Sunday, January 31, 2016
365 Blessings- January 31
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have
testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." (Acts 23:11)
A promise to the apostle that his ministry is not yet over and that he has to testify about
Jesus in Rome. God spoke to the apostle not vaguely but specifically. It was not something
said haphazardly but pinpointing a place where God would take him to, come what may.
In the very next verses, we read of a plan by the Jews to kill him. But since God had given
him the promise, could anyone kill him?
The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to
eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot. (Acts
23:12, 13)
God foiled their plans.
Later on in Chapter 25, we read of another plan to kill Paul.
They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem,
for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. (Acts 25:3)
God did not allow it to happen.
Traveling to Italy later on, the ship that Paul traveled by was hit by a violent storm.
Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the
island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave
way to it and were driven along. (Acts 27:14, 15)
God protected Paul because of his promise and plan.
He landed up on an island called Malta where God had a ministry for him to do.
3 months later he traveled again and finally landed in Rome.
Luke, the physician writes,
When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
(Acts 28:16)
The book of Acts ends with these verses:
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came
to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught
about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:30, 31)
God is faithful. He will foil every plan the enemy brings against the promise that he has
given you. If he has promised you something, he will definitely bring it to pass. Just walk
with him.
testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." (Acts 23:11)
A promise to the apostle that his ministry is not yet over and that he has to testify about
Jesus in Rome. God spoke to the apostle not vaguely but specifically. It was not something
said haphazardly but pinpointing a place where God would take him to, come what may.
In the very next verses, we read of a plan by the Jews to kill him. But since God had given
him the promise, could anyone kill him?
The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to
eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot. (Acts
23:12, 13)
God foiled their plans.
Later on in Chapter 25, we read of another plan to kill Paul.
They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem,
for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. (Acts 25:3)
God did not allow it to happen.
Traveling to Italy later on, the ship that Paul traveled by was hit by a violent storm.
Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the
island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave
way to it and were driven along. (Acts 27:14, 15)
God protected Paul because of his promise and plan.
He landed up on an island called Malta where God had a ministry for him to do.
3 months later he traveled again and finally landed in Rome.
Luke, the physician writes,
When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
(Acts 28:16)
The book of Acts ends with these verses:
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came
to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught
about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:30, 31)
God is faithful. He will foil every plan the enemy brings against the promise that he has
given you. If he has promised you something, he will definitely bring it to pass. Just walk
with him.
Saturday, January 30, 2016
365 Blessings- January 30
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our
Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:8)
Do you feel that you may not be able to endure all the trials that you are facing and reach
the desired end of it all- eternal union with God?
Is there a question frequently popping up in your mind whether you should have signed up
for this trip- living for Jesus? Here's a promise for you right from the Word of God- He will
keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
How can a person say with surety that he/she will make it to the desired end? Well, that's
what the gospel is all about. It's not on our merit, but by his Grace. The Bible says,
"God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." (1
Corinthians 1:9)
So, be assured this day, brother/sister in Christ. Jesus will keep strengthening you with his
Holy Spirit till the moment you join him in eternity or at his coming. You are precious to
him. As precious as Jesus is to his father.
"As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious
to him." (1 Peter 2:4)
The closing verses of the book of Jude says it perfectly:
Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence
of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy, to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus
Christ our Lord, [be] glory, majesty, dominion and power, before all time, and now, and for
evermore. Amen. (Jude 1:24,25)
Shall we say an amen to that?
Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:8)
Do you feel that you may not be able to endure all the trials that you are facing and reach
the desired end of it all- eternal union with God?
Is there a question frequently popping up in your mind whether you should have signed up
for this trip- living for Jesus? Here's a promise for you right from the Word of God- He will
keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
How can a person say with surety that he/she will make it to the desired end? Well, that's
what the gospel is all about. It's not on our merit, but by his Grace. The Bible says,
"God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." (1
Corinthians 1:9)
So, be assured this day, brother/sister in Christ. Jesus will keep strengthening you with his
Holy Spirit till the moment you join him in eternity or at his coming. You are precious to
him. As precious as Jesus is to his father.
"As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious
to him." (1 Peter 2:4)
The closing verses of the book of Jude says it perfectly:
Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence
of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy, to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus
Christ our Lord, [be] glory, majesty, dominion and power, before all time, and now, and for
evermore. Amen. (Jude 1:24,25)
Shall we say an amen to that?
365 Blessings- January 29
He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. (Song of
Solomon 2:4)
Do you believe that the love that Jesus has for you is much much greater than the love
that the woman here had for her lover?
God says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness.
(Jeremiah
31:3)
Everlasting love can come only from an everlasting God. The Bible says,
”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died
for us.” (Romans 5:8)
John, the Apostle writes,
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of
God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not
know him. (1 John 3:1)
The Apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians says,
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with
all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to
know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the
fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
The love that Jesus has for you is one that surpasses knowledge and if you have to really
grasp how wide, long, high and deep it is, you would need more than a lifetime.
Yes, Jesus loves you, much more than you can ever imagine, much more than you can
ever grasp. In fact, the banner that he's held over you is the banner of love.
Solomon 2:4)
Do you believe that the love that Jesus has for you is much much greater than the love
that the woman here had for her lover?
God says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness.
(Jeremiah
31:3)
Everlasting love can come only from an everlasting God. The Bible says,
”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died
for us.” (Romans 5:8)
John, the Apostle writes,
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of
God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not
know him. (1 John 3:1)
The Apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians says,
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with
all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to
know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the
fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
The love that Jesus has for you is one that surpasses knowledge and if you have to really
grasp how wide, long, high and deep it is, you would need more than a lifetime.
Yes, Jesus loves you, much more than you can ever imagine, much more than you can
ever grasp. In fact, the banner that he's held over you is the banner of love.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
365 Blessings- January 28
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
(Luke 2:14)
When Jesus was born, there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch
over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord
shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of
David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You
will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and
saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
If you are reading this, God's favor rests upon you and that will bring peace to you amidst
all the troubles that you face in this chaotic world.
It's not a trivial matter if God's favor has rested upon you. The Apostle Peter puts it this
manner:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,
that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful
light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not
received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9, 10)
The Psalmist prays,
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us -
yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)
The Bible says,
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing
does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (Psalm 84:11)
Yes, we are the people of God and God's favor rests upon us. Let us rejoice that God has
chosen us as a people for himself, that we have received mercy and that we are a people
belonging to him.
(Luke 2:14)
When Jesus was born, there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch
over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord
shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of
David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You
will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and
saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
If you are reading this, God's favor rests upon you and that will bring peace to you amidst
all the troubles that you face in this chaotic world.
It's not a trivial matter if God's favor has rested upon you. The Apostle Peter puts it this
manner:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,
that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful
light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not
received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9, 10)
The Psalmist prays,
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us -
yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)
The Bible says,
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing
does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (Psalm 84:11)
Yes, we are the people of God and God's favor rests upon us. Let us rejoice that God has
chosen us as a people for himself, that we have received mercy and that we are a people
belonging to him.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
365 Blessings- January 27
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
(Proverbs 30:5)
Interestingly, there are many who are fond of finding flaws in the Word of God, the Bible.
Actually the Bible was written over a period of 1400 to 1800 years by more than 40
different authors. Certain mistakes and discrepancies can be found because of human
errors. But the fact remains as Agur son of Jakeh says here- Every word of God is flawless.
Do you question the validity of what you read in the Bible everyday? Of course all of us
have many doubts and there are many things that we don't understand when we read the
Word. Yet, whatever God wanted mankind to know and understand is very clear. That's
because the Bible was written by men under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God.
Yes, every word of God is flawless because God himself is flawless. His promises are
flawless. Do you believe that?
King David, that great psalmist of Israel says,
And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified
seven times. (Psalm 12:6)
Again David affirms the same when he says,
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who
take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30)
God is our shield. The Psalmist affirms that many times.
My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. (Psalm 7:10)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take
refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)
You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to
make me great. (Psalm 18:35)
Believe in the Lord. Believe in his words. Believe in his promises. That will bring you
peace that passes all understanding.
(Proverbs 30:5)
Interestingly, there are many who are fond of finding flaws in the Word of God, the Bible.
Actually the Bible was written over a period of 1400 to 1800 years by more than 40
different authors. Certain mistakes and discrepancies can be found because of human
errors. But the fact remains as Agur son of Jakeh says here- Every word of God is flawless.
Do you question the validity of what you read in the Bible everyday? Of course all of us
have many doubts and there are many things that we don't understand when we read the
Word. Yet, whatever God wanted mankind to know and understand is very clear. That's
because the Bible was written by men under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God.
Yes, every word of God is flawless because God himself is flawless. His promises are
flawless. Do you believe that?
King David, that great psalmist of Israel says,
And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified
seven times. (Psalm 12:6)
Again David affirms the same when he says,
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who
take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30)
God is our shield. The Psalmist affirms that many times.
My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. (Psalm 7:10)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take
refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)
You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to
make me great. (Psalm 18:35)
Believe in the Lord. Believe in his words. Believe in his promises. That will bring you
peace that passes all understanding.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
365 Blessings- January 26
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
(Psalm 91:3)
This promise is for all who dwell in the shelter of the Most High. Such a person can
confidently say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
(Psalm 91:2)
Most of us must have had enough encounters with the fowler and his snares in our lives.
Of the fowler (Satan), Jesus had some exceptionally caustic statements to make and it is
nothing but profound truth:
"He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in
him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
(John 8:44)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.....(John 10:10)
Of course, there are many so called Christians who do not believe that the fowler exists
and is planning and orchestrating evil continually.
There are others who ignore him even when they know that it is because of his tricks that
they are suffering.
The Apostle Paul had this to say regarding the unforgiving attitude in some of the believers
in the Corinthian Church and the possibility of Satan taking advantage of it.
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven - if there was anything
to forgive - I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might
not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:10, 11)
Are you attentive to the voice of God in your life? It is most essential if you have to escape
the fowler's snare.
He can outwit you with his schemes if you do not continually dwell in the shelter of the
Most High.
If you do dwell in the shelter of the most high and abide in his shadow, this promise
(surely he will save you from the fowler's snare...)will continually be fulfilled in your life
too. Praise God.
(Psalm 91:3)
This promise is for all who dwell in the shelter of the Most High. Such a person can
confidently say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
(Psalm 91:2)
Most of us must have had enough encounters with the fowler and his snares in our lives.
Of the fowler (Satan), Jesus had some exceptionally caustic statements to make and it is
nothing but profound truth:
"He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in
him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
(John 8:44)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.....(John 10:10)
Of course, there are many so called Christians who do not believe that the fowler exists
and is planning and orchestrating evil continually.
There are others who ignore him even when they know that it is because of his tricks that
they are suffering.
The Apostle Paul had this to say regarding the unforgiving attitude in some of the believers
in the Corinthian Church and the possibility of Satan taking advantage of it.
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven - if there was anything
to forgive - I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might
not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:10, 11)
Are you attentive to the voice of God in your life? It is most essential if you have to escape
the fowler's snare.
He can outwit you with his schemes if you do not continually dwell in the shelter of the
Most High.
If you do dwell in the shelter of the most high and abide in his shadow, this promise
(surely he will save you from the fowler's snare...)will continually be fulfilled in your life
too. Praise God.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Comments Regarding Book "Dreams, Visions, The Still Small Voice & Miracles"
I've been reading your testimonies through the Android App this morning and what a wonderful revelation they are to me!
I live in Pretoria, South Africa. God has just recently also begun revealing messages to me through dreams and visions and the still small voice and your work is indeed a wonderful reference work to further aid my ; "opening of spiritual eyes and ears" to the Lord.
I live in Pretoria, South Africa. God has just recently also begun revealing messages to me through dreams and visions and the still small voice and your work is indeed a wonderful reference work to further aid my ; "opening of spiritual eyes and ears" to the Lord.
I sense so much of who you are through your writings and I feel a profound Christ-like love for you.
God bless you richly my brother and with this email I send a very powerful prayer for you to be blessed even more in your wonderful work for the Kingdom of God. I also pray for extra super protection of your plans and intentions and a DOUBLE PORTION of everything you are to receive.
Please also pray for me as I am suffering tremendous pain due to completely disintegrated disks in my lower back. Yet I stand on faith and believe for a miracle that God will touch my back.
God bless you wonderful special brother in Christ.
Paul Albrecht
365 Blessings- January 25
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your
sins and heals all your diseases, (Psalm 103:2, 3) (NIV)
I was just comparing these verses in different versions of the Bible. These were the
findings:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your
iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(NAS)
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His
benefits-- Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your
diseases, (Psalm 103:2, 3)(Amplified)
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine
iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(KJV)
Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
Who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(ASV)
There's not much change in the meaning of the verses in any of these versions. The points
to note being that God forgives all our sins/iniquities and heals all our diseases.
Many do believe in the sin-forgiving ability of the Lord, but when it comes to healing many
doubt.
There can be many arguments regarding this, but the point is whether we are willing to
take the Word literally as it is, for "today".
Can anyone of us say that the verse is untrue?
Even if we haven't seen healing in a specific case/cases, we cannot state that the
Lord does not heal now.
He does heal and many of us are witnesses of it. So even today, shall we believe that he is
still the disease-healing God as he is the sin-forgiving God?
Can we emphatically say, "Yes God, you heal all my diseases as I read in your Word and
may your name be glorified".
Can we exhort ourselves and say what the psalmist sang: Praise the LORD, O my soul, and
forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. That
would be wonderful.
sins and heals all your diseases, (Psalm 103:2, 3) (NIV)
I was just comparing these verses in different versions of the Bible. These were the
findings:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your
iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(NAS)
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His
benefits-- Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your
diseases, (Psalm 103:2, 3)(Amplified)
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine
iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(KJV)
Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
Who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(ASV)
There's not much change in the meaning of the verses in any of these versions. The points
to note being that God forgives all our sins/iniquities and heals all our diseases.
Many do believe in the sin-forgiving ability of the Lord, but when it comes to healing many
doubt.
There can be many arguments regarding this, but the point is whether we are willing to
take the Word literally as it is, for "today".
Can anyone of us say that the verse is untrue?
Even if we haven't seen healing in a specific case/cases, we cannot state that the
Lord does not heal now.
He does heal and many of us are witnesses of it. So even today, shall we believe that he is
still the disease-healing God as he is the sin-forgiving God?
Can we emphatically say, "Yes God, you heal all my diseases as I read in your Word and
may your name be glorified".
Can we exhort ourselves and say what the psalmist sang: Praise the LORD, O my soul, and
forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. That
would be wonderful.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
365 Blessings- January 24
"They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my
treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his
son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous
and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. (Malachi
3:17, 18)
These verses speak of the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. The distinction may not be immediately apparent what with the wicked seemingly being blessed and the righteous suffering. The psalmist Asaph seemed troubled by such thoughts: But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. (Psalm 73:2-9)
Sometimes thoughts like these trouble many believers. Why are the wicked prospering while they are suffering in some ways. As Malachi wrote...the distinction will be clear only at God's appointed time. Then the righteous or them who serve God will be his treasured possession and the wicked will be judged with eternal punishment.
Asaph was troubled because of the prosperity of the wicked. He said, Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me (Psalm 73:13, 14, 16)
Asaph's doubts about God's righteousness were cleared when he entered God's sanctuary and his spiritual eyes were opened. He then understood the final destiny of the wicked. So he sang, "Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! (Psalm 73:18, 19)
Always remember, the prosperity of the wicked or those who do not serve God are only temporary, but you as a child of God are his "treasured possession" and will remain like that forever.
These verses speak of the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. The distinction may not be immediately apparent what with the wicked seemingly being blessed and the righteous suffering. The psalmist Asaph seemed troubled by such thoughts: But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. (Psalm 73:2-9)
Sometimes thoughts like these trouble many believers. Why are the wicked prospering while they are suffering in some ways. As Malachi wrote...the distinction will be clear only at God's appointed time. Then the righteous or them who serve God will be his treasured possession and the wicked will be judged with eternal punishment.
Asaph was troubled because of the prosperity of the wicked. He said, Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me (Psalm 73:13, 14, 16)
Asaph's doubts about God's righteousness were cleared when he entered God's sanctuary and his spiritual eyes were opened. He then understood the final destiny of the wicked. So he sang, "Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! (Psalm 73:18, 19)
Always remember, the prosperity of the wicked or those who do not serve God are only temporary, but you as a child of God are his "treasured possession" and will remain like that forever.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Blessing 16- Numbers 6:22-27
The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, `This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Wonderful if we could bless our children in this manner. So many great blessings in a few verses. Some people have regrets that they did not do what they had to do as parents when they had to do what they had to do. (If that’s a bit complex, please read it again). Well, the best thing to do is forget the past and look to the future. There’s no point in crying over spilt milk. The Lord is with you if you are on track with Him. Give Him your burdens and your failures and start anew. Not much is lost yet. The Lord can straighten out things like only He can. If your children are with you, for a change, call them and proclaim this blessing over them; if they are away from you just think about them and proclaim this blessing over them. If they are not in sync with the Lord, pray and proclaim this over them till you see a visible change and then give thanks to the Lord for another answered prayer. God bless you.
Wonderful if we could bless our children in this manner. So many great blessings in a few verses. Some people have regrets that they did not do what they had to do as parents when they had to do what they had to do. (If that’s a bit complex, please read it again). Well, the best thing to do is forget the past and look to the future. There’s no point in crying over spilt milk. The Lord is with you if you are on track with Him. Give Him your burdens and your failures and start anew. Not much is lost yet. The Lord can straighten out things like only He can. If your children are with you, for a change, call them and proclaim this blessing over them; if they are away from you just think about them and proclaim this blessing over them. If they are not in sync with the Lord, pray and proclaim this over them till you see a visible change and then give thanks to the Lord for another answered prayer. God bless you.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
365 Nuggets Of Gold- 27
Thus did Moses: according to all that God commanded him, so he did. (Exodus 40:16)
There are around 15 "you shall" statements made by God to Moses in Exodus Chapter 40. Yet at the end of receiving the commands, Moses obeyed God and did what he said. Verse 33 says, "So Moses finished the work".
And as soon as he had completed the tasks that God had given him, the glory of God filled the tent. Moses wasn't able to enter into the tent of meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and God's glory filled the tent.
When we obey God and his Word, God's glory shines upon our lives too. As servants of the Most High, when we accomplish the tasks that God has laid upon us for the building of his kingdom here on earth, God grants us more of his presence and answers our prayers. The ultimate rewards will of course be heavenly when God will dwell with his people for all eternity.
How wonderful it would be to hear the Master call out to each one of us at the end of our lives....."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."
There are around 15 "you shall" statements made by God to Moses in Exodus Chapter 40. Yet at the end of receiving the commands, Moses obeyed God and did what he said. Verse 33 says, "So Moses finished the work".
And as soon as he had completed the tasks that God had given him, the glory of God filled the tent. Moses wasn't able to enter into the tent of meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and God's glory filled the tent.
When we obey God and his Word, God's glory shines upon our lives too. As servants of the Most High, when we accomplish the tasks that God has laid upon us for the building of his kingdom here on earth, God grants us more of his presence and answers our prayers. The ultimate rewards will of course be heavenly when God will dwell with his people for all eternity.
How wonderful it would be to hear the Master call out to each one of us at the end of our lives....."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."
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
365 Nuggets Of Gold- 26
So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. (Genesis 50:26)
The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament of the Bible is so very touching. A son loved by his father was hated by his brothers and sold in to the hands of foreigners who sold him again. He reached a land where he had no friends and family, yet God sustained him. Even when he was thrown in to prison for no fault of his, he did not revile God. God exalted him to a very high position; he was second only to the ruler of the land; everyone else was subject to him. God moved in the life of this humble and righteous man in such a way that the man was honored and exalted in every aspect of his life and God's name was glorified. He can do the same for you too. Honor God and his son Jesus Christ and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit and you will see it happen in your life.
The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament of the Bible is so very touching. A son loved by his father was hated by his brothers and sold in to the hands of foreigners who sold him again. He reached a land where he had no friends and family, yet God sustained him. Even when he was thrown in to prison for no fault of his, he did not revile God. God exalted him to a very high position; he was second only to the ruler of the land; everyone else was subject to him. God moved in the life of this humble and righteous man in such a way that the man was honored and exalted in every aspect of his life and God's name was glorified. He can do the same for you too. Honor God and his son Jesus Christ and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit and you will see it happen in your life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)