Isaiah 40:28
“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.” We have read from the Scriptures. We have heard the Word preached. We have held the Truth in our hands, and flipped through those holy pages. Yet, sometimes… we need reminded. Our flesh often gets in the way so much that we forget what we know to be True. We need reminded that He is an everlasting God. Isaiah 57:15 “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” We need reminded that He is the LORD. Jeremiah 32:27 “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” We need reminded that He is the Creator. Jeremiah 32:17 “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:” We need reminded that He always knows best. Psalm 147:1 “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” Whatever has distracted you from the Truth, set it aside. The Lord started a work in you, and He will finish it. Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Sometimes we need reminded. Bible Reading: Leviticus 7-8 | Luke 1
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John 11:32
“Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Have you ever had a problem that seemed impossible to solve? Or maybe a situation that just seemed hopeless? Is there no solution in sight or no light at the end of your tunnel of confusion? That is exactly where Mary and Martha found themselves in John 11. It’s a familiar story. Look at how Mary and Martha reacted in the middle of their darkness. John 11:3 “Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” They called for Jesus to intercede. We too can stop and pray when we feel hopeless. Jesus gave them Words of comfort…just as He has given us in the Scriptures, if only we will take the time to read. But Jesus did not come when they thought He should. He did not show up on their timetable. As far as they were concerned, He was late…four days late. His timing is rarely on our schedule, isn’t it? We don’t like to wait. We want the answer now…or even yesterday. These sisters believed that if He came when Lazarus was sick, He could miraculously heal him as He did so many others. But Lazarus died. All hope seemed gone. Can you relate? When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Martha went and met Him expressing her faith that even though her brother was dead, He could help. Jesus then preached the Gospel to her. John 11:25-26 “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” That question is also asked to every one of us. Do we believe in Him? Do we believe He can do the impossible in our lives? Mary ran to Jesus with her problem, believing He could solve it. We can find solutions at His Feet. John 11:32 “Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Jesus saw her faith and her tears. Just as He sees ours, when we choose to believe that He is the Answer to our problem. We know the rest of the story. Jesus performed one of His greatest, and most well-known, miracles that day. He raised Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus died, and lived again. What a picture of salvation! We were once dead in our sins, yet He can make anyone alive again when we place our faith in Him and are saved by His grace. Ephesians 2:4-5 "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" Do you need God to do the impossible in your life today? If you need salvation…He is the Answer. If you need a miracle…He alone can perform it. Whatever you need today, you can find it at His feet. Bible Reading: Leviticus 5-6 | Matthew 28 Luke 10:39
“And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.” Being at the feet of Jesus is not limited to our physical position. If our hearts are not first laid at His feet, it does not matter what bodily position we are in. A woman in the New Testament is known for being at His feet…Mary of Bethany. She was the sister of Martha and Lazarus. She and Martha hosted Jesus in their home many times. He was their friend, and they were His…what a thought to be considered a friend of Jesus! At the end of Luke 10, we find five verses filled with much Truth for us to learn regarding these sisters. Luke 10:38 “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.” Martha received Jesus into her house, and Mary was waiting. Luke 10:39 “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.” We can find the Scriptures at His Feet. Luke 10:40 “But Martha was cumbered about much serving…” Martha was cumbered about, even by good things. She was busy serving the Saviour. However, it is important to note that Martha was once also at the feet of Jesus. Verse 39 tells us this by the word “also”. Both of the sisters were once at His feet. Martha got up to attend to His needs. Those who have served in the ministry in any capacity can relate to how easy it is to get cumbered about with the cares of life, the people whom we are serving, or just the day-to-day aspects. Martha did not just serve a little; she served much. If we are not watchful, our serving can turn into cumbering…just like it did for Martha. Cumbering can then lead to complaining and commanding. Luke 10:40 “…and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” Jesus lovingly rebuked Martha for her outburst. Luke 10:41 “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:” The Scriptures tell us only one thing that we are to be careful of, or full of cares and worry. Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Jesus continued His response to her, while commending Mary for remaining at His feet. Luke 10:42 “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Mary made a choice to sit at His feet and hear His Word. Now it was time for Martha to choose to sit at His feet again. Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” If we do not hear the Word of God, our faith will never come. When we neglect His Word, our faith suffers. Have you ever gone awhile without truly sitting at His feet and hearing the Word? Then when you came back, even the first time, can you not notice the difference? Something was missing. The Word makes the difference. Like a dried up plant, the refreshing Water from the Word of God revives us just when we need it the most. Regardless of our physical position, your heart can be at His feet by opening your Bible, and spending time in His presence by reading and studying the Word of God that He has preserved for you. Choose to sit at His feet today. Bible Reading: Leviticus 3-4 | Matthew 27 Luke 7:38
“And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.” Many times throughout the pages of Scripture we find people at the feet of Jesus. This is not an accident nor a coincidence; for there are none of those within the inspired and preserved Word of God. It is also noteworthy that many, if not most, of these people were women. From this, we can glean many Truths to our lives of what may be found… at His feet. One of those women was an unnamed woman who is only referred to as a sinner. Luke 7:37 “And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,” She was a woman, and she was a sinner. That means we ALL qualify! Perhaps her name is not recorded so that we can better see that we all can relate to her. She knew Jesus was in the Pharisee’s house and came with a purpose, as she brought with her an alabaster box of ointment. She was at the feet of Jesus for a purpose… She sincerely washed His feet with her tears, wiped them with the hairs of her head, and then anointed His feet with the ointment. She did all of this to express her faith in Him. Luke 7:47-50 “Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” Her faith in Him made the difference. She was changed at His feet. She bowed down a sinner, and came up a sinner saved by grace through faith! We can find salvation at His feet. If you have questions about salvation, please contact us. We would love to share the Word of God with you about how you can be sure you are on your way to Heaven. Bible Reading: Leviticus 1-2 | Matthew 26 Philippians 1:27
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” The Lord sends people into our lives for a reason. Sometimes for encouragement during a trial you are facing. Sometimes so you’ll learn a lesson about whom you can trust. Sometimes for counsel to help you make the right decision. Sometimes for strength to continue despite the enemy’s attack. Sometimes so you won’t feel alone. And sometimes, because you need someone to strive together with for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Someone you can earnestly contend for the faith along side. A friend in life. A friend in the ministry. Side by side. Every once in awhile God crosses your path with people that you can “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind” together. Those kindred spirits with which our hearts are knitted that can only come by the Lord’s provision and grace. Philippians 2:2 “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Whether you have one or several, be thankful for those people in your life. They are invaluable to your life and to the ministry that God has called you to do for His glory. Sometimes they have been there for years before you realize how much they have invested in your life. Sometimes they come right when you are at your wits end and willingly hold the rope of your life to allow you to climb back up. Sometimes they just show up beside you to encourage you to keep pressing on, and it seems as though they had been there your entire life. These are the ones who… …encourage you when your head hangs low. …fill your life with fun and laughter. …keep you accountable. …make coffee taste sweeter. …stay to help clean up or finish the project. …through silence can make the best conversation. …rebuke you gently when you have gone astray. …remind you of what is important. …lead by example. If you are lacking someone to strive together with, ask the Lord to send you someone. He wants to show us His love by the encouragement of others. God wants us to come to Him for every single thing we need in our life. Whether you strive together hand in hand daily in ministry or miles or oceans separate you, God has placed these kindred spirits in your life to remind you how much He loves you and knows exactly what you need. Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Who are you “striving together” with for the Gospel? Thank God for them today. Bible Reading: Exodus 40 | Matthew 25 1 Corinthians 12:31
“But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” What is this “more excellent way”? Paul writes to the church at Corinth, and through the entire Chapter 12 refers to the ministry of the gifts of a child of God, and our place in the body of Christ, the church. The last verse of the chapter is used as a springboard into Chapter 13, where the “more excellent way” is unveiled and described. 1 Corinthians 13:1 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” Regardless of what we say or do, if we do not have charity, we are nothing. We cannot accomplish anything without the love of Christ being our purpose. Charity is that agapē love…the highest form of love…the love of God for man and of man for God. The love of Christ in us is significant evidence of our possession of Him. Commonly referred to as “the love chapter”, 1 Corinthians 13 describes what charity is, and how we are to utilize it. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” Charity never fails. The word “charity” is found nine times within this chapter. What are there nine parts of within the pages of Scripture? Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Love is the first part of the Fruit of the Spirit. For without love, we can do nothing. 1 John 4:7-8 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” God is love; and without Him, we can do nothing. John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Choose love, and choose Him today. He is the “more excellent way”. Bible Reading: Exodus 39 | Matthew 24 Psalm 39:7
“And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.” There are differences in how and why we wait, especially when it comes to the Lord. Within the pages of the Word of God, there are at least three different phrases about waiting and the Lord. Wait For The Lord Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.” The word “for” denotes waiting with the Object or the purpose of the Object. It means intending to belong to, or be used in connection with something or Someone. Have you ever felt like you were waiting for the Lord to show you exactly what He intends for you to do? That is when we must wait while hoping in His Word for He is sure to speak direction as we look to Him in faith. Wait On The Lord Psalms 27:14 “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” The word “on” signifies being attached to or unified with. When we faithfully wait on the Lord, we are showing those around us that we are attached to or unified with Him. Wait Upon The Lord Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” The word “upon” implies being in complete or approximate contact with. Waiting upon the Lord renews our strength because in order to do so, we must be in contact with Him. We have the opportunity to call upon Him in prayer as we wait for Him to move in our situation or storm. Wait for, on, and upon Him today, and every day. Bible Reading: Exodus 37-38 | Matthew 23 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” What is the Gospel? “…how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” The Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Did you know that one woman witnessed them all? Mary Magdalene. She saw Christ’s Death. Matthew 27:54-56 “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.” She saw Christ’s Burial Matthew 27:59-61 “And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.” She saw Christ’s Resurrection. Mark 16:9 “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.” She was there for ALL three. She literally witnessed the Gospel as it became the Good News. She was the FIRST to… See Him alive. Mark 16:9 “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.” Hear His Voice. John 20:15-16 “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.” He knew her name… and He knows ours. Be Commissioned. John 20:17 “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” He told her to go and say…just as He commands us. Share The Gospel. John 20:18 “Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.” She obeyed the Lord and shared the Good News. What an example this woman, who is often known for her sinful past, has left for us today. She witnessed the Gospel, and was the first to share the Gospel with others. It was her that informed the disciples that Jesus was risen. The Lord gave her the honor of being the first to do many things. May we seek to apply her testimony to our own lives and be a witness for Him! Bible Reading: Exodus 35-36 | Matthew 22 Matthew 28:18-20
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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.” The Great Commission applies to each and every one of God’s children. If it does not, why would God not call us to Heaven the moment after we are saved? We have work to do. At the very end of the Book of Matthew, we find these three verses which give us three parts to what we commonly refer to as the Great Commission. Go “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore…” All of us are commanded to go. Whether it is across the world, across the country, across town, or across the street. Teach “…and teach all nations… Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” All of us are commanded to teach. But what do we teach? There are no degrees required to teach this Subject. We must simply teach the Gospel that we have been taught. Baptize “…baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost …” Some are commanded to baptize. This is reserved for the pastors of a local church; however, those they baptize must first hear and place faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which any one of us can share. We are all called to do something. But how can we do what God has called us to do? Only through God given power! Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore…” Therefore we must go and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Someone’s eternity is depending upon our obedience to the Great Commission. Bible Reading: Exodus 33-34 | Matthew 21 Luke 8:11
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” In Luke 8, we find a parable spoken by the Lord Jesus to much people as they gathered together from every city. Luke 8:5 “A sower went out to sow his seed...” In order for the Seed to be sown, there must be a sower that is willing to give whatever is needed. Mark 4:14 “The sower soweth the word.” How willing are we to sow the Seed? How faithful are we at sowing? Many different things can happen to a Seed when it is sown. (See Luke 8:5-15 for Jesus’ explanation for them.) It is only our responsibility to sow the Seed, and leave the rest up to Him. Sometimes, we plant a Seed. Sometimes, we water a Seed that has already been planted. And sometimes, as we water, we are able to see a soul trust Jesus Christ through faith and by His grace as their Saviour. It is up to us to sow and water the Seed of the Word of God, then allow God to give the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” Plant the Seed today. Bible Reading: Exodus 31-32 | Matthew 20 |
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