encircled by perils, beneath the impending rock. May we not go? Is it not time to strike our tents? Have we not suffered to the point of utter collapse? May we not exchange the glare and heat for green pastures and still waters?   There is no answer. The cloud tarries, and we must remain, though sure of manna, rock-water, shelter, and defense. God never keeps us at post without assuring us of His presence, and sending us daily supplies.   Wait, young man, do not be in a hurry to make a change! Minister, remain at your post! Until the cloud clearly moves, you must tarry. Wait, then, thy Lord's good pleasure! He will be in plenty of time!--Daily Devotional Commentary   An hour of waiting! Yet there seems such need To reach that spot sublime! I long to reach them--but I long far more To trust HIS time!   "Sit still, my daughter"-- Yet the heathen die, They perish while I stay! I long to reach them--but I long far more To trust HIS way!   'Tis good to get, 'Tis good indeed to give! Yet is it better still-- O'er breadth, thro' length, down length, up height, To trust HIS will! --F. M. N.

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared
to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for
the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
...

   -- 1 Peter 3:15
     

THOUGHT:
  How do we effectively share our faith, especially in situations
hostile to faith? First, we consciously submit our hearts to Christ
as Lord. Second, we prepare a presentation of faith that focuses on
the hope we have in Jesus. Finally, when we share our reason for
hope, we do it with respect, gently sharing our faith with others.
Of course we would never have an opportunity to share our faith if
we don't live a life of faith that makes an impact on those around
us.

PRAYER:
  Holy God and loving Father, please use my influence and the
quality of my life to bring others to Jesus. Please give me wisdom
as I seek to bring the following friends to Christ: (Name them
personally!) .... May my words and actions lead them closer to you
and show them my respect and love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for Cleansing

O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Crown of Blessings - Dr. Paul Dhinakaran

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 1:2)

Beloved! The Bible says Isaac was a young man who reaped a hundredfold harvest. "Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him" (Genesis 26:12). The Lord desires to bless each one of you in a similar manner.

The Lord delights to bless you spiritually as well as materially in a mighty way. When you seek the Lord and walk in His ways, the Lord will be pleased to give you the all the desires of your heart. The Bible says the Lord appeared to King Solomon in a dream at night and said, "Ask! What shall I give you?" The king did not ask for riches or wealth or any earthly blessing but asked wisdom. God was pleased with him and "God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart, like the sand on seashore." He also blessed Solomon with exceeding riches and wealth. The men of all nations from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 3: 5,9; 4:29,34).

The Bible encourages you to get wisdom as it is the principal thing in life. When wisdom increases and abounds in you, all blessings will follow in its wake. Everyone will honour you. The Lord has a brilliant future kept in store for you. If the Lord resides in your heart, you will be able to climb above everything (Philippians 2:9,10). Therefore, do not be content with the small and petty blessings that you have received. The Lord desires to bless you as He blessed Solomon and Isaac.

Many people think that as soon as they accept the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour, they should give up their academic education and rush to minister to the Lord. Thus they spurn and reject the opportunities provided to them by God. Alas, they sink in life's morass. Only when you utilize all the opportunities given to you by the Lord with all your heart and mind, does the Lord.

Happy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is like a gentle dove sent by God to be our Companion and Helper. We shall consider today six things we need to do in order to gladden Him ever and grieve Him never! The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of "Counsel" (Isa 11:2; Rom 8:14). Some ways which may seem right to us will eventually lead us to destruction (Prov 14:12). The Holy Spirit, who knows the end from the beginning, will help us to remain in the centre of God's will and lead us in ways pleasing to Him. We must wholeheartedly accept God's will and this makes the Holy Spirit happy. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the "New Covenant" (2 Cor 3:6). He has delivered us from the bondage of the Law of the Old Testament. When we turn our backs to legalism and remain in the liberty given by the Holy Spirit, it rejoices His heart. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of "Power" (Zech 4:6; Lk 24:48; 1 Cor 2:3,4). When we don't rely on our own strength, smartness and wealth but seek His help only, He rejoices. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of "Christ" (1 Pet 1:10-12; Rev 1:9,10). He rejoices when we testify for Him without hesitation or shame. The Spirit's work is to glorify Christ (Jn 16:14). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the "Heavenly Father" (Isa 63:8-10; Jn 14:16). He rejoices when we realise that God is our "Abba" who carries us and cares for us (Rom 8:15,16). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of "Heavenly Glory" (1 Pet 4:12-16). In this world no one is exempt from sufferings. The Holy Spirit transforms our sufferings into songs. To be filled with the Spirit is a blessing to us and a joy to Him! The painful fact is that the Holy Spirit does not leave us when we grieve Him. If we keep on grieving Him, He gets "quenched!" (1 Thess 5:19). Think of God sidelined and silenced in our hearts! Oh! Spirit of the Living God, Thou light and fire Divine, Burn, winged fire-inspire our lips with flaming love and zeal, To preach to all Thy great Good News - God's glorious common weal!                                    (Henry H. Tweedy, 1868-1953) --- www.Staneyonbible.com

Search me... O Lord...

The first question that flashed upon my mind when I was diagnosed to undergo a coronary bypass surgery on this day in 1996 was, "Why Lord?" I was instantly rebuked by what I had been preaching for years: "Don't ask God, Why? He would answer, Why not?" Though I could not satisfy the queries of my heart, Prophet Jeremiah came to my help. Lamentations 3:39,40, "Why should a living man complain, a man for the punishment for his sins? Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord." How true are the words sung by one of the great singer-evangelists from South Africa, Nataraja Mudaliar, "O Lord, I have no right to ask why? Grant me a heart to bear anything." But again more questions: Was it God who sent me this sickness? Or Satan? Or did God allow Satan to inflict me? I could not find the answer but I found out that I need not know the answer. All I needed to do was to search myself and sink into God's bosom! In the first years of my new life with Christ I used to spend time each week in self-examination. Now my quiet time was spent only in praising, praying, and pondering over the Scriptures. Rarely did I sit before God unhurriedly and cry, "Search me, O God!" (Psa 139:23,24). Dust accumulated because I had neglected this exercise. I suddenly awoke to realise I had become comfortable to live with certain sins. As a preacher the pulpit success had blinded my eyes. What I used to condemn severely in my life during my years of "first love" for the Lord, I was now condoning. I was explaining them away as my weaknesses, and justifying them as "everybody does it!" When I analysed my life further in God's light, I clearly saw that I had succumbed to the commit-and-confess pattern with respect to certain parasitic sins. I felt the author of Hebrews was pointing his finger right at me: "In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood!" (Heb 12:4). This dealing of the Holy Spirit in me was nothing short of Isaiah's "live coal" experience (Isa 6:5-7). Heart searching and heart surgery! www.StanleyonBible.com

Today's Verse

VERSE:
  To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
   -- Philippians 4:20
    
THOUGHT:
  What will we share in eternity with God? His glory! What led
Israel through the wilderness and shown upon the face of Moses?
God's glory. What is too wonderful and marvelous for us as humans
to behold? His glory. So what should we do when we are seeking to
honor God? Give him the glory that is due him. Praise him in
glorious songs. Bring honor to Yahweh's holy name by what we say
and how we live!

PRAYER:
  Wonderful and glorious God, you are majestic in holiness,
patient with my imperfections, tender with my brokenness, and
emphatic about my participation in your family. Please bless me to
worthily bring praise to your throne of grace. In Jesus' name.
Amen.