Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-21
Matthew 17:5
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
On a high mountain with Peter, James and John, when Jesus was transfigured and spoke with Moses and Elijah who appeared there, Peter had plans of his own and he voiced them, but was stopped by the Father in heaven, who explicitly told him..... “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Are you listening to Jesus? He once said.... My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.....
Jesus knows what's best for you. Listen to him. Let not your own voice or the voices of people crowd out the voice of the Savior. Look to him, listen to him, live for him. Be blessed and be a blessing.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Bible Blessing-150
By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people after Pentecost. More believers were added to the Lord. They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some of them. Great multitudes also came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people, and those who were tormented by unclean spirits: and they were all healed. The rulers were unable to control the works of the Apostles, so they put them in prison. But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out, and said, "Go stand and speak in the temple to the people........"
Despite oppositions, the work on the kingdom of God has progressed from Pentecost until today. Many have become martyrs for the Lord; others have labored and have entered in to glory after their work and time on earth were over.
The baton has been passed on to our generation by them who have preceded us. Despite sufferings, persecutions and hindrances, the Word of God has gone to most corners of the world. The Holy Spirit of God is guiding believers in to the work that needs to be yet done. God is using his chosen vessels and large numbers are being added to God's family each day.
At the end of our earthly journey, will we be able to hear the sweet voice of the master say.....
'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' (Matthew 25:23)
Monday, November 10, 2014
365 Nuggets Of Gold-20
John the Baptist was severe on the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to be water baptized of him, because he knew they did not have true relationship with God; their faith was just an outward show and many of them were hypocrites. He rebuked them saying...."You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Unless a person brings forth fruit worthy of repentance, his confession of sins and acceptance of Christ as Savior holds little value. How dramatic was the conversion of Zacchaeus, the corrupt chief tax collector of whom we read in Luke Chapter 19. Jesus met him and he was a changed man. His testimony went thus..."Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much."
And Jesus responded...."Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.
Bringing forth fruit worthy of repentance is what God expects in our lives too. May the Holy Spirit of God help us all in this.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Monday, November 3, 2014
365 Nuggets Of Gold-19
Noticeable in this verse and included in most Bible versions is the word "Oh"....Oh that you would bless me.....and taking Jabez' prayer in to consideration, it seems to be an expression of hoping against hope. Perhaps it was a despair tinged prayer, but a miracle was to follow, for God granted him what he requested. There were many points in his prayer and God heard each one of them and answered.
Perhaps you have been despairing because of multiple problems in your life, and probably you feel that you should not burden the Lord with all your requests, and what he would think of your unending pleas, but be assured this day, that he will listen patiently to all that you have to tell him and answer you as only he can.
Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He loves you with an everlasting love. God answered the prayer of Jabez; he will answer your's too.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
365 Nuggets Of Gold-18
One evening while Jesus was with his disciples in a boat, there arose a great wind storm, and the waves beat into the boat, so much so that the boat began to sink. He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and his disciples woke him up, and told him, "Teacher, don't you care that we are dying?" He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
If you are in a storm of any kind at present, cry out to Jesus. He cares. He will calm your storm and make you glad. Not only will he calm the storm you are facing, he will fulfill the righteous desires of your heart.
This poor man cried, and God heard and saved him out of all his troubles. (Psalm 34:6)
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Sunday, October 26, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-17
God is with you, Joshua or anyone who is reading this. He commands and empowers you to be strong and courageous. There's a Jordan challenge, then there's Jericho to conquer, later the Amorite kings and many other battle lines drawn before you enter the promised land. But be assured that he who was with Moses is with you too, wherever you go.
So, fix your thoughts and eyes, brothers and sisters...
.....fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.(from 2 Corinthians 4:18)
.....fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. (from Hebrews 3:1)
.....fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.(from Hebrews 12:2)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
Random Thoughts-46
Looking at this from a Christian point of view, the blessings that come from accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior are for every Christian to experience and be blessed. The river of blessings flow because of Jesus' atoning work on the cross. The big birds should not look down on the smaller ones, for the price was paid by Jesus. God has released the blessings because of the obedience of his son. God is not limited by denominations or human reasoning. He says, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. (Romans 9:15, 16)
I praise you Father God.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-16
Paul, the Apostle, very clearly defines the generation that we live in at present...crooked and perverse. He also states how our status should be as believer's in the midst of such a generation...without blemish.
Even Jesus spoke about his desire as to how his disciples were to be....You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill can't be hid. Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a bushel basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-15
Monday, October 20, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-14
Philippians 4:19
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul who experienced extreme needs in his life after becoming a minister of the Gospel is supremely confident regarding the providing capacity of the Heavenly Father and he exhorts his readers regarding the same.
But one must know the Word and one must believe for the promise to materialize.
Dear Child of God, every need of yours will be supplied by God the Father, because he is the God of compassion and God of all comfort. Seek his face.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
365 Nuggets Of Gold-13
We get anxious about so many things of tomorrow and some of it is justifiable, like if we have to go for an important exam or an important blood test that we have been advised by the doctor. But Jesus is not talking about these, but the constant worries of eating, drinking and clothing. These worries only bring more anxiety.
We must judiciously plan for the future regarding many things, but not unduly worry; more so, after trusting in the Lord.
God will provide. We must trust in Him. He is Jehovah Jireh, Our Provider.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Bible Blessing-149
Daniel's enemies examined his life to find some fault, so that they could bring accusations against him to the king, but they could find nothing. They found that he was faithful and without error. Yet, they did not stop there. They knew that Daniel was a true Israelite and worshiped his God faithfully, so they devised a plan to trap him in that aspect. They made the king sign a royal statute that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except the king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
Daniel did not swerve from his devotion to Almighty God and prayed and worshiped him, as was his routine; as a consequence, he was thrown in to the lion's den. His enemies were happy and thought that, that would be the last they saw of Daniel, but God Almighty had other plans; plans of not only rescuing Daniel and destroying his enemies, but more importantly, making his power and glory known to a gentile king.
Daniel had a testimony; the king had a decree to proclaim....
Daniel said......My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; because as before him innocence was found in me; and also before you, O king, have I done no hurt.(Daniel 6:22)
The king decreed.....in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast forever, His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed; and his dominion shall be even to the end. (Daniel 6:26)
End of story......Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. (Daniel 6:28)
If God has blessed and exalted you, know that the enemy is jealous of you and would want to put you down, as he did in the life of Daniel, but be assured that the plans of the enemy will not materialize for you have found favor with God. Another blessing awaits you.
365 Nuggets Of Gold-12
Too distressed to bring words to your mouth in prayer because of all the sufferings you are going through? Too burdened and grieving to give utterance to your prayers? Too tired because of the hardships of life and faint?
Never forget the Helper, the Holy Spirit. He is there to help. He will take your unsaid prayers to the Father.
Remember, ".....the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered."
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. (Romans 8:27)
Thursday, October 16, 2014
365 Nuggets Of Gold-11
What a wonderful promise!
Yes, God is going to complete the good work that he has started in you.
Sometimes thoughts pass through the minds of believer's whether they will be able to make it to their final destination i.e.Heaven....after all the hardships they have to go through while living their earthly lives.
Paul, the Apostle, exhorted the believer's in Philippi saying that it is God who works in them, both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)
Dear Child of God.......neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38, 39)
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
365 Nuggets Of Gold-10
When God opens a way for you, walk through it and find deliverance. The way may be like in the Red Sea and there may be walls of water on either side, threatening to drown you, but be assured that they will remain static (Exodus 14) till you pass through and reach God's desired destination for you.
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Monday, October 13, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-9
Psalms 5:3
Lord, in the morning you shall hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.
Watching expectantly points to faith and they who have faith that their prayers are heard by the Almighty and have faith that their prayers will be answered usually see results sooner or later.
We read in Hebrews 11:6...
Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek him.
Lay your requests before God each day, wait expectantly and he will answer you.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Thursday, October 9, 2014
365 Nuggets Of Gold-8
Regarding the resurrection from the dead, the Apostle Paul says that it is his ardent desire to attain it. He admits that he has not yet attained it, but nothing is going to stop him from achieving it.
All of us can learn from the one decision that the Apostle takes here....forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before, he is pressing on towards the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Let not the failures or mistakes of your past hinder you in your forward march towards the heavenly city, New Jerusalem. Be an overcomer.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-7
Are you a sanctified vessel, suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work?
The master (Jesus) will use you as he pleases, so are you willing to give in to the master's plan?
Some have plans of their own as to how the master should use them, but best is his plan. He knows how best, you as a sanctified vessel, can be useful for the extension of his kingdom, so follow his plans. Let your song be.......Channels only, blessed Master, But with all Thy wondrous power; Flowing through us, Thou canst use us, Every day and every hour.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-6
Auspicious days, times, colors, numbers etc.......some people observe these to do things in their lives. As a child of God, we must remember that our times are in God's hands, as the Psalmist sings. And we ourselves are in God's hands! Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:27-29)
Be like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; trust in his unfailing love for ever and ever.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-5
What is that you have and would like to gift to Jesus that he can multiply and feed the masses. Perhaps the boy never knew when he set out of home that he would be a source of blessing to a big multitude. Surely, he would have had a story to tell his parents that day.
The things that you have and that you consider insignificant can be source of blessings to many. Value whatever little you have and give it to the Lord when he asks of you, so that you can a blessing to many and be blessed yourself as you do it.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-4
1 Corinthians 15:19 KJV
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
The believer's hope in Christ should not only be for this earthly life, but also for the life after the Lord's coming or after bodily death on earth. Some serve Christ only to meet their earthly needs and their prayers are also for these. What about you? Are you excited about your coming eternal life with Christ? Blessed are you if you are.
365 Nuggets of Gold-3
Revelation 1:3 KJV
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
The time is at hand.....is what John the Apostle wrote about 2000 years back. The believing Christian is waiting and watching. Some who waited and finished their alloted time on earth breathed their last and were promoted to a better life.
How about you?
The last trumpet may sound today. Are you ready to meet your Savior?
365 Nuggets of Gold-2
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, and have the keys of hell and of death.
So, fear not child of God, your Saviour, Jesus Christ is your stronghold, now and forevermore.
365 Nuggets of Gold-1
For I am the Lord , I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.