Genesis 4:26
“And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.” After Adam’s grandson, Enos, was born, men began to “call upon the name of the LORD.” Praise God we still have the privilege to call upon His Name today, yet we so often neglect to do so. “God has a listening ear, do we have a praying voice?” Dr. Ed McAbee Call Of Salvation Whether a prayer for salvation of our sins or deliverance from our circumstances, His ears are open to our cry. Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Psalm 116:13 “I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.” Call Of Thanksgiving We have the opportunity to call out and thank Him for all that He has done, for what He is doing right now, and for what He is going to do. Psalm 116:17 “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.” Why can we call upon His Name today? Because He hears us. Psalm 116:1-2 “I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” Bible Reading: Hosea 7-9 | Hebrews 13 | Psalm 136
0 Comments
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What is your need today? You may not have shared it with anyone else, but rest assured that God knows all about it. He even ordained it for your good and His glory. Throughout the Scripture we find that whatever our need, Christ is the Answer. When God saw the sin of man before the foundation of the world, Christ was the Answer. From then to today and throughout eternity, Christ will always be the Answer. Why? Because God loves us so much He sent His Son for us. God displayed His love in Christ Jesus, and because of that love we find so much more…in Christ Jesus. There Is Redemption. Romans 3:24 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” There Is Purpose. Ephesians 3:10-12 “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” There Is A Prize. Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” There Is A Calling. 2 Timothy 1:9 “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” There Is Preservation. Jude 1-2 “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.” If you’ll search the Scriptures you will find much more that can be found in Christ Jesus…if only we will take the time to find them. Everything you need can be found today…in Christ Jesus. Bible Reading: Hosea 4-6 | Hebrews 12 | Psalm 135 Luke 5:9-11
“For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” Peter’s partial obedience led to Christ teaching him a lesson. He was astonished at the abundance of fish they had because he only let down one net, disobeying Christ’s command to “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” Christ used this situation to show them their purpose, to be fishers of men. Notice that once the Master gave this revelation, they immediately brought the ships to land. They could have gone home to their parents, their jobs, and their friends; but instead “they forsook all, and followed him.” Scripture doesn’t record them questioning what it meant to “catch men” or how their needs would be supplied. They simply made a choice to forsake & follow Him; and their lives were never the same. Friends To Serve With Mark 1:17-20 “And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.” Andrew and Peter left their nets to follow Him, and a little farther down the road James and John answered the same call. These men left their fathers and everything they had; yet the Lord gave them friends to serve with, partners in the ministry. When we answer the call to serve Him, He will give us people to along the way to grow and serve with. Fully Supplied Luke 18:28-30 “Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” Christ promised Peter that anyone who forsakes their house, family, friends, spouse, or children for His sake shall receive much more in return. Whatever we surrender for His sake, we shall receive so much more! Yet in order to receive these blessings, we must first forsake & follow Him. All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now. Judson W. Van De Venter A hymn sang often out of routine, but do we really mean the words we sing? Bible Reading: Hosea 1-3 | Hebrews 11 | Psalm 134 Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” Throughout history we read of those who were willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs tells story after story of Christians suffering horrific deaths because they stood strong in their faith. Some even died so that we can have the Bible we do today. Esther was willing to give her life with purpose for her people. She not only saw the need, but she also set out to do something about it. She not only surrendered, but she was willing to sacrifice whatever she had to, including her life. She could have sat still and not volunteered, but she set out to make a difference. Are we willing to do our part? Do we see the need of those around us? Willing To Surrender. Esther was willing to surrender her own life for the cause. When will we realize that we must give our lives? For people need the Lord Gregory Allan Nelson / Phillip McHugh Willing To Sacrifice. Esther was willing to be sacrificed if it was necessary in order to fulfill God’s purpose. Some say give me silver Some say give me gold I say give me Jesus Who saved my dying soul I'm gonna die on the battlefield I'm gonna die in the war I'm gonna die on the battlefield With glory in my soul Vincent Grant Gill / Sonya Isaacs There is no service that does not involve both surrender and sacrifice. A servant first surrenders to God, and as a result of that surrender willingly gives sacrificially to others. Jesus Christ surrendered His will to the Father, and then sacrificially gave His life for us. How much are you willing to surrender and sacrifice for Him? Philippians 1:20-21 “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Esther 4:14 “…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Bible Reading: Daniel 11-12 | Hebrews 10 | Psalm 133 Mark 14:3
“And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.” She had watched Jesus raise her brother from the dead, and Mary of Bethany did what she could to show Christ her gratitude and servitude. She brought what she had. It may have seemed odd to bring a box full of ointment to the Saviour, but it was what she had. Mary’s alabaster box was precious to her. Mark 14:8 “She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.” What precious thing do we have in our possession that could be given for the Master to use? Are we willing to bring it to Jesus? She was willing to sacrifice for Him. Mary may not have had much, but the ointment she used to worship the Lord with was very costly. Judas mentioned that it could have been sold for more than three hundred pence. Christ told outraged Judas to leave her alone because she had wrought a good work on Him. She sacrificed so that He might get glory, and Christ acknowledged her great sacrifice for Him. Mark 14:6,9 “And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me…Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” What are we willing to sacrifice in our lives so that Jesus Christ may receive glory? Many want to serve Him, but few want to sacrifice to do so. She was willing to be broken for His glory. Scripture tells us how the box of ointment was precious to Mary, yet she was willing to not only give it to Christ, but to brake it in order for it to be used. Mark 14:3 “…having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.” When we give what we have to the Lord to be used of Him, we must be willing for Him to break us. Sometimes we ask the Lord to use us while having a firm grasp on the things we love the most. Whether it be family, friends, or objects, we have a hard time releasing our hold on what is dear to our hearts. Matthew 10:39 “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” If you let Christ have your life, you are sure to find it. The Bible says so. If you are holding on to something that is keeping you from fully surrendering to Christ and His will for your life, there is still time to make a difference. Are you willing to be broken so that He can use you? Bible Reading: Daniel 9-10 | Hebrews 9 | Psalm 132 John 4:14
“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” Ironing by only using heat is not effective. An iron works best when steam is involved, and steam can only be created when water is present. Trying to iron our Sunday best by relying on a hot piece of metal alone will only lead to wrinkles and frustration. Many people call themselves a Christian because they believe in God. Some even think that’s good enough to get them to Heaven, yet they are missing Something most important. Much like an iron with no water to create steam, without Jesus you won’t get far. Jesus also used water as an analogy while He talked with the Samaritan woman beside Jacob’s well. He referred to the thirst that shall come again after drinking from the water of the well, and then told her of the water He possessed that would spring up into everlasting life. Christ Himself is the Water of Life. Once we have drank of His water we shall never thirst again. Are you thirsty today? Perhaps you have never tasted the Water of Life or you need the joy of your salvation restored once again. There is no cost to this Water. “the water that I shall give him” It is freely given to anyone. “whosoever” Romans 3:23-25 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” Revelation 21:6 “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Lord, give me a drink of that Water Oh, the living Water Let it flow to me through everlasting life Lord, I need a taste of that Fountain Flowing from Heaven I'll leave my past behind and I can start over again And I know that I will thirst no more Lisa Porter Humphrey If you have tasted the Water of Life, share Him with someone today and every day. Bible Reading: Daniel 7-8 | Hebrews 8 | Psalm 131 John 12:21
“The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.” Many Jews were come to the feast to see not only Jesus, but also Lazarus whom He has raised from the dead. The chief priests had even consulted to put Lazarus to death because as the record spread that he was now alive many Jews believed on Jesus. There were also certain Greeks who had came to the feast for one purpose…to worship. They heard about the miracles Jesus had been performing and they wanted to see Him! They came to Philip and told him of their desire. They did not want to see Lazarus…they said, “Give me Jesus!” His response after Philip and Andrew came to Him with the desire of the Greeks is something we can all apply to our lives. We too must say in our hearts, “Give me Jesus!” If we desire to see Him and be used of Him to bring forth fruit, we must first die. We must lose our life in order to find it, and we must follow Him in order to serve Him. Read John 12:23-28 for the full context. This world offers many things in order to distract and deter us from our God given purpose. Decide today that regardless of what you are offered, you'd rather have Jesus. When we live our lives to please Him we cannot go wrong. You may be the only person that can reach someone with the Truth of the Gospel. John 12:32 “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Lift Him up today so that others may see Him! In the morning, when I rise In the morning, when I rise In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, You can have all this world, But give me Jesus When I am alone When I am alone When I am alone, give me Jesus Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, You can have all this world, But give me Jesus When I come to die When I come to die When I come to die, give me Jesus Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, You can have all this world, You can have all this world, You can have all this world, But give me Jesus Moses Hogan Bible Reading: Daniel 5-6 | Hebrews 7 | Psalm 130 Luke 5:22
“But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?” We often have questions for what we go through on a daily basis. Who? What? When? Where? How? Why? Many questions can run through our mind when we do not understand what is going on around us. Jesus Christ asked these and many more questions within Luke’s Gospel that we can benefit from. Unlike us, He already knew the answers to the questions He asked; however, He asked them for a reason. Luke 2:49 - "How is it that ye sought me?" Luke 5:22 - "What reason ye in your hearts?" Luke 6:3-4 - "Have ye not read so much as this...?" Luke 6:32 - "For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them." Luke 6:33 - "And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same." Luke 6:34 - "And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again." Luke 6:39 - "Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?" Luke 6:41 - "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" Luke 6:46 – “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 7:31 – “And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?” Luke 8:25 - "Where is your faith?" Luke 8:30 - "What is thy name?" Luke 8:45 - "Who touched me?" Luke 9:18 – “Whom say the people that I am?” Luke 9:20 – “But whom say ye that I am?” Luke 9:25 – “For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 10:26 – “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” Luke 11:13 – “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 12:28 – “If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Luke 12:51 – “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:” Luke 13:18 – “Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?” Luke 14:28 – “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” Luke 15:4 – “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?” Luke 17:14 – “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” Luke 18:8 – “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:41 – “What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?” Luke 22:35 – “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?” Luke 22:46 – “Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” Luke 24:38 – “Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?” There is a reason for the questions you have; He already knows, and He is waiting to help you. Seek the answers to your questions within the pages of Scripture, and ask Him to show you what you need today. Bible Reading: Daniel 3-4 | Hebrews 6 | Psalm 129 John 14:26-27
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” When trying to go to sleep, a comforter can warm us and create a peaceful relaxing atmosphere for us to get some rest. In times of distress and doubt, a warm comforter wrapped around us brings exactly what its name entails…comfort. When Jesus Christ departed from the earth after raising from the dead He left us the greatest Comforter of all…the Holy Spirit. He brings peace to our weary souls in time of trouble. Notice how we receive Him, “whom the Father will send in my name”. We cannot be given the Holy Spirit without Jesus. There is no peace without Him. He left us everything we would need to live for Him. If Jesus can calm the stormy seas, He can comfort you. This thought alone brings peace. The Prince of Peace brings us the peace of God, which is beyond our comprehension. He Keeps Us In Peace Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Worry can bring sleepless nights filled with fear that the comforter upon our beds cannot erase. Only when we release our hold of the situation and allow the Lord to carry our burden for us can we begin to feel His peace again. That Still Small Voice speaks to our troubled souls and brings peace where fear had reigned. You can exchange your troubled and fearful heart for the peace that only He can give. He wants to give you peace today. Bible Reading: Daniel 1-2 | Hebrews 5 | Psalm 128 Matthew 14:31
“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” This wasn’t the first time that Peter had doubted the Lord. He had been in this situation before…He had seen the Lord deliver him and the other disciples as He calmed the Sea of Galilee after they awoke Him in the boat. Yet, here we find Peter doubting that the Lord could take care of him. Peter often serves as a reminder to us that our flesh sometimes gets in the way of our faith. Even though we have seen the Lord deliver us time and time again, sometimes our flesh causes us to doubt that He can do it again. What makes us doubt? Sometimes we doubt ourselves. Sometimes we doubt in our situation. Sometimes we even doubt our Saviour. Peter had asked the Lord for help. How fast did Jesus deliver him? Did He wait until Peter had almost drowned? No, He immediately stretched forth His hand. When we call upon the Lord to help our situation He immediately comes to our rescue. We may not see the solution right away, but the Lord can bring us peace as He works behind the scenes of our life for His will to be done. He can work a miracle out of a mess. He can make a way when there is no way. Mark 9:23 “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” There’s no need to doubt Him now! Bible Reading: Ezekiel 47-48 | Hebrews 4 | Psalm 127 |
Archives
January 2021
Philippians 4:17Copyright © 2020
Delight Thyself Design Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. |