Amazing what Bible reading does - AG

Amazing what Bible reading does

Nehemiah 9:3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the Lord their God.

They read the Bible, the book of the law. This was the law of God. They read it for three hours here in this passage. As they read the Bible, they saw their wrong. They knew what they were doing and had done that did not please God.

They then began to confess their sin. If I never get into the Bible, I can feel pretty good about my arrogance, my sin, my rebellion against God. If I do not know, I will feel no need to grow in grace and holiness. When a person reads the Bible, they look into the heart and mind of God. They find out what God thinks. When we know what God thinks we want to change. We want to be what He wants us to be.

If you will get into the Word of God, it is going to surprise you how it changes you. You will end up confessing your need of God. You will confess your sins, your failures, your rebellions and seek to walk with God.

I want to be more and more like Him. I want to have His mark on me. I want to please Him. As I read the Bible, I see what I am doing wrong. I am sorry for that. I turn from it and seek to please Him more.

Reading the Bible will bring confession. Confession will bring changes to our lives. This will lead to us loving and worshipping God like never before.

Let’s read the Bible.

RevAG

 

Our Faith in Him - DB

For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Tim. 1:12

The foundation of our faith is Jesus Christ. Our belief about Him effects our belief about everything else. Paul knew Jesus was the Messiah, the only begotten Son of God. Paul knew Jesus had died on the cross for his sins and had risen again on the third day.

Because Paul knew who Jesus was and what He had already done, Paul was fully persuaded that Jesus would keep His promises to him. In facing his own death, Paul found his faith was not only good enough to live by, but good enough to die by.

 

So is ours.

 

RevDB

 

Call on Him today - DB

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Rom. 10:13

Yesterday, I heard a beautiful rendition of an old song, “I Firmly Promise You.” The song reminds us “that death is sure and life is so uncertain.” It also reminds us how important it is to know where we will spend eternity.

If you do not have a time in your life when you know you were saved, then call upon the Lord today. If you do, then tell those you love. In Christ, we can firmly promise we will meet them in Heaven.

 

Rev DB

 

Elevate your lfe - DB

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Is. 55:8-9

There are some people who inspire us to be more. Whose words and actions inspire us to act and think in more honorable ways. By their example, we become more than we would have been otherwise.

In the words and actions of Jesus, we get a glimpse of what God intends for us to be. In following Christ, we elevate our life to a higher path. In Him, we can be much more than we ever imagined.

 

Rev DB

 

Emptiness - AG

Emptiness

Isaiah 29:8 It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; But he awaketh, and his soul is empty: Or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; But he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: So shall the multitude of all the nations be, That fight against mount Zion.

When you fight against God and His truth you will end up empty. Truth fills and frees. Lies bind and leave one barren. The prophet explains what the rebels will feel.

They will dream they are eating a big meal but wake up as hungry as ever. Their belly might even be full but their soul, their heart of hearts will be empty. They will have all the appearance of success, but in their deepest soul, they will know something is missing.

They will be thirsty, and in their dreams, they will drink to their fill but awake dry. They will be weak. They will still know something is missing. There is a spiritual hole in their hearts that remains unfilled. They drink and eat and still want more because it doesn’t really satisfy.

That is the fate of all who fight against God. You can pretend that you are fine but you and God both know that you still miss your greatness needs. Money can’t satisfy. Sex will not meet the need. Popularity leaves you feeling empty.

Everyone needs God. I challenge you to turn to Him and trust Him. He loves you and has done all for you. He will meet the needs you long for so deeply. Nehemiah wants to see the people really get their hearts right with God about their marriages. He knows that God’s people will not live for God and serve God if they marry those who do not love God.

Are you dating someone that doesn’t love God? Are you making decisions based on personal opinion or what God would say about who you should marry? Honor God!

 

Rev AG

 

Respect for the Word of God - AG

Respect for the Word of God

Nehemiah 8:5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

Ezra opened the book. The people saw him open the book. They knew that they were about to hear the very Word of God. They stood up. They stood up for four hours. They loved and respected the Bible. This was no mere tradition of standing for the reading of the Word in the church service. This was I am standing. I know who is talking. I will be uncomfortable, but I will make myself pay attention. I believe that I am hearing from God.

I read this, and I am blown away at their reverence. They stood up for four hours. They listened attentively. I do not believe I could have done the same thing. I do know I need to be more respectful of the Bible. I know that I need to put it into practice in my life. I know that little rituals are not what I need.

Let’s show some respect. Let’s lift the Word of God.

Rev AG

 

Open the door - DB

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and . . . he will abundantly pardon. Is. 55:7

Wherever we are in life, we have an invitation to return unto the Lord. Repentance is the key that opens the door back to God. Repentance is when we turn from our sins and turn toward the Lord.

God has promised when we repent, He will have mercy upon us. He will abundantly pardon all our mistakes. Christ is the door through which God has extended His grace. Use the key and open the door today.

 

RevDB

 

He Healed Them All - TG

Musing Through Matthew He Healed Them All

Let us muse again today from Matthew 15:30-31 and the theme of Jesus the king.
 
In our text for today we find the truth of He healed  them all. Jesus was and still is the great magnet that draws sinners unto Himself. There is a great multitude that came of dumb, maimed, lamed and blind. Each one of these have a spiritual implication. When they saw His wonder working in their lives they glorified the God of Israel. The dumb could hear, the maimed were made whole, the lame could walk, and the blind could see. What an instrument of increasing the faith of those watching. Oh, how our faith is increased when we see sinners saved.

John said Jesus will not cast out any that come unto Him.

Rev TG
 

When it's past waiting time - DN

Jos 3:13And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

There are times when the will of God for us, is to wait. For the anxious individual this can be a challenge in its self!

In Luke 24:29 the disciples were to tarry ye in Jerusalem until they were endured with power from on high.

Isaiah admonished us by declaring But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength...

Here in Joshua 3:13 we see the waiting time is over, it is now time to move forward.

1) What they Faced: When the river was over flowing its banks. When the logical thing to do was wait, The word was for them to go forward. Before they ever got to the river, waters were already up to their ankles. What must be going on in their minds? 

2. What they Found: When they Step into the over flowing water, The Overflowing Word was greater than the Overflowing Water!

They held the key to unlock the gate into the Land of Promise in their own hands or hearts I should say, and the gate would not begin to turn on its hinges until they had approached and unlocked it. The key was faith.

God does not always remove the barriers before he commands us to obey. Sometimes He would have us to take that step of Faith!

Are you held up today waiting on God to make it simple or easier? Why not just obey the WORD and then watch.

 

THE LORD make away

RevDN

 

the sanctity of marriage - DB

But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh. . . What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Mark 10:6-9

In this passage, Jesus directly responds to a question about the sanctity of marriage. In no uncertain terms, He explains the wonderful mystery and divine plan for the union of a man and woman.

As in Jesus’ day, many forces work to undermine the sacred plan of marriage. For those of us who are married, the best way to honor God’s divine plan is to express love and appreciation to our spouse.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

 

RevDB

 

time to move forward - DN

Jos 3:13And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

There are times when the will of God for us, is to wait. For the anxious individual this can be a challenge in its self!
In Luke 24:29 the disciples were to tarry ye in Jerusalem until they were endured with power from on high.
Isaiah admonished us by declaring But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength...
Here in Joshua 3:13 we see the waiting time is over, it is now time to move forward.
1) What they Faced: When the river was over flowing its banks. When the logical thing to do was wait, The word was for them to go forward. Before they ever got to the river, waters were already up to their ankles. What must be going on in their minds? 
2. What they Found: When they Step into the over flowing water, The Overflowing Word was greater than the Overflowing Water!
They held the key to unlock the gate into the Land of Promise in their own hands or hearts I should say, and the gate would not begin to turn on its hinges until they had approached and unlocked it. The key was faith.

God does not always remove the barriers before he commands us to obey. Sometimes He would have us to take that step of Faith!

Are you held up today waiting on God to make it simple or easier? Why not just obey the WORD and then watch THE LORD make away.

REVDN

 

I Got Jesus - DN

teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 
Matthew 28:20

I GOT JESUS
We that are saved, are pilgrims here below on a journey.
As pilgrims in this world, what a comforting and assuring promise this is, HE IS WITH US ALWAYS. We are not alone, no matter how it seems. 
Three things I find here of great comfort:
1) An Identity: (I am) He's the great I AM. The devil made his statement by saying to the God of Heaven, I will, this was his plan to become!!!
Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Isa 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Quiet a difference between I will. And I AM!
The Truth I want you to see is this, he could say I am the resurrection, bread of life, the door, Good Shepherd etc. because he was!
There was nothing for him to prove or do to become. 
My what an Identity and force if you please, to have with us. 
David said he is my Shepherd!
J Hudson Taylor stated in reference to Psalms 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd. 
Not was, not may be, nor will be. "The LORD is my shepherd." He is on Sunday, on Monday, and through every day of the week. He is in January, in December, and every month of the year. He is when I'm at home and in China. He is during peace or war, and in times of abundance or poverty.

2. Information: (you) I AM WITH YOU
Very important information before us here. It is such a blessing knowing that Christ is near, it's a greater blessing knowing he is near me. 
You might say, I can't see him - yet He's there, I can't feel Him but He's there, I can't hear Him - He's there! Because the Bible says so!

3. An Infinite Promise: always (always denotes Continually or constantly during a certain period, or regularly at stated intervals.)
Someone said once, all good things must come to an end!
Not so when it comes to this promise of his presence!
David stated, 
Psalms 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Psa 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Psa 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Rev DN

 

Stop and Rejoice in Him - DN

Stop and Rejoice in Him

Psa 66:6 He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

One will discover or should discover in this journey with God directing and leading the way, life doesn't have to be just perfect to rejoice in HIM. 
Paul admonishes us, Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.

I) Power of God Manifested: ( He turned the sea into dry land )
Who turns the seas into dry ground ?
Seas represented here, unsurmountable odds. No chance of overcoming without God's divine involvement. 
It maybe a courtroom, a surgical ward or some other place where life has suddenly gotten out of our hands, where there is nothing we can do within ourselves.

II) People of God's Obedience: ( they went through the flood on foot )
They did not just sit down when they saw the sea crashing against the banks and spewing off its spray in their faces! They knew God wanted them on the other side. So, they watched God turn the seas into dry land and then moved on!
You ever find yourselves turning to go back because it seems impossible to continue in the way you are going. Only to find out you should have waited and watch God do the miraculous..

III) Praise of God Offered : there did we rejoice in HIM
God is always worthy of our praise. If you are undecided, you will not go wrong by praising HIM

Two things seem to stand out to me about this reaction.

First, they had a reason. They were living in divine deliverance. A place where God had showed himself strong!

Secondly, the place they were rejoicing. It was not on the banks of the river, or on the shores of the great sea, it was in the midst of this dried up sea where only moments ago was overcome with water.

You shouldn't have to have the circumstances to be just right to rejoice in him!!

REV DN

 

Salvation is of the LORD

 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ not of works, lest any man should boast.

spirit of hurriness - DN

Trust it's a help to someone

Isa 52:12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward.

Ye shall not go out with haste ....I see a picture here of someone who is in such a hurry to get something done, it didn't get done right. In response, they're commanded or directed to do it over but this time slow down, take your time and do it if right.

It seems like everyone is in a hurry!
I'll never forget hearing this many years ago as a young preacher.
It was said, the worlds motto is, hurry,worry, and burry.
I thought if that was so then, how much truer is it today.

There's a spirit of hurriness about us today.
In a hurry for their meal. It's a drive through fix, and by the way, after 14 years of evangelism I hate drive through's. (I had rather get a root canal! WELL ALMOST HAD RATHER GET A ROOT CANANL ) They never get it right! So you now have to wait, while they redo your order!
Parents in a hurry for their child to take that first step, say that first word etc. It's not until they are sitting at a graduation service or waiting and watching for that bride to come down that we wish we had taken more time ..

You may be sure that God will never say to us, "Stand still," "Sit still," or "Be still," unless He is going to do something.
So today, let's try to slow down, it might be the Lord just might,

Speak to Us - wouldn't you like to hear his voice? Have him to call your name?
Show US - David said, open thou my eyes, that I might behold wonderful things from thy law.

Our Heavenly Father can definitely show you some things!

REV DN
 

Recognizing our need - AG

Recognizing our need

Nehemiah 9:33 Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly.

The hardest part of life is admitting our weakness or need. Most want to be right with God but do not want to think of themselves as failing God in any way. We want to feel good about ourselves.

The Bible truth would be that you can’t feel good about yourself without help. We have sinned. We have messed up. We need to humble ourselves and realize that before God we have failed.

We admit that He is right and that we are wrong. We acknowledge that we deserve punishment. We are grateful that He would forgive us and give us new life.

We need to stop the blaming and comparing games we play. We look at others and think that we are doing pretty good. We compare ourselves to those that are doing worse than we are. We change the measuring system from God to others.

Salvation is yours when you recognize your need of Jesus and turn from yourself to Him. Will, you quit thinking so highly of yourself and admit you need outside help. Will you trust Jesus Christ to save you by what He did on the cross of Calvary.

Rev AG

 

Faith and reason work together - TE

Faith and reason work together.

God has given convincing reasons for people to have faith in him:

natural revelation (i.e., nature and conscience) (Psalm 19:1; Rom 1:18-22; 2:14-15),

historical evidences (Acts 1:1-3; 2:32; 3:15; 5:30-32; 10:39-41; 1Cor 15:3-8),

confirming miracles (Isa 7:14; Jn 2:18-21; 20:30-31; Acts 2:22; 2Cor 12:12; Heb 2:4),

fulfilled prophecies (Isa 53; Dan 9:26; Luke 21:6; Jn 2:18-21; 1Cor 15:3-4).

God uses reasoning to persuade people to have faith in him (Isa 1:18; Mark 11:22; Acts 17:2; 18:4, 19, 28; 19:26; 27:25; 1Cor 14:24; 2Cor 5:11; Titus 1:9).

Brother TE