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Viewing 1 - 9 out of 12 Blogs.
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How To Get To Heaven   teacher asked the children in her Sunday School class, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would I get into heaven?"
"NO!" the children all answered.
"If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into heaven?"
Again, the answer was "NO!"
"Well," she continued, "then how can I get to heaven?"
In the back of the room, a five-year-old boy shouted out, "You gotta be dead!"
Jehovah Tsidkenu I once was a stranger to grace and to God, I knew not my danger, and felt not my load; Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree, Jehovah Tsidkenu was nothing to me. I oft read with pleasure, to sooth or engage, Isaiah’s wild measure and John’s simple page; But e’en when they pictured the blood sprinkled tree Jehovah Tsidkenu seemed nothing to me. Like tears from the daughters of Zion that roll, I wept when the waters went over His soul; Yet thought not that my sins had nailed to the tree Jehovah Tsidkenu—’twas nothing to me. When free grace awoke me, by light from on high, Then legal fears shook me, I trembled to die; No refuge, no safety in self could I see— Jehovah Tsidkenu my Saviour must be. My terrors all vanished before the sweet name; My guilty fears banished, with boldness I came To drink at the fountain, life giving and free— Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me. Jehovah Tsidkenu! my treasure and boast, Jehovah Tsidkenu! I ne’er can be lost; In thee I shall conquer by flood and by field, My cable, my anchor, my breast-plate and shield! Even treading the valley, the shadow of death, This “watchword” shall rally my faltering breath; For while from life’s fever my God sets me free, Jehovah Tsidkenu, my death song shall be.
Atheist at Loch Ness An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness monster. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat high into the air. Then it opened its mouth to swallow both. As the man sailed head over heels, he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me!" At once, the ferocious attack scene froze in place, and as the atheist hung in mid-air, a booming voice came down from the clouds, "I thought you didn't believe in Me!" "Come on God, give me a break!!" the man pleaded. "two minutes ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness monster either!"
July 6 TRUE BENEFICENCE "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men."-- Gal_6:10. WE ALL have a mission in the world, though we may never be called to cross the sea, or to visit distant lands to preach the gospel. Christ's command to each of us, is begun with the person next to you. Do not wait to be neighboured, but neighbour somebody who is in need. The best way to bring in the Kingdom of God is to bring the person whom you can most easily influence to the Saviour. All great work in the world has commenced, not by committees, but by the consecration, self-sacrifice, and devotion of single individuals. The Apostle indicates three methods of helping people. The restoration of the fallen (Gal_6:1). How often in daily life a Christian man or woman is suddenly overtaken by some temptation, to which they yield, and which leaves a deep stain on character. Thus was David overtaken and also Peter! What an agony of remorse ensues! The Psalms are full of bitter repentance for such transgression. The sinful soul has to bear a heavy burden indeed; and too often his fellow-Christians pass him by with averted faces and frowns. No one visits him, or cares to be seen in his company, or tries to help him regain his former footing. "Christ's law," which we are called to fulfil, is to seek out the erring one, to go after that which is lost, to restore the wanderer, to help carry his burden, considering lest we be tempted, and lapse into the same sin. The care of Pastors and Ministers (Gal_6:6). If all who are being taught in Church and Sunday School would set themselves to minister to those that teach them, how many a weary servant of Christ would pluck up new courage and hope. Communicate helpfulness, sympathy, prayer, the grip of the hand, the expression of thankfulness for blessing received.The ministry of all men (Gal_6:9-10). These opportunities of doing good are always recurring, and at every turn there are those who need a helping hand. "The poor," said our Lord, "ye have always with you." Let us bear a little of the burden of each, and specially do it for those who belong to the household of faith. PRAYER Give us grace to be encouragers of others, never discouragers; always making life easier, never harder, for those who come within our influence. AMEN.
Faith and Faithfulness
Written by Richard A. Nelson Dear Lord, by faith, my heart to You I give…
Your life in me the life I now can live;
My heart’s desire is for the faith You’ve sown,
Make me then, Lord, a faithful life You own. As I am loving You, my Faithful One,
I find the strength to do what needs be done
‘ Tis no more I that strives to always be
What I in faith live out spontaneously. Now overflowing with You, Precious One,
You are my faith and I am now Your son;
Passioned with love because to me You’ve come
My life pours out in You for all You’ve done. Your faith within me (faith now also mine,
My life hidden in Your faith divine);
Your life in me my faithful life becomes;
My life, so full, joins with Your faithful ones.
I Don't Deserveby mike bullock
I don't deserve to be the one
Who Jesus died to save
I don't deserve to be the one
Who Christ took to the grave
Then He rose to give me life
A wretched soul like me
Why did He go through all that pain
Just to set me free.
It is surely up to me
To grasp His offered love
Even though I'm hesitant
To lose my worldly glove
If I have a choice to make
I would pick the One
Who's loved me since the world began
Jesus, God's own Son.
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Faith
Posted On 04/26/2007 13:27:49
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April 26, 2007 So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as are as Sodom.--Genesis 13:11-12 There is a huge difference between firsthand and secondhand faith. You don’t have to read far between the lines of today’s text to see that difference illustrated in the lives of Abraham and his nephew Lot. Secondhand faith is a faith that is lived on the coattails of someone else’s faith. And it’s dangerous because it’s not really faith at all. That was the problem between Abraham and Lot. Lot had inherited many blessings by being in Abraham’s family, and there is no doubt that Abraham was an incredible spiritual example and mentor to Lot. But all of that didn’t add up to a godly lifestyle for Lot, a fact that we see in Genesis 13. Lot greedily chose the best land for himself when given the chance, and happily moved right on in to Sodom. Hanging out with Abraham had made Lot successful and wealthy, but it didn’t make him wise and godly. Although the Bible says Lot was a fair man, he ended up making a very bad decision that eventually cost him dearly. Lot’s secondhand faith caused him firsthand trouble! Which “hand” describes your faith? NEVER LET YOUR FAITH BECOME A “SECONDHAND” FAITH.
April 5, 2007 Even the Donkey Knew By Micca Monda Campbell “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.” Matthew 21:2 (NIV) Devotion: For thousands of years people have been asking the question, “Who is Jesus?” Skeptics first began inquiring about Jesus’ identity during His earthly ministry. As He traveled from town to town performing miracles and fulfilling prophecy, many would ask, “Is He a prophet or a teacher?” Even though Christ clearly stated He was the Son of God, some still questioned His identity and still do today. The celebration of the Passover in Jerusalem was one of many times our Lord’s identity was questioned. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the citizens cried out, “Who is this?” Everyone noticed His arrival. Some were moved with joy by His presence and laid palm branches on the ground in His honor. Others watched in wonder. The Pharisees were most likely filled with envy and indignation. However, Scripture tells us that although He was the King of Glory, Jerusalem knew Him not (Acts 13:27, KJV). Earlier that Sunday morning, as Jesus and His disciples neared the city, He said to two of His disciples, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.” (Matthew 21:2, NIV) Most Bible teachers claim that Jesus rode the donkey through town in order to fulfill the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (NIV) Not only was prophecy fulfilled, but we also see an example of Christ’s all-encompassing knowledge when He revealed where the donkey could be found. More so, we also catch a glimpse of Christ’s ability to make Himself and His authority known to all living things as the untamed donkey yields to his destiny. Donkeys, as well as their colts, were known as mean, stubborn creatures, and yet, having never been ridden before, amazingly this wild donkey submits to the authority of Christ. In doing so, the donkey testifies that Jesus is Lord. In this truth lies a very important insight. Within the heart of every living soul, whether man or beast, is the knowledge of God. He placed that knowledge there Himself. The evidence of God is not only written on every heart and displayed in nature, but it’s found throughout Scripture as well. One recorded fact that proves Christ’s authenticity is found in the donkey’s humble obedience to submit to Jesus’ command. I believe that Jesus is sending us a message through an animal less intelligent than we, “Open your eyes - even the donkey knew Me.” It’s true, if an untamed donkey can recognize the glory of the Lord, so can we even though we can’t visibly see Him. If we could see God, He’d just be another object like the sun and the moon. That would make Him a small God. He’s much bigger than that. The Bible tells us that God is a spirit. He is not anything you can see or touch. But that doesn't mean He isn't real! In fact, He is more "real" than the things you see around you that will eventually die or disappearâ€�"but God never will. The greatest evidence that God is real occurred over 2000 years ago when this invisible God became a visible person, Jesus Christ, who claimed, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). God not only desired to reveal Himself then, but He wants to show Himself real to you everyday through a loving relationship with you. Deep within you know, just as the donkey knew, that Jesus longs to enter your heart and take His rightful place as Lord of your life. Don’t let a donkey out smart you. This Easter season is the perfect time to get to know God in a real way. You’ll be glad you did. Dear Lord, I confess that You are God. Forgive me for my sins and come into my heart and be my King. Thank you for forgiving me and saving my soul, In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Related Resources: Micca Campbell’s Testimony DVD Do You Know Him? “Finding Easter,” an ETC article Application Steps: Read the Book of John in the Bible and get to know Jesus and His ways. Reflections: Have you ever questioned the identity of Christ? Have you ever wondered if God was real? How do you know God is real and Christ is the Savior of the world? What evidence is there in your life that proves you believe this? Power Verses: Romans 1:9, “But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is!” (MSG) Psalms 14:1, “The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” (NIV) Acts 14:17, Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." (NIV) Psalms 90:2, “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (NIV) Proverbs 31 Ministries 616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road Matthews, NC 28105 www.Proverbs31.org
Amazing Grace
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
“ Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Luke 7:47-48
John Newton, the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace,” found faith in Jesus onboard a ship as it was floundering in a storm. This was not just any ship; the ship he was on was a slave ship. In the mid 1700s, Newton’s professional trade was the trafficking of human life. Newton and his crew would sale from England to Africa where they would pick up men, women and children who had been captured in tribal raids. They would trade arms and other goods for the finest of the prisoners. They would then chain them to prevent suicides, and lay them below deck side by side. As many as 600 people were stuffed together on the ship as it made its three week voyage. Due to the inhumane conditions, at times, up to 20% of those captured would die. After becoming a Christian, Newton left the sea for good and became a priest. He then wrote this hymn. You have probably sung it before, but read these words carefully knowing now why he wrote them. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come.
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home. God’s mercy and grace drastically changed John Newton’s life. He understood God’s unconditional love better than most. When I read those words through the eyes of someone who truly realized he did not deserve grace, I am humbled. Too often I chalk up all the good things I have done and wait for what I think I deserve; however, according to the Scriptures, the truth of the matter is that I deserve judgment. And, I don’t really want that! I am thankful for God’s generosity and that He sent Hs one and only Son to die for us so that we would not get what we deserve, but that we would get His generous love and eternity with the Father. This is truly amazing grace! 
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