Baptism into Christ Jesus

Romans 6:3-4 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Baptism means a 360 degrees U-Turn.

Through Baptism, we were buried with Christ Jesus into death. This calls for a clean break from our sins.

Through Baptism, we were raised from the dead by the glory of the Father. This calls for a resolution to walk in newness of life.

(1) Are you ready to be baptized? (2) Baptized believer, have these truths transformed your life?

How about making this your New Year 2014's Resolution?

Jesus' Forgiving Grace

The scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery (John 8:3).

The crowd called for her condemnation.

Jesus said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 

Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. No one condemned the guilty woman!

Jesus said to the guilty woman, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more".

Then in John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

When we stumble and fall, and have our most embarassing moments, let us be reminded of 3 things:

(1) the forgiving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ

(2) The call to sin no more

(3) The call to have the light of life, the call to enjoy His forgiving grace.

Be Still, and Know that I am God

Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations, 

I will be exalted in the earth!

—Psalm 46:10

In our darkest moments, 

We can still rest, 

For our Lord has conquered death on our behalf. 

Let us be still, 

And allow God to calm our greatest fears. 

Let us bear patiently under trials, 

And leave everything to God to direct and provide.

God will always be faithful.

Be still, and know that I am God.

A Barrier to God's Love

Christ experienced a barrier to His love when His people rejected Him.

He cried in Matthew 23: 37, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"

Our sin is a barrier to God's love. 

Isaiah 59:2 wrote, "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear."

Jesus took care of the barrier by His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection.

Romans 8:11 said, "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."

There is now no barrier between God and those who would believe in Him.

Now is the time to experience God's love and His goodness.

Thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5).

Living Stone活石

The apostle Peter described Jesus as a living stone.

He wrote, “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-5).

Precious in the eyes of the Father is the sacrifice of the Rock of our salvation.

Christ is the enduring stone upon which the Father has built our salvation and the only foundation for meaningful life.

It is only as our lives are built upon His strength that we will be able to endure the harshness of life in a fallen world.

。。。

使徒彼得将耶稣形容成活石。

他说：「主乃活石，固然是被人所弃的，却是被上帝所拣选、所宝贵的。你们来到主面前，也就像活石，被建造成为灵宫, 作圣洁的祭司， 藉着耶稣基督奉献神所悦纳的灵祭。」（彼得前书2章4-5节）。

这救赎磐石的牺牲，是天父眼中的珍宝。

基督就是那永久的磐石，而天父将我们的救恩，建立在这唯一根基上，让我们藉此得着新生命。

唯有将生命建立在祂的大能之上，我们才能在这堕落的世界中，熬过生命中严苛的考验。

The Battle is God's

A large group of warriors had gathered to fight the Israelites (2 Chronicles 20:2).

King Jehoshaphat asked God for help. He then appointed a choir to march out into battle in front of the Israelite army.

The worshipers sang: “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever”. When they began to sing, the Lord caused the enemy forces to attack and destroy one other.

Praising God in the midst of a challenge means overriding our natural instincts toward self-protection, strategizing, and worry. Worshiping God guards our hearts against troubling thoughts and self-reliance. They remind us that the battle is not ours, but God’s (2 Chronicles 20:15).

Every battle in this life is God’s. The outcome belongs to Him because He is sovereign. Whatever happens in our life, let us remember to praise God and worship Him.

The Joy of The Lord Is My Strength.

God is Greater than our Problem

God our Father is almighty. No one can match His strength and power.

The Psalmist said: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.“ (Psalm 91:1)

Regardless of what today may bring, or the trouble you are now going through, don’t forget that your God is stronger than anything in your life.

So, be confident! The shadow of His all-prevailing presence guarantees that His power can turn even the worst situation into something good.

Our God is Powerful

God’s glory is seen in His almighty power! 

And God has chosen to “show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chron. 16:9). 

From the dividing of the Red Sea, to the marvel of manna in the wilderness, to the miraculous virgin birth, and ultimately to the power of the resurrection, our Almighty God has chosen to demonstrate His strength to bless, preserve, and protect His people. 

And God delights in showing Himself strong in the challenges of our life. God proves His power on our behalf. 

Let us remember to give Him the glory! 

All of God’s promises are always backed by His wisdom, love, and power.

God's Grace through Christ Jesus

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1: 4-8)

1. Paul always thanked God for His work in the Corinthian believers' live.
   - He did it continually and deliberately.
   - He thanked God for His grace through Christ Jesus.
   
2.  The Corinthian believers were enriched in everything by Christ Jesus.
   - They were enriched with a great capacity to know the things of God.
   - They were enriched with a great ability to share the things of God.
3. The gospel of Christ was confirmed and established among them.
4. They were blessed with spiritual gifts.
5. They would eagerly persevere to the end.
6. They would be assured of their safety in Christ.
7. They would be blameless to the end.

• We must take time and effort to affirm and encourage fellow Christian believers.

•  We must also thank God for what He is doing through them.

The Light of Life

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12)

• Light is God's first gift to His creation. The earth depends on light for its survival. Plants, animals, humans all need light and sunshine. Light gives us life, warmth, and a whole spectrum of colors to appreciate.


• The light of life was taken away when Adam sinned. When man fell into sin, darkness of eternal death loomed over us. We were banished From God's Presence and separated from all that is good.


• Jesus is the light that entered the world. The Gospel light has penetrated and dispelled the darkness of sin and evil. The night of unbelief has vanished before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. Life has triumph over death. The heart of Jesus lives in the hearts of all!


• Jesus’ followers have the light of life. They trust God in the brightness of the light, and they overcome darkness of sin and evil through God's grace. Jesus Christ is the Light that will lead His people to eternal life!

Quiet Time With God

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. (Mark 6:30-32)

• The apostles returned successfully from a traveling ministry. The Twelve reported to Jesus the wonderful things that God had done through them.


• But Jesus knew that His apostles needed to rest. He commanded them to go and have a rest in an isolated place. They were to move away from the crowds into a private retreat.


• All of us need to take time out of our busy schedules to rest. We want to avoid stress, one of the biggest contributing factors to disease. We also want to rejuvenate our body and soul for more fruitful service.


• Spending quiet time with God can bring quiet rest from God. To experience closeness to God, we need proper retreat, solitude, quiet thought and prayer. A life with God Is what we need to bring healing, forgiveness, and restoration. When we move, breath and have our being in God, we position ourselves for a life of faithful and fruitful living. A quiet time with God helps us enjoy God’s blessings in our spiritual journey.

Knowing Christ

A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged, Till He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands shall wait for His law. (Isaiah 42:3)

• A bruised reed He will not break. To the discouraged, Christ will deal tenderly. He will comfort them, encourage them, and build them up.


• And smoking flax He will not quench. With the weak, Christ will approach them gently. He will make them strong, brave, and glorious.


• He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged. Christ is gentle, but not weak. He will bring forth justice for truth. It will happen; failure or discouragement will not stop Him. Christ has all power and authority! He is well able to do the task of redemption because He is free from all the weaknesses and failures of His people.


• Till He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands shall wait for His law. The work of Christ will extend to the whole earth, and to all the peoples; even those in the distant coastlands shall serve Him.


• What a comfort and encouragement to know that Christ is gentle and tender toward us! What a joy and peace to know that Christ is powerful and victorious, triumphs over Satan’s stronghold! March on Christians to our Promise Land.

Pondering on God's Word

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

• Mary, the mother of Jesus, had heard great promises concerning her Son from the angels and shepherds, and she kept them in her heart. As His life unfolded, she would compare them with how her Son acted to fulfill them.


• Meditation on God’s Word is very important to our everyday life.


• It frees our mind from worries, fears, doubts, negativity and failures. It strengthens our faith and stirs our affections toward God. It encourages us to trust and obey God when we are tempted toward unbelief and disobedience. It assures us that all is fine in God’s hand, and that in His own good time, He will heal and restore us!


• Understanding and acting on God’s Word is the key to change in our lives!


• The truth of God’s Word is revealed only to those who seek Him, who spend time searching and pondering over what they find, and always believe in faith. It is only when we take time to ponder that we will see the faithfulness of our great God.

A Life of Influence

Then she said to her mistress, "If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy." (2 Kings 5:3)

• Naaman was the chief military commander under king Aram of Syria during the days of Elisha.


• Naaman was a great and honorable man. But he had leprosy, a terrible illness in which the body rots.


• Naaman's wife had a slave girl who had been captured in a raid into Israel.


• One day this slave girl told Naaman's wife that she wished that Naaman would go and see the prophet in Samaria, because he would heal him.


• Naaman went to his king and told him the words of the slave girl. The king sent a letter to the king of Israel asking him to cure Naaman.


• The king of Israel was upset because he knew he had no such power. But he knew Elisha could heal Naaman, and he called for him.


• Elisha instructed Naaman to bathe in the Jordan River. This angered Naaman, but his servants urged him to follow the prophet’s orders.


• The result was Naaman’s restoration to health and his declaration, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel”.


• As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to point others to Him Who can change their lives.


• May we live a life of influence like Naaman’s slave girl and his servants. May we be brave and bold to touch the lives of others by pointing them to the Lord Jesus Christ.


• People in lowly positions often can influence others.

Honesty Pleases God

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. (Luke 16:10)

• Honesty is speaking and acting out the truth even when it might not benefit you.


• Honesty is important because it shows our character, who we really are.


• If you are honest, people know that they can trust you, you can build up trust.


• But lies, even small ones, will start to chip away at the trust, at your character. Like a big tree getting chipped at with an axe, eventually it falls and it takes a long time to build it back up.


• Honesty is not always easy to live out.


• But it is important to always strive to be honest and do the right thing so that we can build trustworthy characters.


• Being honest in small things indicates how dependable we will be in doing big things.


• We should be honest in all areas of our lives.


• Our honesty gives God the glory.

God Alone is Our Plenty

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17)

• Decisions about the way we spend our money can be difficult to make.


• But God hasn’t left us without help. He tells us to honor Him with our possessions. He tells us that we cannot serve both God and money. He tells us to beware of covetousness. He tells us to be ready to give, and willing to share. God wants us to use money wisely.


• Money is a big issue. But God can show us how to use it to bring Him honor.


• Oh Lord, sometimes money and finances are overwhelming. It is hard to know what decisions to make. So please lead us, and give the wisdom to use our finances in a way that pleases You.


• We must not let gold become our god. We must look beyond the gold. We must look further to our God. We must have unlimited trust in our God. Don't trust in vast or tainted wealth. God alone is our gold, our plenty.

Find Hope in Hopelessness

Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys. (Job 42:12)

• In Scripture, we read about some apparently hopeless situations. One example is that of a wealthy man named Job whom God described as having integrity. Disaster struck and Job lost everything important to him. In misery, he said, “My days are spent without hope”.


• What appeared to Job and his friends as evidence that God had turned against him was just the opposite. God was so confident of Job’s integrity that He trusted him in this battle with Satan. Later, Job’s hope and life were renewed. His fortunes and family were finally restored to him. Job's relationship with God was renewed by his repentance, and enriched and strengthened by God's self-revelation to him.


• With God, there is no such thing as hopelessness. No matter how bleak the landscape of life may look, God can transform it into a glorious garden of color and fragrance.


• Dear God, we pray for faith anew, for greater trust in all we do, for hope that never knows defeat, and for victory at Your mercy seat.


• With God, there is hope even in the most hopeless situation.

Reading the End of the Story

He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. (Revelation 21:7)

• Reading the final book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, can be an encouragement and comfort for Christians. Christians are the overcomers, both now and for eternity.


• As the apostle John talks about the revealing of the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation, he describes what the final victory will look like for those who have received Jesus as Savior. At that time, we will see the end of death, tears, sorrow, and pain. And the Lord will declare: “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son”. God will dwell with us, and He will make all things new. We will have complete happiness with God for eternity.


• When the trials of today seem more daunting than our strength, let us read the end of the story when we will be in God’s presence forever! For hope today, always remember to read the end of the story, our eternity with God.


• Often, we are told not to read the end of the story before we are done with the book. But God in His mercy gives us the ending of His story now so that no matter how bad it gets in the middle, we know it is going to finish gloriously! In the final chapter, all wrongs are made right and every tear is wiped away.

Life is Bitter Sweet

He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. (Psalm 121:3)

• Life is not always sweet; it is bitter at times.


• Life is not a straight line leading from one blessing to the next and then finally to heaven; it is a winding and troubled road.


• And God is plotting the course and managing the troubles, both for our good and for the glory of Jesus Christ.


• God rules over all things by His providence. And He is fully alert. He will secure the journey of His people with providential care. He will continue to help, preserve, and walk with His people.


• Life is a winding road with unknown perils and troubles. But we can be certain of God’s providence, security, and care. God has our course plotted and He is watching over our every step. Life‘s troubles may be unknown. But we can be certain of God’s providence.

God Looks At The Heart

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

• How people look on the outside is not an indicator of what is in their hearts.
  
  
• God’s focus is on the inner life of people. He looks far below the surface of someone’s appearance. God knows the hearts of those who appear to be righteous, but are full of hypocrisy on the inside.
  
  
• Samuel mistakenly looked favorably upon the handsome Eliab, the eldest son of Jesse and an older brother of David. He thought he would be anointed as the next king. But Eliab was not the choice of the God of Israel.
  
  
• David was chosen as king of Israel, replacing Saul, because he was a man after God's own heart. His heart was right with God and God knew He could trust David. And that is what God desires for us to do as well.
  
  
• God looks at the heart, not outward appearances. We spend so much time in our lives trying to make our outward appearances look good and lose the understanding that God does not even look at out outward appearance but our heart.
  
  
• Physical appearances, status, good jobs and sophistication alone cannot be a standard for a good man. God looks at the heart and a pure heart pleases God. God shall bless the man who has a pure heart by opening his eyes and he shall see God and Heaven's Glory.
  
  
• It does not matter who you are, what you look like, God looks at the heart and wants people with a strong love of Him and His ministry rather than someone putting an effort to show off to the people of the world.
  
  
• When God looked at David, he didn't see moral perfection. He saw a heart that would love God and would seek to obey God. He saw a heart that was teachable, a heart capable of repentance and faith.
  
  
• God looks at the heart, and King David was a man after God’s own heart.
  
  

God's Creative Work

O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions. (Psalm 104:24)

• Among God’s creatures, the butterfly is one of the most stunningly beautiful!

• Its gentle flight, colorful wings, and amazing migratory patterns are traits that make the butterfly a masterpiece of the natural world.

• This flying insect, while supplying us with visual enjoyment, also supplies us with amazing examples of the marvels of God’s creative work.

• For instance, the majestic monarch butterfly can travel 3,000 miles on its migration to Central America, only to end up at the same tree its parents or even grandparents landed on a generation or two earlier. It does this guided by a brain the size of a pinhead.

• Or consider the monarch’s metamorphosis. After the caterpillar builds a chrysalis around itself, it releases a chemical that turns its insides to mush, no perceptible parts. Somehow from this emerges the brain, internal parts, head, legs, and wings of a butterfly.

• One butterfly expert said, “The creation of the body of a caterpillar into the body and wings of a butterfly is, without doubt, one of the wonders of life on earth.” Another expert feels that this metamorphosis is “rightly regarded as a miracle.”

• How manifold are God’s works! and the butterfly is but one of them.

• We stand amazed, God, at the awesome creation You allow us to enjoy. From distant galaxies to beautiful butterflies, You have given us a world that speaks loudly of Your love for us. Thank You, Lord, for creation.

•  Creation’s design points to the Master Designer.
  

Never Too Late

Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. (Matthew 20:14)

• It is never too late for us to know God or to be used by Him.
  
  
• Jesus’ parable of workers in the vineyard told us so. (Matt. 20:1-16)
  
  
• The earlier the hire, the more labor they were able to give the vineyard owner.
  
  
• But those hired later discovered they had equal value in the owner’s eyes and would be rewarded equally.
  
  
• The vineyard owner chose to be gracious to them all.
  
  
• No matter our past or present, God longs to show us His grace and bring us into relationship with Him.
  
  
• Oh Heavenly Father, we are amazed at Your grace! Thank You that we can come to You at any time for forgiveness and be restored to relationship with You. Thank You that we can now be used by You to touch the lives of others.
  
  
• To give your life to Christ now is to keep it forever.
  
  

Turn To The LORD

There are many who say, "Who will show us any good?" LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. (Psalm 4:6)

• We often develop a pessimistic outlook in our world today.
   
• The front page of the newspapers and the top stories on the Internet or television are often filled with crime, accidents, politics, the economy, and prominent people behaving badly.
   
• Our conversations at work and home often dwell on difficulties and problems.
   
• Often we get discouraged and despair in the thought that nothing will ever change, and that what we do doesn't matter anymore.
   
• We said, “Who will show us any good? Where can we turn for better news?”
   
• Psalm 4 told us that David was different.
   
• In the midst of his troubles, David turned to the Lord.
   
• Instead of hoping for temporary good from altered circumstances, he found unceasing encouragement in God.
   
• David prayed to God, “Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us” (Psalm 4:6).
   
• The result was a gladness of heart that surpassed any earthly prosperity or success.
   
• Throughout David’s life, before and after he became king of Israel, he was never without opposition.
   
• But at the end of the day, he could always say, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8).
   
• The conviction and faith that “God cares for us” is always a good way to begin and end our day.
   
• Let us confide in God, knowing that He will always keep us safe and prosper us.
   
• God is always our dwelling place in our life’s storms.

Our Position and Calling

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

• It is much easier to see the greed of others. It is more difficult to see our own greed.
   
• We often want the blessings of others. We fail to see that all blessings come from God, and God’s supply of blessings will never run out.
   
• God has prepared us a table. He is able to give us enough of everything for our work and successes.
   
• But we continue to desire what others have, causing us more sorrow and resentment.
   
• We fail to see the importance of our position and calling.
   
• We are not grateful for the opportunity to serve God by serving others for Him.
   
• Let us learn to be content with our position and glorify God.
   
• Resentment and jealousy will come when we compare ourselves with others.
   
• But contentment and love come when we set our hearts and minds on God.
  
  

Handling God's Word

You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)

• Words matter.
   
• Especially when they are the very words of God.
   
• Moses warned Israel, “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God”.
   
• Moses often reminded Israel of God’s mercy and faithfulness to them in the past.
   
• But he also stressed the importance of obedience to God’s commands as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
   
• He told them that obedience would result in blessings of life and a rich inheritance.
   
• Every command and regulation mattered to God.
   
• The value His people placed on God’s Word showed their view of Him.
   
• Today, when we value God’s Word, handle it with great care, and obey what it says, we give God the reverence He truly deserves.
   
• God’s Word needs no additions or subtractions.
  
  
  

Stay Connected With God

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

• We keep our connection with God alive by spending time in His Word and in prayer.
   
• Then we are to be doers of His Word.
   
• The writer of Psalm 119 recognized the importance of a connection to God.
   
• He asked God to teach him His statutes and give him understanding of His law.
   
• Then he prayed that he would observe it with his whole heart, walk in the path of God’s commandments, and turn away his eyes from looking at worthless things.
   
• By meditating on God’s Word and then applying it, the psalmist stayed connected to God.
   
• God has given us His Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path to lead us to Him.
   
• May the mind of Christ our Savior live in us from day to day,
   
• May His love and power controlling all we do and say.
   
• Let us stay connected to God every day.

Handling God's Truth

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

• We are human.
   
• We sin and we make mistakes.
   
• We will make mistakes sometimes as we share God’s Word with others.
   
• But we have an obligation to diligently seek His truth.
   
• We must exercise care when we talk about God’s Word.
   
• Then we must boldly proclaim Him.
   
• And we pray that His Spirit will guard our hearts and the hearts of those we seek to serve.
   
• We pray that God will guard His truth.
   
• God and His Word are deserving of our greatest care.
   
• May God’s Word fill our memory, rule our heart, and guide our words.
   
• May we be God’s diligent workers rightly dividing His word of truth.
  

Show Our Love

For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. (John 13:15)

• It is easier and faster to tell others what to do.
   
• Showing others how to do require time and effort.
   
• In teaching, it is easier to tell students what is wrong with what they did.
   
• It is more difficult to show them how to do it right.
   
• But the latter is more effective.
   
• For many years, the Jewish people had only the law to tell them what to do and what not to do.
   
• But then came Jesus Christ.
   
• He showed them how to live the life God had been telling them about all along.
   
• Jesus didn’t just say, “Be humble”; He humbled Himself.
   
• Jesus didn’t just say, “Forgive others”; He forgave us.
   
• Jesus didn’t just say, “Love God and your neighbors”; He demonstrated love by His actions.
   
• Christ’s perfect example of love shows us how great God’s love is for us.
   
• It also shows us how we are to show His love to others.
   
• Love is God’s will in action.
   
• Let us show our love than talking so much about it.
  
  

Jesus is in our Boat

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)

• When the disciples were stuck in a life-threatening storm, they ran to Jesus.
   
• What do we do when we are stuck in a troubling situation with nowhere to run?
   
• Some of us may try to bail ourselves out of trouble by seeking revenge, slandering the one who has caused our problem, or just cowering fearfully in the corner as we sink into despair.
   
• We need to learn from the disciples who fled to Jesus as their only hope.
   
• Jesus may not bail us out immediately.
   
• But remembering that He is in our boat makes a difference.
   
• Jesus is always with us in the storms of life, saying things like “Peace, be still!”
   
• Let us look for Jesus in our storm.
   
• Let Him fill us with the peace that comes from knowing He is near.
   
• Lord, teach us to run to You in the midst of trouble.
   
• Lord, forgive us for trying to bail ourselves out.
   
• Lord, lead us to the peace of trusting Your wisdom and ultimate deliverance.
   
• Thank You Lord that You are always ready to help us.
   
• Let us make Jesus our first option when the storms of life threaten us.
  
  
  

God's watchful Care

Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: "My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God"? (Isaiah 40:27)

• The Good Shepherd is watching over us.
   
• Even though we cannot see Him, He can see us.
   
• He knows us by name.
   
• He knows all about us.
   
• We are the sheep of His pasture.
   
• God promises that He will seek out His sheep, feed them in good pasture, and bind up the broken (Isaiah 40: 12,14,16).
   
• We can trust in God’s watchful care.
   
• We can trust in God.
   
• He cares for us.
   
• He keeps our souls.
   
• Our heavenly Father watches over us.
   
• The Lamb who died to save us is the Shepherd who lives to care for us.
  

Make People Feel Welcome

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)

• Let us give a warm and cheery welcome to those who come to us.
   
• Whether we are at church, in the neighborhood, or at social gatherings, let us make others feel welcome in our world.
   
• In Romans 12:13, Paul instructed his readers to be “given to hospitality.”
   
• The book of Hebrews said, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (13:2).
   
• By showing gracious kindness to those who come our way, we echo the Savior’s invitation for salvation, which declares, “Let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely”.
   
• To show someone loving hospitality might just be the first step in showing that person the way to heaven.
   
• Let us live so that when people get to know us, they will want to get to know Christ.
  
  

God's Strength In Our Weakness

Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; My eye wastes away with grief, Yes, my soul and my body! (Psalm 31:9)

• The songs that mean the most to us give expression to our deepest feelings.
   
• Many of the Psalms were born out of struggle.
   
• They capture our disappointments and fears.
   
• Yet they always point us toward the faithful love of God.
   
• Here in Psalm 31, David wrote of a trap set for him, his own sin, abandonment by friends, and plots against his life.
   
• But David’s hope was not in his own strength, but in God.
   
• This Psalm invites us to pour out our hearts to God.
   
• God has stored up His goodness for those who trust in Him.
   
• We will not have to face life alone.
   
• When we grow weak in our struggle, God’s strength will prevail.
   
• When in our deepest need, always find God’s comfort in the Psalms.
  
  

The Man Believed In Jesus

So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him
- John 4:43-54 -

If a prophet has no honour in his own country, why did the Lord Jesus return to Galilee? He was born in Judea, but Galilee was recognized as His country.

We cannot be certain why the Lord Jesus went to Galilee.

It was probably to avoid the crowds at this stage of His ministry.

The Galileans welcomed the Lord Jesus as a miracle worker. But they did not truly honour Him.

The Lord Jesus returned to Cana.

A nobleman came from Capernaum, some twenty miles distance, desperately seeking help.

He may have heard of the miracles of the Lord Jesus at Jerusalem, and he needed a miracle for his son.

The response of the Lord Jesus to the nobleman may have seemed harsh as he pleaded with Him to return with him to Capernaum. But the Lord wanted this man to trust in Him.

He told him to return home where he would find his son alive and well.

The nobleman believed the word that Jesus spoke to him.

He had no evidence that his son was well, but he took the Lord Jesus at His word, trusting in Him.

Travel was not easy in those days, and it was the next day before he reached home.

His servants met him to announce that his son was indeed well, having recovered the previous evening.

The nobleman found that it had been at the precise time that the Lord Jesus had said that his son was alive.

The nobleman and his entire household came to faith in Christ.

It is not easy to take the Lord at His word in times of deep anxiety.

But we must learn to do this, casting all our care upon Him because He does care for us.

Are we beset by doubts or tormented by fear? Are anxious thoughts robbing us of our joy in Christ? Come now to the Lord Jesus and unburden our heart to Him. Trust in Him. He cannot fail because He is God!

Look At The Fields

Lift up your eyes and look at the fields - John 4:27-42

The disciples had gone to Sychar to buy food.

On returning, they were amazed to find the Lord Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman.

They urged Him to eat, but He told them that He had food of which they did not know.

This food was to do the will of the Father who had sent Him into the world, which at this time was to bring the Samaritan woman to salvation.

This food gave Him nourishment and satisfaction.

The disciples had been in the Samaritan city with their minds set on obtaining food, rather than on evangelism.

The Lord Jesus challenged them, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”

The harvest for grain may have been four months away but the harvest of precious souls was ready for gathering in now!

The Samaritans came to hear the Lord Jesus and many believed in Him as the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

They urged Him to stay with them and He remained at Sychar for two days.

The Lord Jesus had sent His disciples to reap, but they did not see the ripened harvest.

Like them, we often miss opportunities to witness to those we meet as we go about our daily business.

Let us prayerfully look on the ripened harvest fields and speak to needy souls around us.

We will be surprised to find people whose hearts the Spirit of God has prepared to receive out message.

The most unlikely people are often those who respond to our witness. That is reward enough. But there will be eternal rewards not only for those who reap, but also for those who sow and at present see little reward for their labours!

Are our eyes on the fields which are ready to be harvested? Are we praying that God will use us to lead sinners to Christ? Do we know how to load a soul to the Lord Jesus?

Even So Must The Son of Man be Lifted Up

John 3:8-15

The Lord Jesus used the wind as an illustration of the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit in bringing sinners to new birth (regeneration).

We can hear the wind, but we cannot see it nor handle it.

Just as the wind blows where it wishes, the Holy Spirit works as He sovereignly pleases.

Nicodemus could not understand this though he was a great teacher in Israel.

The Bible declares, “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him”. A man may be very religious or he may have a great intellect, but unless he is born again, he is in spiritual darkness.

Nicodemus twice asked, “How?” He did not understand the Old Testament prophecies which speak of the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation. He did not believe because he lacked understanding.

The new birth is vital for salvation. So is the death of Christ for sinners — “Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up”.

Jesus reminded Nicodemus of the time when Israel rebelled against Moses and against God in the wilderness. The Lord punished them by sending poisonous serpents among the people. Many died from the venom of these snakes. Others confessed their sin and begged Moses to pray for them. God told Moses to make a serpent of brass and lift it up on a pole in the camp of Israel. All those who had been bitten were told to look at the serpent and those who did so were saved from death.

Our sin is like deadly poison which will bring death and destruction to us. The Lord Jesus came down from heaven and was lifted up on the cross in order to save us.

There can be no salvation without the new birth and without the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ for sinners!

Are we trusting in Jesus alone to save us from our sins?

The Word Was Made Flesh and Dwelt Among Us

John 1:14-18

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

The Lord Jesus took human flesh with all its limitations and weaknesses, except that He was and is sinless.

He knew hunger, thirst, weariness and pain. He is a Man of sorrows. He is acquainted with grief.

The truth of the incarnation is essential to the Christian faith.

But the Lord Jesus did not cease to be God when He took human flesh.

The Lord Jesus is both God and man!

No one has ever seen God, but the only begotten Son has revealed God to us.

John the Baptist was a great prophet born before Jesus.

But he testified that Jesus existed before him.

The Lord Jesus, the eternal Word has always existed!

The apostle John saw the glory of Jesus which was the glory of the only begotten Son of God.

Jesus is full of grace and truth.

Through Him come all the blessings of God's grace.

The law was given through Moses. But grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

That grace is truly amazing!

The Lord Jesus came into an ungrateful world which did not receive Him.

He showed His love to the same world when He died on the cross.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and that flesh was torn apart to save us poor sinners!

All these truths should cause every Christian to praise and to adore our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

God's Healing Hand

"Now the evening before the man arrived, the hand of the Lord was on me, and he opened my mouth before the man came to me in the morning. So my mouth was opened and I was no longer silent."
- Ezekiel 33:22 -

The hand of the Lord may strengthen the soul.

The hand of the Lord may lift the spirit upward towards eternal things.

A sense of the divine presence and indwelling can bring the soul towards heaven.

At such times we are full to the brim with spiritual joy.

We may forget the cares and sorrows of earth.

We need the healing hand of the Lord.

Our graces languish, our corruptions rage, our faith is weak, our devotion is cold.

We need God's healing hand laid upon us.

God's glorious right hand can recreate our mind.

His unwearied hand can sustain our spirit.

His loving hand can cherish us.

His mighty hand can subdue our sins.

Come, let us pray to Him.

Let us feel God's hand that can help us.

Wait On The Lord

“Be silent before me, you islands!
Let the nations renew their strength!
Let them come forward and speak;
let us meet together at the place of judgment.
- Isaiah 41:1 -

All things on earth need to be renewed.

No created thing can continue by itself.

Even the trees must drink of the rain of heaven and suck from the hidden treasures of the soil.

The life of men must be sustained with constant renewal from God.

It is necessary to repair the waste of the body by frequent meal.

It is also necessary to repair the waste of the soul by feeding upon the Word of God.

How depressed it is to hear and know that some saints are living without the diligent use of the Word of God and secret prayer!

Without constant restoration, we are not ready for the perpetual assaults of hell, worldliness, and the strifes from within.

Let us draw near to the footstool of divine mercy in humble entreaty.

Let us wait on the Lord.

They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.

The Lord Will Guide You Always

The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
- Isaiah 58:11 -

"The Lord will guide you always."

God has not left the Christian believers in their earthly pilgrimage to an angel's guidance.

He Himself leads them.

We may not see the cloudy, fiery pillar, but God will never forsake us.

God's promise is better than men's oaths.

"The Lord will guide you always."

We are to hear the guiding voice of the Great Shepherd continually.

Whatever our circumstances, the Lord will guide us continually.

We have infallible wisdom to direct us, immutable love to comfort us, and eternal power to defend us.

Mark the word -- "The Lord will guide you always."

God Is Here

The day is yours, and yours also the night;
you established the sun and moon.
- Psalm 74:16 -

The Lord does not abdicate His throne when the sun goes down, nor does He leave the world during the long winter nights.

This is very sweet indeed.

The nights of affliction are under the arrangement and control of the Lord of Love. So are the bright summer days when all is bliss.

The Lord Jesus Christ is in the tempest.

From the first watch of the night to the break of day, the Lord God observes His saints for their highest good.

Gloomy seasons of religious indifference and social sin are not exempted from the divine purpose.

When the altars of truth are defiled, and the ways of God forsaken, the Lord's servants weep with bitter sorrow. But they may not despair, for the darkest eras are governed by the Lord, and shall come to their end at His bidding.

What may seem defeat to us may be victory to Him.

Since the Lord Himself is here, we must not fear.

How God Has Clothed Us

I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put sandals of fine leather on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments. - Ezekiel 16:10 -

See how the Lord has clothed us.

See His matchless generosity.

See His unrivaled embroidered work.

See His work in our salvation.

See His work in the righteousness of the saints.

Justification is the theme of admiration in eternity.

See all this elaboration, mingled with usefulness and durability.

The righteousness by grace through faith endures forever.

We are clothed in pure white.

We are clothed in the royal apparel which is delicate and rich as silk.

No expense is spared.

No beauty withheld.

Oh! See how the Lord God has clothed us.

Let us express our gratitude and joy to Him.