Thursday, October 30, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Sunday, October 26, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-17
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
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)
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
This morning as I went out for a walk, I noticed a few birds hopping and bathing in the small water pools, near our residence. The water came from a sprinkler system that watered the grass on the lawns. As I watched, the bigger birds time and again scared away the smaller birds like the sparrows by charging at them. There was enough water for all but the attitude of the big birds was surprising. The water was not theirs, it was freely given, yet they were not willing to accomodate the smaller ones. We can forgive them, for they are just birds; not as wise or intellectual or with reasoning power as us humans.
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.
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
Do all things without murmurings and disputes, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,(Philippians 2:14, 15)
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.
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.
We are to be "lights" amidst the darkness of a crooked and perverse generation.
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)
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)
Let us then shine for Jesus and bring glory to him.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
365 Nuggets of Gold-15
Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water." But he said this about the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus wasn't yet glorified. (John 7:37-39)
If rivers of living water flow from within you, surely it will touch many whom you meet daily. You will make a difference in the lives of many and it will be a difference for the good. Though you may not realize it, the Spirit of God who lives within you will touch them whom you deal with.
Perhaps he may bring them to a realization of their sinful life and the need of a Savior; perhaps he may flow in to their lives with a word of encouragement from you. The Spirit will flow as he pleases and achieve God's divine purposes.
So be a channel for the Spirit of God to flow through, each day that you live. That will bring glory to God the Father and to our Savior Jesus Christ.
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
Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient. (Matthew 6:34)
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.
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
Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, because he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. (Daniel 6:3-5)
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.
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
In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered.(Romans 8:26)
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)
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)
Thank you, Holy Spirit of God.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
365 Nuggets Of Gold-11
........he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
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)
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
Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)
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)
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
Brothers, I don't regard myself as yet having laid hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13, 14)
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.
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
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor. If a man therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:20, 21)
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.
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
My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. (Psalm 31:15)
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.
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
There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? (John 6:9)
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.
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
Nahum 1:7 KJV
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
In the day of trouble, every child of God needs a stronghold and what better stronghold than their Savior Jesus Christ. He is the one who says,
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.
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
Malachi 3:6 KJV
For I am the Lord , I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
They who serve the triune God; Father, Son & the Holy Spirit, serve an unchanging God who is always with them from the time they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He never leaves them nor forsakes them through the ups and downs of life. To them, he is always merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. Praise be to his holy name.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
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