Sun, Sep 30th - 12:17AM

Sat, Sep 29th - 12:34AM

Fri, Sep 28th - 11:55AM

 
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THERE'S A MIRACLE IN THE MAKING. ONE FOR YOU THE FATHER IS WORKING, EVEN NOW, YOUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN HEARD, AND THE ANSWER IS ON THE WAY, THERE'S A MIRACLE, FOR YOU TODAY............

Thu, Sep 27th - 11:55PM

REMAINING IN GOD'S WILL

MATTHEW 4:18-22

Thanks to the gospel writer's careful recording of events during and following Jesus' life on earth, we know God's plan for His disciples.  On the day Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John into the ministry, they did not have the benefits of this knowledge.

These men would preach the good News that offers redemption to the world. They, along with other faithful followers, would be the foundation of Christ's church.  And Peter in particular would be a leader among leaders.  But as the four men repaired nets and discussed the day's catch with their coworkers, they knew none of this.

Jesus' words were simply, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."  All they knew was that He was asking them to leave their vocations, alter their relationships with loved ones, and adjust their religious belief to follow a radical preacher claiming to be God's Son.  (Matthew 4:18-19; 16:16-17) and they did.

Jesus did not give His disciples many details in their first meeting.  Nor does God typically offer an explanation when He wants us to make changes in our life.  Only later might we see the effects of our obedience.  The Bible says that the Lord has an awesome purpose for every believer's life, and any adjustment He calls for is intended to ensure its fulfillment. (Jeremiah 29:11).

Those of us who adjust thoughts, words and deeds according to God's guidance remain in the center of His will. Our reward for accepting the challenge to change and grow is an awesome opportunity to serve and to be blessed with His best.

Wed, Sep 26th - 11:07PM

~~ THE KEY TO SERVANTHOOD ~~

     JOHN 13:3-16

One reason so many Christians are discontented and unsettled is that they haven't learned what true service is.  Somehow they get the idea that just going to church is the best way to serve God.  But when Jesus talks about service, it always consists of pouring your life into somebody else.

The Lord demonstrated what He meant when He washed the disciples' feet in the upper room during the Last Supper.  In so doing, He showed that the key to servanthood is humility.  Unlesss we are willing to stoop very low and get dirty in our service, we have missed the whole point of servanthood.

A true servant does not wait  to be asked.  Nobody asked Jesus to go and wash the disciple' feet.  Just as He saw and did what was necessary, a true servant will be alert to identify the need and will volunteer to meet it.  He will quietly go about his service without looking for recognition or rewaard.  He is satisfied and contented with the overwhelming joy that comes by simply giving.

A true servant must learn to receive as well as to give. That is usually very difficult for servants.  Jesus told His disciples that if they did not let Him wash their feet then they had no part in Him.  Peter balked at this because he was too proud to receive such care. (v8) We must not be so tied to conventions and pride that we say no to somebody who lovingly desires "wash our feet."  True servants learn both how to graciously give and how to humbly receive.

Tue, Sep 25th - 10:24PM

WE NEED TO USE OUR TIME WISELY

CORINTHIANS 3:11-13

We know that everyone would agree that time is a most precious commodity.  It is essential for developing skills, deepening relationships and gaining experience--and no amount of money, possessions, or prestige can equal its value.

Think about this.  You can't earn time or give it away.  you can't shorten it for painful occasions or extend it for joyous ones.  And only God can add to or subtract from your days on earth. (2Kings 20:6; Psalm 139:16).  He is in absolute control of time.

So lets ask ourself:  What are we doing with this priceless commodity?  The apostle Paul urges us to recognize and act upon every opportunity God presents (Colossians 4:5).

The Lord wants to make the most of our time--to treat it like the valuable gift it is.  Too often, believers spend their hours on endeavours which, in an eternal sense, are fruitless.  But Jesus set the example for efficient time management.  At the beginning and end of His incredibly hectic days, He retreated from the crowds and spent time in prayer with the Father.  Christ knew prayer was the greatest timesaver in the world.

God knows our schedule before it happens, and through prayer, He'll give wisdom and guidance for each day.  Relying on our own efforts results in wasted time.  Paul equates these efforts to wood, hay, and straw--compbustible objects that will burn up and amount to nothing (1Corinthians 3:12).

Focus on God and ask Him to point out any waste effort in your life.  He will help you make your time count.

Mon, Sep 24th - 12:11AM

JOSEPH:  FORWARD BY FAITH

GENESIS 39

Every believer will falter occasionally in his or her faith.  When that happens, how can we keep doubts to a  minimum?  The key is to remain focused upon God  so that we can move forward in His will.

Consider the Old Testament hero Joseph, who trusted in God through the harrowing events of his early years.  Faith sustained him through betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment.  Resting on his confidence in the Lord, Joseph didn't allow circumstances environment, or the opinions of others to distract him from acting in His will.  Joseph believed that every situation of his life was by God's design.

Most people react to trials by complaining that the situation is unfair and undeserved.  They are so focused on their circumstances and how unfortunate they are that they miss opportunities to serve God.

Joseph chose a different approach.  This young man who'd been sold into slavery by his brothers decided to do his work with excellence.  His duties in Potiphar's house were probably menial, but he performed them as if he were working for the Lord.  Only through this kind of commitment could Joseph have earned the attention and respect of his master.  And the Hebrew slave was rewarded with greater responsibility.

As Joseph moved through one hardship after another, he stayed focused on God, who had promised to raise him to a position of leadership (Genesis 37:10).  He had a practical approach to the downward turn in his fortunes:  he kept thinking about God and serving Him instead of dwelling on his trials.

Sun, Sep 23rd - 11:45AM

1Corinthians 16:8-9 --- What an exciting time this is to be alive and serving the Lord!  Think about the unparalleled door of opportunity that stands wide open before us to reach the entire world for Jesus Christ--it is tremendously motivating and inspiring to be able to participate in delivering the Gospel to so many people. The apostle Paul must have felt the same way when he wrote the Corinthians and told them of "the wide door for effective service" that the Lord had opened for him in Ephesus. (1Corinthians 16:9)

God is like that.  He is opening doors for each of us all the time.  Every day, we wake up to a new opportunities to affect others for good.  When we follow Jesus, we begin to understand that doors do not just  swing ajar as we approach them; every opportunity signifies that Someone has gone before us to open that door.  The question is, Will you walk through the doorway or keep to your own path?

Today we have unprecedented technological capabilities and can transmit the Gospel broadly and effectively.  The door is wide open, providing expanded opportunities to participate in the primary task of the church and the kingdom:  the redemption of mankind.

As followers of the Lord Jesus, we are all under a commission.   (Matthew 28:19-20) We have been given the assignment from almighty God to get the Gospel to every person on the face of the globe.  It is not a matter of choice: we are under obligation.  In times like this, we should be asking where we personally fit into God's plan.  We can't afford to sit back and act as if this job were intended for only preachers and missionaries.    We may have all kinds of reason why we think that we are not qualified, but it is time we got past our excuses.  We can read and study the Bible and then begin to share it with others. You have the Savior in whom you believe, and you have received eternal life from Him, so you should be able to talk about Him.

We stand before an open door.  Are you willing to step through it?