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To all my friends . this is real late to sent you all wish have a good Valentine.. God bless.

Question: "What sort of New Year's Resolution should a Christian make?"

Answer: The practice of making a New Year's Resolution goes back over 3000 years to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a New Year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31st and January 1st. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31st. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of a New Year's Resolution. However, if a Christian determines to make a New Year's Resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make?

Common New Year's Resolutions are: to quit smoking, to quit drinking, to manage money better, and spend more time with family. By far the most common New Year's Resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating healthier. These are all good goals to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." The vast majority of New Year's Resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things. This should not be.

Many Christians make New Year's Resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, to attend church more regularly, etc., etc. These are fantastic goals! However, these New Year's Resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions. Why? Because there is no power in a New Year's Resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually or is it because you have just heard that it is a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to honor God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honor yourself?

Philippians 4:13 tells us, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." John 15:5 declares, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." If God is the center of your New Year's Resolution, it has chance for success – depending on your commitment to it. If it is God's will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to fulfill it. If a resolution is not God honoring and/or is not in agreement in God's Word – we will not receive God's help in fulfilling the resolution.

So, what sort of New Year's Resolution should a Christian make? I cannot answer that question for you. My advice to you is this: (1) Pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) in regards to what resolutions, if any, He would have you make; (2) Pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) Rely on God's strength to help you; (4) Find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) Don't become discouraged with occasional failures, instead allow them to motivate you further; (6) Don't become proud or vain, but give God the glory. Psalm 37:5-6, "Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."

Recommended Resource: Read the Bible in One Year

The Meaning of Christmas

 By Charles Stanley

READ | Matthew 1:18-25

When Jesus was born, only a few people realized He was more than a typical infant. The same is true today. Many people attend Christmas Eve services and observe holiday traditions but fail to consider three important questions: Was Jesus really God? Why did He come to earth? What does this have to do with me?

Genesis, the first book of the Bible, begins with these words: “In the beginning God . . .” What evidence is there that Jesus existed from the very start? First of all, the fourth gospel opens with a claim of His preexistence: “In the beginning was the Word [that is, Jesus] . . . and the Word was God” (John 1:1, 14). Jesus also testified to His own preexistence when He asked God to glorify Him “with the glory which I had with You before the world was” (John 17:5). A second proof would be His demonstrations of divine power. Jesus caused the blind to see, the lame to walk, and the dead to live again. His own words provide additional evidence. He said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30) and “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

The second and third questions can be answered at the same time. Jesus came to earth not to judge us, as some think, but to rescue us (John 12:47). He walked among us that we might know who God is. He died in our place so we could receive eternal life and become part of God’s family.

At this special season, look for opportunities to tell people what Christmas means to you. Be sure to include the answers to these three questions.

 

Why did Jesus teach in parables?"

Answer: It has been said that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. The Lord Jesus frequently used parables as a means of illustrating profound, divine truths. Stories such as these are easily remembered, the characters bold, and the symbolism rich in meaning. Parables were a common form of teaching in Judaism. Before a certain point in His ministry, Jesus had employed many graphic analogies using common things that would be familiar to everyone (salt, bread, sheep, etc.) and their meaning was fairly clear in the context of His teaching. Parables required more explanation, and at one point in His ministry, Jesus began to teach using parables exclusively.

The question is why Jesus would let most people wonder about the meaning of His parables. The first instance of this is in His telling the parable of the seed and the soils. Before He interpreted this parable, He drew His disciples away from the crowd. They said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" Jesus answered them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,

'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.' But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it" (Matthew 13:10-17).

Here Matthew seems to suggest that their own unbelief is the cause of their spiritual blindness. The same event as told by Luke, however, emphasizes God's initiative in obscuring the truth from these unbelievers ("to the rest it is given in parables, [so] that 'Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand'" (Luke 8:10). Both things are true, of course. Yet we are not to think that God blinds them because He somehow delights in their destruction. This judicial blinding may be viewed as an act of mercy, lest their condemnation be increased. He employed parables to obscure the truth from unbelievers while making it clearer to His disciples. For the remainder of His Galilean ministry, He did not speak to the multitudes except in parables (v. 34). Jesus' veiling the truth from unbelievers this way was both an act of judgment and an act of mercy. It was judgment because it kept them in the darkness that they loved (John 3:19), but it was mercy because they had already rejected the light, so any exposure to more truth would only increase their condemnation.

Our Lord Jesus understood that truth is not sweet music to all ears. Simply put, there are those who have neither interest nor regard in the deep things of God. So why, then, did He speak in parables? To those with a genuine hunger for God, the parable is both an effective and memorable vehicle for the conveyance of divine truths. Our Lord's parables contain great volumes of truth in very few words—and His parables, rich in imagery, are not easily forgotten. So, then, the parable is a blessing to those with willing ears. But to those with dull hearts and ears that are slow to hear, the parable is also an instrument of both judgment and mercy.

Recommended Resource: Parables of Jesus by James Montgomery Boice.

Growing in Spiritual Maturity

By Charles Stanley

READ | Ephesians 4:11-16

If we think of the Christian life as a journey, we can identify a number of "waypoints"— stages of growth we need to reach en route to spiritual maturity. The first two are salvation and service.

We all begin our journey in the same place—spiritually dead and uninterested in what matters to God (Ephesians 2:1-2). There is only one way to receive spiritual life— through faith in Jesus Christ, who took our place and bore God's judgment for our sins. He died so that we might become spiritually alive. At salvation, we receive the Holy Spirit, who creates in us a desire to know God and His Son Jesus.

As we learn more about our triune God, our faith will deepen and our hearts will swell with thanksgiving. Gratitude will lead us to the next step on our journey—serving Him. We will desire to give something back to God in appreciation for His generosity towards us. Rather than deciding what we want to do, we are to ask the Lord what His plans are and how we can join Him (Ephesians 2:10). As God's children, we are to listen attentively for His call and focus our minds and hearts on obeying. Over time, the Spirit will bring forth "fruit" in us (Galatians 5:22-23) and draw us into unity of service with other believers.

Growth is a key principle in a believer's life—Ephesians 4:15 tells us that "we are to grow up in all aspects into. . . Christ." Spiritual maturity begins with salvation and should be followed by a lifelong commitment to being God's servant. Have you dedicated yourself to serving Him?

 

Speaking Words of Grace

Charles Stanley

READ | Colossians 4:2-6

In closing his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul highlighted some essentials of the Christian life—devotion to prayer, an attitude of gratefulness, and wise dealings with unbelievers. We are to make the most of opportunities to share our testimony. As Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6).

Paul knew the tongue's power for good and encouraged using words to influence others for Jesus. James took the opposite approach, describing the harm tongues can do. He likened them to sparks that set a forest on fire or a restless evil that can poison (James 3:5, 8). Sadly, we see this truth lived out in the media, workplace, families, and even churches.

Consider how we respond when we hear about a stranger who has ruined his personal life, carried out ruthless business practices, or brought public condemnation on himself. Frequently we express criticism and judgment instead of compassion or sorrow. We can learn from Jesus' example. He asked the Samaritan woman simple questions so she would recognize her need for living water (John 4:7-39); He invited Himself to the house of the hated tax collector (Luke 19:5); and He stood between the adulterous woman and her critics before gently bringing correction (John 8:1-11). Jesus' words were seasoned with grace.

As representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, we must learn to speak words of grace. Let's make it our habit to use a kind tone of voice, courteous approach, humble spirit, and edifying words.

Can I really trust God to provide what I need?


by Charles Stanley


From cover to cover, the Bible brims over with God’s promises to provide for our needs. Our heavenly Father always gives, always loves, always remains generous toward His children.

In the first few chapters of Genesis, the Lord gives the first man and woman a perfect garden. In Revelation, we read about our ultimate home, a perfect and eternal heaven. In all the books between, we read how God delights in blessing His people. At the very outset of the New Testament, we read how God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as His ultimate gift of blessing to provide what we need most of all: forgiveness of sin and restored fellowship with God.

When you limit yourself to your own ability and resources, you run out of both commodities very quickly. But when you focus your faith on what God can do for you, you discover an infinite supply that cannot be measured or depleted. God’s resources are 100 percent inflation-proof and recession-proof.

The very nature of God gives you assurance of His abundant provision. God is:

Omniscient—the Lord knows your need. He knows it even better than you do and before you do (Matt. 6:8).
Omnipotent—the Lord has all power to supply to you whatever you need (Phil. 4:19).
Omnipresent—the Lord is at work even now to meet your needs (Ps. 34:7, 8).
Not only do you have the character of God as your assurance that He is going to provide for you, but you also have the testimony of God’s past performance in providing for His people. The Scriptures repeatedly point to Him as a faithful Source of life. Consider just a few examples from the Book of Exodus:

He made a way for His people to cross the Red Sea and find deliverance from their enemies.
He provided manna for the people to eat in the wilderness.
He caused water to gush forth from a rock to quench the people’s thirst.
He gave His commandments to His people, even when they lacked moral fiber.
He healed His people when poisonous snakes struck them.
As the Israelites left behind the only “home” they had ever known, in Egypt, God provided for all their needs. He provided for their protection, their basic physical necessities (food and water), spiritual grounding, and healing. He does the same for us today!

The Holy Spirit: Our Teacher

by Charles Stanley

READ | John 14:26

Let’s be honest—some parts of the Bible are hard to understand. Have you ever read a section over and over again, trying to figure out exactly what God is trying to say?

Fortunately, our heavenly Father has blessed believers with an instructor. This teacher is the Holy Spirit, who lives within us and serves as the bridge between our limited understanding and divine omniscience. In John 14:26, Jesus tells the disciples that the Holy Spirit “will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” When we have difficulty understanding a verse, or are struggling to remember a biblical truth, the Holy Spirit can guide us to the knowledge we are seeking.

What a blessing it is to have the Spirit of God Himself as an instructor! No person is able to comprehend God’s thoughts. But the Holy Spirit—a member of the triune Godhead—can lead us into the knowledge we need to mature and successfully maneuver through the Christian life.

God sends the Holy Spirit not only to help us understand, but also to transform our lives. He wants to shape and mold us into Christlike believers, so He reminds us of areas in our lives that need forgiveness and shows us how to deal with them.

Thankfully, God didn’t design the Christian life to be a solo journey. Every single believer has a close companion and instructor—the Holy Spirit. As questions arise and seemingly insurmountable tasks pile up, trust in Him to provide answers and carry you through.

Question: "What does the Bible say about patience?"

Answer: Margaret Thatcher once said, “I am extraordinarily patient provided I get my own way in the end.” When everything is going your way, patience is easy to demonstrate. The true test of patience comes when your rights are violated; when the sports car cuts you off in traffic; when a group of teenage boys are hogging the tennis courts; when your coworker derides your faith – again. Some people think they have a right to get upset in the face of irritations and trials. Impatience seems like a holy anger. The Bible, however, praises patience as a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) which should be produced for all men (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Patience reveals our faith in God’s timing, omnipotence, and love.

Patience Defined

Although most people consider patience to be a passive waiting or gentle tolerance, most of the Greek words translated “patience” in the New Testament (KJV) are active, robust words. Consider, for example, Hebrews 12:1: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Does one run a race by passively waiting for slow-pokes or gently tolerating cheaters? Certainly not! The word translated patience in this verse means endurance. A Christian runs the race patiently by persevering through difficulties in hope of heaven. In the Bible, patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.

Patience Developed

1. God’s power develops patience. “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” (Colossians 1:11).

2. Trusting God’s goodness develops patience. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

3. Allowing trials to purify character develops patience. ”Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:3-4).

4. Resting in God’s timing develops patience. “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth” (Psalms 37:7-9).

5. Waiting for Christ’s return develops patience. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh" (James 5:7-8).

Patience Demonstrated

“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:10-11
1. Job (James 5:11)
2. Abraham (Hebrews 6:15)
3. Paul (2 Timothy 3:10)
4. Jesus (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
5. God (Romans 15:5)

Patience Displayed: responding correctly to irritations and trials

1. Thank God: A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in God’s will (Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:6).
2. Seek His purposes: Sometimes, God puts people in difficult situations in order to witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character.
3. Remember His promises (such as Romans 8:28-29).

Patience Declared Worthy of Reward
1. Hope (Romans 5:3-4)
2. Inherit the promise, glory, honor, immortality (Hebrews 6:12-15; Romans 2:7)
3. Maturity (James 1:4)
4. Answered prayer (Psalm 40:1)
5. Pleasure of God (1 Peter 2:20)

The next time you’re in a traffic jam, betrayed by a friend, or mocked for your testimony, how will you respond? The natural response is impatience which leads to stress, anger, and frustration. Praise God, Christians are no longer in bondage to a “natural response.” Instead, they have the Lord’s strength to respond with complete trust in the Father, who uses trials for good (Romans 8:28). Through God’s power, purpose to be patient. “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life” (Romans 2:7).

Recommended Resource: Patience: The Benefits of Waiting by Stephen Eyre.