Most Precious Treasure!

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A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find!   Her husband depends on her, and she never lets him down.  She is good to him every day of her life,

Proverbs 31:10-12

Many years ago I noticed that the pictures in the newspaper of couples who had been married for 50 years revealed a remarkable truth. Husbands and wives of many years begin to look like each other. If you were to look at individual pictures of the couples, it would be fairly easy to match them up again because of the expressions on their faces!

As a follower of Jesus Christ, you are and will be forever, the Bride of Christ! That is an amazing truth with a very real and wonderful consequence. The longer you live with Jesus in your heart the more you will look like Him!

Of course, it is not just the expression on your face that looks like Jesus. Your heart and mind will be like Jesus. You will have the mind of Christ. As you walk daily with Jesus, you can praise Him that He is making you into His own image!

And I suppose, the most amazing truth for my understanding is that Jesus loves and cherishes me like a husband loves and cherishes his wife! Jesus loves me. This I know!

“Lord Jesus, Your love for me is wonderful. Let me see and feel Your love more today than I have ever felt it before. Praise Your Holy Name forever. Amen.”

Minister Unaware!

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When  the Son of Man comes in his glory with all his angels, he will sit on his royal throne. The people of all nations will be brought before him, and he will separate them, as shepherds separate their sheep from their goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, “My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.” Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail? The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”

Matthew 25:31-40

What have you done for Jesus? Can you make a list of the ways that you are serving Him? These verses speak of the time when Jesus will separate those who have pleased Him and those who did not. Frankly, it is hard to explain how there is no mention of faith or theology. In another place the Bible does say that without faith it is impossible to please Jesus, but here the total focus is on helping other people who are in need!

The amazing truth of this scripture is that when you even give a cup of cold water to a thirsty person, you are giving that water to Jesus!

Of course, what you believe is important, but it is by your actions that you prove that your faith is real! When you have opportunity to help someone, anyone by providing for their needs, as a follower of Jesus you are giving that assistance to Jesus! That truth will bring both urgency and joy to your “good works!”

“Lord Jesus, show me how I can minister to You today. Give me opportunity to give to You by helping others in need. Praise Your Holy Name Now and Forever. Amen!”

I Choose to Believe It!

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We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.

2 Peter 1:3-4

What do you need to live a life that pleases God? Do you need more faith? Do you need good works that give Him glory? Do you need a heart that is concerned about those who are lost? Of course, you need all of those things and more. But these verses in 2 Peter 1 tell us an amazing truth. God has invited us to share in His wonderful goodness and has promised that His nature would become part of us.

He said it simply in Colossians 1:27 with the words “Christ in you, the hope of glory!” You see when Christ is in you, you have everything you need to please God.

Your job is to let Jesus direct your steps and give you the wisdom you need for every decision in your life. When you do that your life will please God in everything you do.

“Lord Jesus, show me everything You want me to do today as the Nature of God becomes part of me. It is too wonderful for me to comprehend, but it is Your promise and I choose to believe it! Praise Your Holy Name forever! Amen.”

Ride Out the Storm With Jesus!

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After Jesus left in a boat with his disciples, a terrible storm suddenly struck the lake, and waves started splashing into their boat.  Jesus was sound asleep, so the disciples went over to him and woke him up. They said, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”  But Jesus replied, “Why are you so afraid? You surely don’t have much faith.” Then he got up and ordered the wind and the waves to calm down. And everything was calm.  The men in the boat were amazed and said, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him.”

Matthew 8:23-27

Storms will come, even when you are in the boat with Jesus! Some have suggested that Jesus intended for the disciples to exercise their faith and order the storm to calm down. That certainly is possible, but it is also the case that He may have hoped they would have enough faith to ride out the storm and not panic.

It was the disciples who were afraid. Jesus was sleeping peacefully. Do you believe that if the disciples had not roused the Lord from sleep, they would have all drowned? I believe they could have trusted that God Himself had a plan for Jesus and for His disciples and that that plan would be fulfilled regardless of the storms on the lake!

If the disciples had let Jesus sleep and even not commanded the storm to stop, the will of God would not have been harmed at all by the wind and the rain! Perhaps it would have been a sign of faith if the disciples had spoken to the storm, or perhaps it would have been a sign of even greater faith if they had followed the lead of Jesus and ignored the storm altogether!

If you are “in the boat with Jesus” today and a storm comes upon your lake, what should you do? The answer to that question is this: Do whatever Jesus tells you to do. If Jesus is in your boat don't fear, and don't panic! Jesus will be fine and if you are with Him, you will too!

“Lord Jesus, if the storms in my life need to be calmed for me to stay close to You, then speak to my storms, or tell me to do it! But if You want to let me cling on to You as we feel the wind and the waves, then give me the faith to hold on to You and ride out the storm! Praise Your Holy Name, now and forever. Amen.”

Good News, Bad News!

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Our Lord Jesus will punish anyone who doesn’t know God and won’t obey his message.  Their punishment will be eternal destruction, and they will be kept far from the presence of our Lord and his glorious strength.  This will happen on that day when the Lord returns to be praised and honored by all who have faith in him and belong to him. This includes you, because you believed what we said.

2 Thessalonians 1:8-10

If a man refuses to "come to Jesus" and obey His message, the Return of the Savior will not be a happy or pleasant experience.  Those who are "sure" that Jesus will save everyone from Eternal Death are simply believing a lie of Satan.  

The Good News of the Gospel is for those who Trust and Obey Jesus.  If you do not, the Bible promises that you will suffer "eternal punishment" and be kept far from the presence of the Lord and His glorious strength.

The Love of Jesus is a powerful motivation for you to turn from your wicked ways and follow Him.  But, the fear of Hell is also a good reason to Repent!  

You may already know Him, or at least know all about Him, but you refuse to obey the Words of Jesus!  Knowledge without Obedience will not open the Gates of Heaven!  If you know of something, anything that God has told you to do, but you have refused to put your hand to the plow, then Just Do It Today!

"Lord Jesus, show me how to be obedient to You today.  And if I have never really given my heart You, I do it now!  Praise Your Holy Name, now and forever.  Amen."

Real News!

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When the Son of Man appears, things will be just as they were when Noah lived. People were eating, drinking, and getting married right up to the day the flood came and Noah went into the big boat.  They didn't know anything was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. This is how it will be when the Son of Man appears. Two men will be in the same field, but only one will be taken. The other will be left.  Two women will be together grinding grain, but only one will be taken. The other will be left.  So be on your guard! You don't know when your Lord will come.  Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in.  Always be ready! You don't know when the Son of Man will come.

Matthew 24:37-44

If you like to “keep up" on what is going on in the world today and watch Cable News 24-7 and read every link on the Drudgereport, you will still be terribly ignorant of the “real news” that is happening and will happen until the End.

The Real News is not what country is threatening to go to war with another country.  It is not about the state of the economy!  It does not concern itself with the political fortunes of any party.  

The Real News is about Jesus and what is happening to make the world ready for the Return of Jesus Christ! 

Let me assure you, it is much more interesting to watch God at work in the world around you every day than to watch CNN, Fox News or MSNBC! 

“Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the Real News about Your return to planet earth and help me be ready for it, even today!  Praise Your Holy Name forever.  Amen.” 

Total Eclipse and Total Submission!

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In those days I will give my Spirit to my servants, both men and women, and they will prophesy.  I will work miracles in the sky above and wonders on the earth below. There will be blood and fire and clouds of smoke.  The sun will turn dark, and the moon will be as red as blood before the great and wonderful day of the Lord appears.  Then the Lord will save everyone who asks for his help."

Acts 2: 18 - 21

The  total solar eclipse of 2017 sweeping from the Pacific Coast of the United States to the Atlantic has stirred much interest across the land.  A total solar eclipse brings a few minutes of darkness in the middle of the day!

Is this eclipse a random act of “Mother Nature” or a purposeful sign from the God of Heaven?  The Bible is quite clear that before the coming of Jesus “the sun will turn dark.”  It doesn’t say how long that darkness will last or where it will cover the earth.  Could this be the Lord signaling the return of Jesus?  Of course it could!

So, instead of rushing to find a place to get the best view of the total eclipse, you should rush to the arms of Jesus, in faith and total submission to Him!  When you are resting in the arms of Jesus and leaning on Him for every need in your life, it will not matter what happens in the world around you and whether or not the sun shines or goes dark!  

“Lord Jesus, thank You, Lord that Your light never goes out  in the lives of those who place their faith in and are totally submitted to You.  Praise Your Holy Name forever.  Amen.”

Amazing and Wonderful God!

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Have pity, God Most High! My enemies chase me all day.  Many of them are pursuing and attacking me, but even when I am afraid, I keep on trusting you.  I praise your promises! I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me.

Psalm 56: 1 - 5

There is a well known song with the line “Whenever I  feel afraid, I whistle a happy tune.”  Simply deciding not to be afraid is the first step on the road to a foolish disaster.  Fear is a God given ability that serves us well in keeping us from stepping off the side of a mountain or jumping into the water when we can’t swim.

Abandoning your fear before the reason for the fear is removed will often lead to a tragedy.  But trusting in God and His promises will serve you well in cancelling the reason for the fear!  

So when you fear, keep on trusting in God.  Praise His promises and no one can harm you!  That is the wonder of knowing an Almighty God!

“Lord Jesus, help me to trust You today, even when I am afraid!  You are an Amazing and Wonderful God.  Praise Your Holy Name, now and forever.  Amen.”

God's Voice from Your Mouth!

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These are evil times, so make every minute count.  Don't be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do.  Don't destroy yourself by getting drunk, but let the Spirit fill your life.  When you meet together, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, as you praise the Lord with all your heart.

Ephesians 5: 16 - 19

There is something very special and powerful about praising the Lord in song with other people.  When two or three or more sing the same words together the impact on others can be amazing!  

All around the world people gather, and some even pay money to spend an evening just listening to accomplished singing groups lifting up their voices together in Praise to God!

But an even more amazing thing is that God has given us His Word in the Bible and He allows us  to, and even encourages us to join with Him in speaking that “Word of God” to others!  

As a child of God, You can tell the world what God’s plan is for their lives!  It is God’s voice coming from Your mouth!  And that my friend is truly a miracle!

“Lord Jesus, may I not only hear Your Word today, but let Your Words come out of my mouth in the hearing of those who are lost!  Praise Your Holy Name, now and forever.  Amen.”

THE TIME IS RIGHT!

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That is how it was with us. We were like children ruled by the powers of this world.  But when the time was right, God sent his Son, and a woman gave birth to him. His Son obeyed the Law, so he could set us free from the Law, and we could become God's children.  Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father.  You are no longer slaves. You are God's children, and you will be given what he has promised.

Galatians 4: 3 - 7

The timing of God is perfect!  God is like an archer who always hits the center of the target with his arrow!  It doesn’t matter how strong the wind is blowing or how much rain is falling, God perfectly times His intervention in the affairs of men to perfectly accomplish what He aims to do!

Even as Jesus was born at just the right time, so were you!  In the Mind of God there was a plan for your life.  Your birth came at the perfect time for you to accomplish God’s purpose. 

You may say: “It is too late for me to fulfill God’s Will for my life!”

Oh, no!  If you are alive today, then God’s purpose for this day is what you should be about.   Ask Jesus to reveal His Will for today.  

“Lord Jesus, I can’t change the days I have already lived, but I can do Your Will for today.  Make it clear to me what You want for this moment in time!  Praise Your Holy Name, now and forever.  Amen.” 

The Knife of God's Discipline!

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We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne!  So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won't get discouraged and give up.  None of you have yet been hurt in your battle against sin.  But you have forgotten that the Scriptures say to God's children, "When the Lord punishes you, don't make light of it, and when he corrects you, don't be discouraged.  The Lord corrects the people he loves and disciplines those he calls his own."  Be patient when you are being corrected! This is how God treats his children. Don't all parents correct their children?  God corrects all of his children, and if he doesn't correct you, then you don't really belong to him.

Hebrews 12: 2 - 8

The proof of God’s love for you is not a million dollars in your bank account.  The things that we call “blessings” are not exclusively for followers of Jesus. Even the vilest man on earth has air to breath, water to drink and food to eat while he lives here.  And he may enjoy material “blessings” beyond those that even God’s children have. 

But you will know that God loves you, not because of the things He gives you, but when His discipline is applied to your life and you suffer loving punishment from the Almighty!  It is the pain of being formed into the image of Christ that confirms your place in God’s heart!  

So when you pray for a “Closer Walk with God” troubles may increase in the wake of that prayer!  The Great Physician will cut away parts of your life that stand in the way of intimate fellowship with God!  

“Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me enough to put me under the knife of Your loving discipline.  Praise Your Holy Name, now and forever.  Amen.”

The Good News in One Sentence!

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Jesus replied: How can you be a teacher of Israel and not know these things?  I tell you for certain that we know what we are talking about because we have seen it ourselves. But none of you will accept what we say.  If you don't believe when I talk to you about things on earth, how can you possibly believe if I talk to you about things in heaven?  No one has gone up to heaven except the Son of Man, who came down from there.  And the Son of Man must be lifted up, just as that metal snake was lifted up by Moses in the desert.  Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life.  God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.  God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!

John 3: 10 - 17

The mind of Christ was filled with memories of Eternity in Heaven with the Father and the Holy Spirit!  He had seen it all and even though Scripture speaks of Jesus increasing in wisdom and knowledge here on this earth, He obviously remembered Heaven!  

There was a television show in the U.S. which featured an owner of a company disguising himself and becoming one of the regular employees of his own company.  In a sense that is what Jesus did. But Jesus came, not just to create an interesting show.  Jesus came to rescue all who had been lost to the lies of Satan.   Satan tried to steal men from God, but Jesus came to bring those who would have faith in Him back to the Father!  

Jesus paid the ransom with His own Blood, which washes away the sins of those who turn to Him in faith.  

And that my friend is the GOOD NEWS in one sentence!

“Lord Jesus thank You for paying the ransom to release those who have faith in You from the consequences of their sin!  Praise Your Holy Name forever.  Amen.”