Tuesday, December 31, 2019

#27 Enjoying God's Presence


Andrew Murray- "Grieve not the holy Spirit of God" (Ephesians 4:30). The words of Isaiah sadly sum up the history of Israel and the whole Old Testament covenant: 

   "They rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit" (Isaiah 63:10). Stephen's scathing rebuke threw the high priests into a rage: "Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye" (Acts 7:51). (Google image, Stephen)

Saturday, December 28, 2019

What Happens at Teen Challenge, New Hampshire ?


   Jean Oathout- "Offering the proven cure for drug or alcohol abuse is a way of life for Teen Challenge.

   In addition to its residential recovery facilities for man and women, Teen Challenge conducts drug prevention and education programs in school districts throughout New England and New Jersey. (Google image, Teen Challenge, New Hampshire

Thursday, December 26, 2019

#26 United in Ministry


   Andrew Murray- When He ascended on high, Christ gave His Church the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12).

   The apostles and prophets and pastors are not called to build up the Body of Christ. Their wok is the perfecting of the saints for the ministry o building up. Every saint is to be trained to take part in building up the Body of Christ. (Google image, The ascension of Christ )

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

#25 Working Together with Christ


   Andrew Murray- "There is one body, and one Spirit" (Ephesians 4:4). In the last chapter, our subject was maintaining the unity of the Spirit in our relationships with fellow-Christians. (See #23 One in the Spirit).

   The Holy Spirit is the source and the power in which believers, as members of one Body in Christ Jesus, are to minister to each other to build up the Body of Christ. (Google image, Home assembly)

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Consequences of Choices for Generations




   Ron Hutchcraft: The consequences of a family's unrighteous choices will be marking at least four generations. The blessings of a family's righteous choices will be marking countless generations.

   If we could do a little "Back to the Future" time travel to see those who came before us, I think we'd understand strengths and weaknesses, blessings and struggles that are alive and well in our own family today (Google image, Family gathering)

Thursday, December 19, 2019

#24 Following Jesus' Example


   Andrew Murray- We see the true Christlike disposition in Paul's words to the Philippians: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves: (Philippians 2:3).

   The Master Himself, the meek and lowly Lamb of God commanded us, "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). 
(Google image, Church families)

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

#23 One in the Spirit


   Andrew Murray- " I . . . beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (v. 2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 
(v. 3) Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3).

   The letter to the Ephesians is divided into two equal parts. In chapters one through three, we have the divine life in its heavenly origin as revealed in the heart of man by the Holy Spirit. (Google image, 3 signs God is moving in your church)

Saturday, December 14, 2019

The Fear of God


   Jean Oathout: Let's investigate what the fear of God means. "The book of Proverbs stresses honoring God in whatever we do. 

    One phrase that parallels this sentiment 
is "fear of the LORD" (16:6), which speaks of profound reverence and respect for God.

   Such awe, honor, and deference should be reserved uniquely for Him as Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Lord over all. The personal and corporate value of possessing this essential quality is noted throughout the Proverbs. (Google image, The FEAR of the LORD, this is an excellent article, and very informative reading on this subject!)

Thursday, December 12, 2019

#22 Assured of God's Mighty Power


   Andrew Murray- This  doxology, [Assured of God's Mighty Power]gives a revelation of what lies at the root of Paul's standard of prayer and expectation. 
   He was confident that his prayer that believers be strengthened with might in the inner man, according to the riches of God's glory, would be granted. (Google image, Clip art-woman praying)

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

#21 Abiding in Christ


   Andrew Murray - The object of this strengthening with might is that Christ dwell in the heart by faith. The divine power enables and emboldens our faith to claim this precious privilege.

   The Spirit reveals Christ dwelling within us and gives the consciousness of His unceasing and omnipotent presence. (Google image,Happy Christians)

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Better Than Ever


Image result for picture of the notre-dame

   Dave Brandon- The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a spectacular building. Its architecture is spellbinding, and its stained-glass windows and beautiful interior features rare breathtaking.

   But after centuries of towering over the Paris landscape, it needed renovation—which had begun when a devastating fire caused extensive damage to the glorious old building. (Google image, Notre-Dame de Paris)

Thursday, December 5, 2019

#20 Opening the Door to Power


   Andrew Murray- "I bow my knees unto the Father . . . that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith" (Ephesians 3:14, 16-17).

   We see in this wonderful prayer the harmonious work of our triune God. The Father grants the Spirit of power. The Spirit reveals Christ in the heart. Through Christ and the Spirit, we are filled with all the fullness of God! As God dwells in heaven as the Three in One, even so He lives in our hearts. (Google image, Praying with Paul)

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

#19 Answering Our Call


   Andrew Murray- We consider it a great step forward when a congregation yields itself to the call to take part in the great work of evangelizing the world.

   Yet this may come about from nothing more than a sense of duty and readiness to take part in all the activities of the Church. Believers must realize that missions are the chief aim of the Church, the one object for which every congregation and every believer exists. (Google image, Church gathering)

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Another Chance


   Patricia Raybon- At the Second Chance Bike Shop near our neighborhood, volunteers rebuild cast-off bicycles and donate them to needy kids.

   Shop Ernie Clark also donates bikes to needy adults, including the homeless, the disabled, and military veterans struggling to make it in civilian life. Not only do the bicycles get a second chance but sometimes the recipients get a new start too. One veteran used his new bike to get to a job interview. (Google image, Free bicycles)

Thursday, November 28, 2019

#18 Proclaiming the Way of Life



   Andrew Murray- "The mystery of Christ . . . as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ" (Ephesians 3:4-6)

   The more one studies Paul's letter to the Ephesians, the deeper the impression becomes that the true standard of New Testament faith is faintly realized in the Church today. (Google image, The Apostle writing)

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

#17 Loving the Brethren

   Andrew Murray- The fellowship with God, with Christ, and with other believers constitutes the blessedness of being built as a habitation of God in the Spirit.

   The cross of Christ destroyed all selfishness. The love that seeks no life but giving itself for others has been made available to us. Close fellowship with each other is a sacred and vital as our fellowship with God. (Google image, The fellowship of believers/ Great read)

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Benefits of the Local Church

                                                                       

Karen Girl Friday- Maybe we have tribes at work, in a bookclub, or with a specific hobby. But there's nothing like a tribe of other believers in the local church. (Google image, The Local Church)

Thursday, November 21, 2019

#16 Spiritual Building Blocks



   Andrew Murray-  "Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together  groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:20 -22)

   The triune God is mentioned here again—the Father for whom the habitation is built; Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone; and the Spirit, the builder through whom all the living stones are united with each other in perfect fellowship with God. (Google image, The cornerstone, our firm foundation)

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

#15 Making an Impact on Your World


Andrew Murray- Most of us have heard the expression, "Take time to be holy." A missionary in China for more than twenty years often said to young missionaries, 

   "Preach the gospel, and take time to be as holy as the preparation. The missionary must above everything else be a holy man. Unbelievers expect it of him. He must be more than a good person, and more than someone who takes time to master the language and the literature of the people. He must be holy. (Google image, Man of prayer)

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Touched by Grace


   Sheridan Voysey- In Leif Enger's novel, Peace Like a River, Jeremiah Land is a single father of three working as a janitor at a local school. He's also a man of deep, sometimes miraculous, faith. Throughout the book, his faith is often tested.

   Jeremiah's school is run by Chester Holden, a mean-spirited superintendent with a skin condition. Despite Jeremiah's excellent work ethic—mopping up a sewage spill without complaint, picking up broken bottles the superintendent smashed—Holden wants him gone. (Google image, Peace Like a River)

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

#14 Drawing Near to God



   Andrew Murray- "Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Ephesians 2:18). Christ and the Holy Spirit are united and unceasing presence of God become a blessed reality.

   Our text not only speaks of a right of access, but of its actual experience and enjoyment as provided for us through Christ and His Spirit. (Google image, Jesus Christ, the Son of God and son of man)

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

#13 Reigning In Him


Andrew Murray- If the believer trusts the greatness of God's power and yields himself in entire subjection to let that power rule in his heart; if he will be content to trust the strength  that is made perfect in weakness and count all things loss for the sake of this blessed price; 

   Then God's Word is pledged that the power that raised Christ will work in him day by day until he knows what it means to live and reign with Christ in glory. (Google image, Here I am to worship) [Excellent message]

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Pursue Your Calling


Mary Southerland-  My husband, Dan, loves Mark Twain. He says that Twain is one of his heroes. And I must admit, Twain wrote some great stuff over his lifetime. But my all-time favorite Mark Twain quote is this:

“The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” 
(Google image, God's Masterpiece)

Thursday, November 7, 2019

#12 Obtaining the Power


Image titled Worship God as a Christian Step 2
   Andrew Murray- The Holy Spirit shows us the work and nature of the mighty power dwelling within us. It is the power of God,

"according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand" 
(Ephesians 1. 19-20). (Google image)

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

#11 The Spirit of Wisdom


   Andrew Murray- "Making mention of you in my prayers; That . . . the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know!"  (Ephesians 1:16-18).

   Immediately after Paul mentioned the Holy Spirit as God's seal on believers, he spoke of his unceasing prayer that God would give them the spirit of wisdom. (Unsplash image, Man praying with open Bible
Priscilla Du Preez

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Passion for the Local Church

Karen Girl Friday- So here are [the first 28]  my 52 passionate reasons to connect with a local church. I share Scripture references for some of my list. 

(1.) God commands us to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8) (Karen's picture) 

Thursday, October 31, 2019

#10 The Spirit's Transforming Power



   Andrew Murray: Two great enemies obtained dominion over man when Adam sinned—the world and self. Of the world Christ says, "The Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him" (John 14:17).

   Worldliness is the great hindrance that keeps believers from living a spiritual life. Of self Christ said, "Let him deny himself" (Mark 8:34). Self in all its forms—self-will, self-pleasing, self-confidence—renders life in the power of the Spirit impossible.
(Google image, How to handle selfish people)

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

#9 The Seal of the Spirit


   Andrew Murray- "In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise" (Ephesians 1:13). The wonderful sentence that began in verse 3 listing the spiritual blessings we have in Christ closes with the blessed sealing of the Holy Spirit.

   When a king appoints an ambassador, his commission is sealed with the King's seal. The Holy Spirit Himself, by His life in us, is the seal of our sonship. (Google image, Happy Christian Woman)

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Jesus in Disguise


   James Banks- My son Geoff recently participated in a "homeless simulation." He spent three days and two nights living on the streets of his city, sleeping outside in below freezing temperatures. 

   Without food, money, or shelter, he relied on the kindness of strangers for his basic needs. On one of those days his only food was a sandwich, bought by a man who heard him asking for stale bread at a fast-food restaurant. (Google image, Homeless man)

Thursday, October 24, 2019

#8 Begin With Praise


   Andrew Murray- Let us begin by reading the benediction of the letter to the Ephesians. It reveals the true life of spiritual blessing, and we can cry and make it our own. Let us, in quiet meditation, wait on the Holy Spirit to work faith in our innermost consciousness.

   As one whom the Father has blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing, humbly take your place before him and say, "Blessed by God! Blessed be God!" (Google image, Worshipping God in the world of choices)

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

#7 Experiencing Life in Him


   Andrew Murray- "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in all heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).

   A study of the letter to the Ephesians will help us discover the New Testament standard of devotion. The opening words of the epistle not only give us a blessed summary of the truth of the gospel, but they reveal out of the depths of Paul's experience, what the true Christian life is. (Google image, Live with devotion and hope)

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Real-Time Relationship Restoration


Elisa Pulliam- "I expected my usually happy teenage daughter to bounce into my office singing VBS songs from her morning spent serving at church.

Instead, her sullen face conveyed another story. She was battling feelings of betrayal, insecurity, and jealousy after receiving a message from a friend about something that was happening in a completely different place. 
(Google image, Moody tween girl)

Thursday, October 17, 2019

#6 Temples of the Spirit


   Andrew Murray- The Spirit has been poured out. He is yearning over us, and He is ready and able to take possession of His Church. Let us be ready to confess honestly the current state of the Church and the share we have in it.

   Let all who believe in the love and almighty power of God proclaim that God is longing to fill his redeemed people with the power of the Spirit. (Google image, Woman worshipping by lake)

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

#5 Finished and Unfinished Work


   Andrew Murray: "Because ye are sons, God both sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6). When God revealed His love for us in the gift of His Son, His great work was completed.
   
   When Christ was raised from the dead and seated on the throne of God, His work was also completed. The dispensation of the Spirit had begun. (Google image, Seeking God's Voice)

Saturday, October 12, 2019

True Christianity



The way we view the future lies in how we see the past
And how we do respond to how the die in life is cast
As each event can mold us and the virtue we might lose
Or can be simply building blocks upon which we might choose

Thursday, October 10, 2019

#4 Stepping Into Spiritual Life


   Andrew Murray: Private devotions give us a clearer insight into what God is absolutely willing to do for us. A life prepared for us by God Himself is waiting to be revealed in us by the Holy Spirit.

   We must only be ready to know and confess how much is lacking in our spiritual life. (Google image, Putting God First)

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

#3 The New Testament Standard



   Andrew Murray: "Howbeit for this 
cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him" (1 Timothy 1:16).

   In any judgement we make, everything depends on our standard of measure. Many believers become content with the levels of ordinary Christianity. (Google image, Pure Devotions to God)

Saturday, October 5, 2019

10 Prayers God Always Answers

Carrie Lowrance  "Prayer can be such a beautiful, simple, and complicated thing at the same time. 

Everyone prays in their own different way and still, our loving God hears every one. Getting an answer? That can be a whole different story.
(Woman praying in church 
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash) 

Thursday, October 3, 2019

#2 The Spirit of Devotion


   Andrew Murray: "Pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father  . . .  shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:6). We use the word devotion in two ways—with regard to prayer in our private devotions and with regard to that spirit of devotion, or devotedness to God, which is to mark our daily life.

   If we meet our Father in the inner chamber, He will give us the open reward of grace to live our life to His glory and devote our whole being to His will. 
(Google image, Praying woman) 

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

#1 Preface of Living to Please God


   Andrew Murray: A number of years ago I was asked to write a series of articles encouraging Christians to live a life of earnest devotion to God.

   At that time I was deeply involved in a study of the epistle to the Ephesians. I thought I could connect the teaching of the epistle with my thoughts on spiritual living to give some help for the believer's quiet time with the Lord. (Google image, The Sufficiency of God)

Saturday, September 28, 2019

On What Do We Depend?



So many offer strong debate on things they've thought or heard
Without a thorough understanding of God's Holy Word
They offer their opinions on the things they think are right
But rarely stop to ask the Author for His Living Light

The Light that is His Spirit that will lead us to the Truth
That He has always offered to His people from their youth
But few have sought to ask Him for as listening instead
To someone else is easier than being Spirit lead

But many are the reasons we should focus on God's Word
And not believe a single thing from others we have heard
Until we have the evidence that what they say is true
By thorough Bible study with God's Spirit we've been through

For if we take for instance in the scripture where Christ said
One day He'll come in glory to raise up His chosen dead
How can He have told Peter He would build His church on him
If he like all the others still awaits Christ's call for them

And how could faulty Peter who knew not the will of God
Whom Jesus told in pity he must watch the way he trod
Be seen as our perfection we must emulate in life
When he with all the others ran to get away from strife

Oh yes it's true that Peter for his sin Christ did atone
When there before the magistrate he cursed and left alone
The Master his Messiah when He needed him the most
For fear he would be judged as well and brought before the host

Of those who knew not Jesus Who had come to be the Lamb
Who was indeed fulfillment of the scripture's great I AM
Because they had not studied in the scriptures on their own
The evidence that God had clearly shared to make Him known

So friend do not be hasty to believe the things you hear
Don't hesitate to search God's Word to make His meaning clear
But while He may be found of you please seek His will in prayer
And know without uncertainty He's sure to meet you there

And show you as you come to Him and lay your burden down
Abandoning what you believe that's biblically unsound
The Truth that's oh so vital as we end probation's day
That will with perfect surety direct you in His Way

Matthew 16:13-23; 7:21-29

(Google image, God gives light in a dismal place)

On What Do We Depend?
Lee Forbes

Let's pray-

   Father, it's sad that so many offer their strong debate over Your Word without ever trying to understand Your Living Light found in it.
   They find it easier to just listen to someone speak about it, than to seek the evidence that what they read in Your Word is true, by reading and studying it for themselves.
   May we believe without hesitation, the meaning You make clear, that You're sure to meet us in our search for truth. Help us lay our burdens down, abandoning them for the truth we find in the provision for our sins on the Cross of Calvary, by Your Son, Jesus.
   Draw us ever nearer to Your Heart, as we study Your Word, and as we learn to obey it. We ask this in Christ's name. Amen

91 - 95 of 100 one-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more this week-  

91. Ps. 25:5 "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
92. Heb. 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
93. Prov. 15:23 "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" 
94. Prov. 9:9 "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."
95. Ps. 139:23 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts."


Today's quotes-

~ Octavius Winslow (1808-1878)- "Bring your perplexities to God, and He will guide them. Bring your needs to God, and He will supply them. Bring your mountains to God, and He will level them. Bring your sins to God, and He will forgive them. Bring your sorrows, trials, and temptations to God, and He will sustain you under, and will bring you through them, to the praise and glory of His great name, as the "God of all grace."

-By Octavius Winslow, who was a prominent evangelical preacher in England and America. Taken from the September 2018 issue of Herald of His Coming. Used by permission.
“Do Not Quench the Spirit” 
Do not quench the Spirit.  Thess. 5:19
~ Oswald Chambers- The voice of the Spirit of God is as gentle as a summer breeze— so gentle that unless you are living in complete fellowship and oneness with God, you will never hear it. The sense of warning and restraint that the Spirit gives comes to us in the most amazingly gentle ways. And if you are not sensitive enough to detect His voice, you will quench it, and your spiritual life will be impaired. This sense of restraint will always come as a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), so faint that no one except a saint of God will notice it.  (From My Utmost for His Highest Updated Edition)
Words of wisdom-

~ There are no delights or pleasures outside of God that can satisfy the cry of our hearts.

~ If we're healthy in our spirits, many of the things we look for on the outside will be taken care of.


Today's popular post-


 Mrs. Frannie Erb- "Humility is not an attitude, but a stern reality born out of deep, crushing, crucifying experiences that leave the soul without a single trace of bitterness, retaliation, or rebellion."

     
#1 Preface of Living to Please God
Oct. 1st- Tuesday's post by Andrew Murray

     #2 The Spirit of Devotion
3rd- Thursday's post by Andrew Murray

          True Christianity
5th- Saturday's post by Lee Forbes

     #3 The New Testament Standard
8th- Tuesday's post by Andrew Murray