Honesty 12.30.15

HONESTY

BREAD

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14 (NIV)

12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Psalms 34:12-13 (NIV)

28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28 (NIV)

19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Proverbs 12:19 (NIV)

16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. 17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies. Proverbs 12:16-17 (NIV)

16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV)

22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. Proverbs 12:22 (NIV)

20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. 1 John 2:20-21 (NIV)

42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:42-44 (NIV)

17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:17-19 (NIV)

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

BUTTER

“Father, we don’t feel worthy to come before You because we have sinned. We sin every day. We take our eyes off of You; we run after the things of the world – perishing things, rotten things, evil things. Forgive us, Lord. Let Us look to Jesus, Who in His perfect Righteousness became sin for us that we might be made righteous. Guide us by Your Spirit. Hold us in Your strong Hands. Make us and mold us, more and more each day, to be more like Jesus.” Roger Killan

“That is a very cheap sort of virtue; bullying other people’s vices. The easiest thing in all the world is to be constantly denouncing popular faults; but to wring the neck of one of my own bosom sins is a harder work by far, and a much better sign of conversion. To be earnest against the sin of others may be praiseworthy, but it is no sign of grace in the heart; for natural men have been some of the greatest leaders in this matter. To loathe my own sin, to humble myself on account of my own personal faults, and to endeavour in the sight of God to renounce every false way, is a work of something more than human nature.” Charles H. Spurgeon

“Every time we resist the slightest temptation, we honor God. Every time we overcome even the smallest problem by trusting and obeying our Lord Jesus, God is glorified in our lives. Whenever we choose character over convenience, faithfulness over ease, or honesty over deceit, we bring honor to the Lord Himself.” Robert J. Morgan

“Honesty has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it.” Charles Swindoll

“Peace is such a precious jewel that I would give anything for it but truth.” Matthew Henry

“Do you seek any further reward beyond that of having pleased God? In truth, you know not how great a good it is to please Him.” John Chrysostom

“He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God’s providence to lead him aright.” Blaise Pascal

“Where truth is, there is God.” Miguel de Cervantes

HEART SAVOR

• God detests deceit.
• A lying tongue hates those it hurts.
• I am to walk in truth.

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The Alpha And Omega 12.28.15

THE ALPHA AND OMEGA

BREAD

7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:7-8 (NIV)

12 “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13 (NIV)

13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NIV)

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36 (NIV)

14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV)

10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NIV)

10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. Isaiah 40:10 (NIV)

27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. Matthew 16:27 (NIV)

BUTTER

“Our Lord should be the Alpha and Omega of our life’s end and aim. What is there worth living for but Christ? What is there in the whole earth that is worth a thought but Jesus? Well did an old writer say, ‘If God be the only Eternal, then all the rest is but a puff of smoke, and shall I live to heap up puffs of smoke, and shall I toil and strive merely to aggrandise myself with smoky treasures that the wind of death shall dissipate for ever?’ No, beloved, let us live for eternal things, and what is there of eternal things that can be chosen but our Lord? O let us give him next year the Alpha of our labour. Let us begin the year by working in his vineyard, toiling in his harvest field. This year is almost over. There is another day or two left—let us serve him till the year is ended, going forward with double haste because the days are now so few. Lord, ‘teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.’ Let your time and your talents, your substance and your energies, all be given to my Master, who is worthy to be your soul’s Alpha and Omega.” Charles H. Spurgeon

“Lord, make us mindful of the Glory that is ours in Christ Jesus. Let us savor our relationship with You and let us use every opportunity to tell the wonderful news – the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those around us – and as we have the ability, to send and carry that news to all parts of the world. And Father, save, protect, keep and provide for our families. Protect us from the warfare waged against us by evil men and by Satan and his armies. Deepen our faith. Let us look to You and receive strength and power; let us stand firm. Let us cherish the times that we can spend together and let us think of and pray for one another when we are apart. Let us love one another deeply. May the Love of Christ overflow from our hearts. May people who are around us and see us know that we are Christians by our love. May our countenance, our faces display Christian Love.” Roger Killian

“Each breath signs our names on the dotted line of dependence, whether we’re thinking about it, or not.” Deidra Riggs

“We draw people to Christ not by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.” Madeleine L’Engle

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Jesus reminds us that we do not belong to this world. We have been sent into the world to be living witnesses of God’s unconditional love, calling all people to look beyond the passing structures of our temporary existence to the eternal life promised to us.” Henri Nouwen

“Total surrender to ‘the love of Christ’ is the only thing that will bear fruit in your life. And it will always leave the mark of God’s holiness and His power, never drawing attention to your personal holiness.” Oswald Chambers

HEART SAVOR

• Everything belongs to God – everything. I am accountable to Him and am to live my life for an audience of One. He is to be my life’s end and aim.
• It is God Who will one day judge my deeds.
• I am not to live for myself but for Him who died for me and was raised again.

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The First Christmas 12.25.15

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS

Enthroned in splendor and majesty, unearthly in its magnificence, His pure glory veiled from mankind’s eyes. Surrounded by thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly all gathered together singing His praises. Eternally rich, gloriously exalted, flawlessly perfect. Indescribable beauty. “Holy, holy, holy” the refrain resounds. Perfect paradise indeed.

The Lord Jesus acquiesces to condescend, stooping down from His majesty, leaving His glorious splendor to don the cloak of a mere servant and the created is filled with the Creator. Paradise for poverty. The promise became the Person. The Holy Seed becomes the Stump of hope in the barren land. Born into the muck and mire of our fallen humanity, Perfect Purity came to reside. Earths’ best to offer not worthy of heaven’s least and yet He goes further still. The Christ child was born in a stable amidst the smells and the sounds of the barnyard. A feeding trough for animals held the Creator. No fancy linens, no beautifully adorned clothing, simply a cloth wrapped around His flesh. How in the world did that mere flesh of a baby boy contain the great I AM? The God Who spoke all creation into being stooped down to be with me and to be with you. The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. He Who formed the womb placed Himself in the womb, He Who spoke the world into being, came and walked in the world on a mission to save those languishing in the world. The world was never His home, heaven is. The world was not worthy of Him. Neither were we.

Two natures in the person – Deity espousing manhood so that mankind may be redeemed. The perfect Lamb to take away the sins of the earth. This truth would ravish our hearts forever if we could fully comprehend the breadth and depth and height and width of the love behind the action. What other possible motive could have prompted this incarnation – what could have made Glory walk this dusty earth, separate Himself from the Triune God for the benefit of mankind’s redemption if it were not pure love? There is no greater love than this that a man would lay down his life for his friend. What love is this, the strangest of all acts of condescending love? The Creator comes to His creation. The fullness of the Godhead in bodily form, Who did not considered equality with God something to be grasped but rather made Himself nothing taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness and being found in appearance as a mere man, the I AM came to be with us. He not only came to be with us, He came to die to save us. He came to demonstrate to us how to walk as He did. He came to loose the chains of injustice which held us tightly bound, to untie the cords of the yoke of sin and set us – the oppressed – free and to break every yoke of bondage. We who once walked in darkness have now seen a great Light. The Child has been born, the Son has been given. The government He carries on His shoulders and He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Our despair now gives way to hope. Hope deferred makes one’s heart sick but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Comfort, comfort My people says your God. Speak tenderly to them and proclaim to them that their hard service has been completed, their sins have been paid for. This is really very Good News – For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Don’t let the tinsel and lights of this Christmas distract you from the True Light Who, for love, freely gives life in abundance to all who will trust in Him. In Him was life and that life was the light of men.

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

BETH YOE

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Self-Denial 12.23.15

SELF-DENIAL

BREAD

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)

6 God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism. Romans 2:6-11 (NIV)

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

23 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” Luke 9:23-24 (NIV)

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:19-24 (NIV)

BUTTER
“Would you follow Christ? Then follow Him in self-denial, in humility, in patience, and in readiness for every good work. Follow Him with a daily cross upon your back, and look to His cross to make your burden light. Follow Him as your Guide and Guard, and learn to see with His eyes, and to trust in His arm for defense. Follow Him as the Friend of sinners, who healeth the broken in heart, and giveth rest to the weary souls, and casteth out none that come unto Him. Follow Him with faith, resting your whole acceptance with God, and your title to heaven, on His meritorious blood and righteousness. Lastly, follow Him with much prayer. For, though He is full of compassion, He loves to be much entreated; and when He is determined to give a blessing, you must yet wrestle with Him for it. Thus follow Jesus, and He will lead you to glory.” K. H. Von Bogatzky

“They that deny themselves for Christ shall enjoy themselves in Christ.” John Mason

“From God’s perspective, one hidden act of repentance, one little gesture of selfless love, one moment of true forgiveness is all that is needed to bring God from His throne to run to His returning son and to fill the heavens with sounds of divine joy.” Henri J. M. Nouwen

“The person who serves selflessly, lovingly, without complaint, and without seeking recognition is highly regarded in the kingdom of God. The world will estimate your importance by the number of people serving you. God is more concerned with the number of people you are serving.” Henry Blackaby, Richard Blackaby

“There is something contagious about a heart of love. People who are selfless with their love can make giant waves in this world where those who cling to selfish desires cause only ripples. In fact, those who have hearts of love view the people around them as being most important. A heart that bears the marks of God’s intimate love is not a selfish heart. When we look directly into God’s heart of love, we are transformed forever. The selfish desires that once dominated our heart’s landscapes vanish in an instant, replaced by a desire to lavish love on others. As God begins to transform our hearts through His grace and kindness, we become vessels willing to reciprocate this type of love. Something happens inside of us. We begin to realize the twofold effect of loving God and loving others – not just friends and family, but others who cross our paths every day. Hardened hearts begin to melt beneath the warmth of Christ’s love overflowing from our lives. People who we never thought would let the name of Jesus roll off their lips suddenly praise Him because we have taken the time to love them the way God has commanded us to love. Once we learn how to abide in His love, our feelings of jealousy, greed, and anger die a quick death. A true champion extends grace and kindness because he knows the transformation that has taken place in his own heart, and he realizes those who receive God’s love and grace have no other course of action but to give God’s love away.” Michael Youssef

HEART SAVOR

• The self-denial attitude of Jesus should be my attitude as well.
• The more selfish I am the more empty I am. The more self-less I am the more filled I am with all the goodness of the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It really is a no-brainer – the more you give the more you get.
• Better to be highly regarded by God than by man or self.

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Mountain Moving Faith 12.21.15

MOUNTAIN MOVING FAITH

BREAD

1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1-2 (NIV)

6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated– 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:32-40 (NIV)

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

BUTTER

“God tries our faith so that we may try His faithfulness.” Anonymous

“Whenever I haven’t known what to do, I’ve just tried to do what comes next, to take the next logical step by faith. I’ve decided that sometimes plodding is better than plotting when it comes to finding God’s will.” Robert J. Morgan

“Faith raises the soul above the difficulty, straight to God Himself, and enables one to stand still. We gain nothing by our restless and anxious efforts….It is therefore true wisdom, in all times of difficulty and perplexity, to stand still – to wait only upon God, and He will assuredly open a way for us.” C.H. Mackintosh

“Faith is to prayer, what the feather is to the arrow; it feathers the arrow of prayer, and makes it fly swifter, and pierce the throne of grace.” Thomas Watson

“I am waiting on Thee, Lord, to open the way.” J. Hudson Taylor

“If faith never encounters doubt, if truth never struggles with error, if good never battles with evil, how can faith know its own power? In my own pilgrimage, if I have to choose between a faith that has stared doubt in the eye and made it blink, or a naïve faith that has never known the firing line of doubt, I will choose the former every time.” Gary Parker

“To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.” George Mueller

“Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ.” A.W. Tozer

“A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul.” D. L. Moody

“Faith like Job’s cannot be shaken because it is the result of having been shaken.” Abraham Heschel

“Sometimes the enemy seems to get an advantage over us; but the battle is not over yet. At last thou shalt have the victory, and carry the day for all that. In hard struggles remember the power of Christ, who, in his resurrection, broke through everything. With him thou canst also break through, and be more than conqueror. Yea, in every conflict, if thy faith be firm, thou canst be sure of victory beforehand; for faith engages Christ’s power, and his power ensureth victory; it is as impossible for thine enemies to keep thee always in bonds, as it was impossible that Christ could be kept in the grave by the stone, seal, and keepers. Nay, the greater their force is, the more glorious will be the victory of Christ over them.” K. H. Von Bogatzky

HEART SAVOR

• Faith is being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I cannot see.
• It is impossible to please God without faith.
• Faith engages Christ’s power and ensures the victory.

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Peace Please – Just Give Me Jesus 12.18.15

PEACE PLEASE – JUST GIVE ME JESUS

BREAD

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)

3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints– but let them not return to folly. Psalms 85:8 (NIV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)

5 And he will be their peace. Micah 5:5 (NIV)

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)

BUTTER

“Peace: A quiet knowing that God can be trusted.” Anonymous

“As you love Me, you accept My will as your own, and the caliber and extent of your love for Me may be accurately measured to the degree that you accept My will with a peaceful heart. You can best sing ‘My Jesus, I Love You’ when you can truly sing ‘Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow.’ For whoever does not take up his cross daily to follow Me cannot be My disciple.” Frances J. Roberts

“To added affliction He addeth His mercy, to multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.” Annie Johnson Flint

“We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by ‘looking unto Jesus’. Keep thine eye simply on Him; let His death, His sufferings, His merits, His glories, His intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to Him; when thou liest down at night look to Him. Oh! Let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after Him, and He will never fail thee.” C. H. Spurgeon

“We sleep in peace in the arms of God, when we yield ourselves up to His providence.” Francois Fenelon

“Blessed are the single-hearted; for they shall enjoy much peace.” Thomas a Kempis

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.” Francis of Assisi

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inward peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. Commend all to God, and then lie still and be at rest in His bosom. Whatever happens, abide steadfast in a determination to cling simply to God……Maintain a holy simplicity of mind, and do not smother yourself with a host of cares, wishes, or longings, under any pretext.” St. Francis de Sales

“God, and not the world, can give peace.” Billy Graham

BUTTER

• Jesus gives peace. It is a peace which passes understanding – unearthly in its nature.
• I am never to lose my inner peace no matter what the pretext.
• God fills me with all joy and peace as I trust in Him and His leading in my life. Everything that is allowed is for my ultimate good and His glory as His child – I can trust Him with my life.

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Don’t Make The Rocks Cry Out (Correct Text) 12.16.15

DON’T MAKE THE ROCKS CRY OUT

BREAD

37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:37-40 (NIV)

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:50-54 (NIV)

17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)

1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. Psalms 34:1-3 (NIV)

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits– 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalms 103:1-5 (NIV)

8 O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you. Psalms 89:8 (NIV)

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. 15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. 16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. 17 For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Psalms 89:14-17 (NIV)

BUTTER

“The greatest blessing for mankind occurred with the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and no one was found praising and glorifying God for His grace and mercy towards fallen man, therefore, the earth shook and the rocks split – nature praised while man remained ignorantly mute.” BHY

“Men in general praise God in such a manner that He scarcely obtains the tenth part of His due.” John Calvin

“Be not afraid of saying too much in the praises of God; all the danger is of saying too little.” Matthew Henry
“The pulse of prayer is praise.” William Arthur Ward
“Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise. Unresting, unhasting and silent as light, Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might; Thy justice like mountains high soaring above Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.” Walter C. Smith

“I cannot understand Him, but I can trust Him. And so today, when everything physical and emotional in me is completely drained, and there is not a single note of praise in my heart, I choose to praise Him anyway. Not for what He does, but for Who He is. When I cannot praise Him out of joy, I will praise Him out of obedience. And I am learning that when I praise Him out of obedience from the depths of the pit, it is always more meaningful then when I praise Him out of an overflow of my heart from the heights of the mountain. And because I know His nature, and I know that even when I don’t feel it, He is still a kind, loving, good God, then I know that soon, He will fill my heart with joy once again. And the praise will flow easily from the depths of my heart.” Laura Black

“Whenever you react with praise and thanksgiving for an opportunity to grow more like Jesus in your way of reacting to things, instead of grumbling or feeling self-pity, you will find that that whole situation will be changed into a great blessing.” Hannah Hurnard

“Instead of trying to comprehend My Incarnation intellectually, learn from the example of the wise men. They followed the leading of a spectacular star, then fell down in humble worship when they found Me. Praise and worship are the best responses to the wonder of My Being. Sing praises to my holy Name. Gaze at Me in silent adoration. Look for a star of guidance in your own life, and be willing to follow where I lead.” Sarah Young

“Hell’s foundations quiver at the shouts of praise; brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!” Sabine Baring-Gould

HEART SAVOR

• God deserves my highest praise. He alone is worthy.
• There is no one like God – He forgives and heals and redeems and crowns with love and compassion and satisfies my inmost being.
• Satan flees at the shout of praise.

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Don’t Make The Rocks Cry Out 12.14.15

DON’T MAKE THE ROCKS CRY OUT

BREAD

37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:37-40 (NIV)

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:50-54 (NIV)

17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)

1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. Psalms 34:1-3 (NIV)

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits– 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalms 103:1-5 (NIV)

8 O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you. Psalms 89:8 (NIV)

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. 15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. 16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. 17 For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Psalms 89:14-17 (NIV)

BUTTER

“The greatest blessing for mankind occurred with the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and no one was found praising and glorifying God for His grace and mercy towards fallen man, therefore, the earth shook and the rocks split – nature praised while man remained ignorantly mute.” BHY

“Men in general praise God in such a manner that He scarcely obtains the tenth part of His due.” John Calvin

“Be not afraid of saying too much in the praises of God; all the danger is of saying too little.” Matthew Henry

“The pulse of prayer is praise.” William Arthur Ward

“Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise. Unresting, unhasting and silent as light, Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might; Thy justice like mountains high soaring above Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.” Walter C. Smith

“I cannot understand Him, but I can trust Him. And so today, when everything physical and emotional in me is completely drained, and there is not a single note of praise in my heart, I choose to praise Him anyway. Not for what He does, but for Who He is. When I cannot praise Him out of joy, I will praise Him out of obedience. And I am learning that when I praise Him out of obedience from the depths of the pit, it is always more meaningful then when I praise Him out of an overflow of my heart from the heights of the mountain. And because I know His nature, and I know that even when I don’t feel it, He is still a kind, loving, good God, then I know that soon, He will fill my heart with joy once again. And the praise will flow easily from the depths of my heart.” Laura Black

“Whenever you react with praise and thanksgiving for an opportunity to grow more like Jesus in your way of reacting to things, instead of grumbling or feeling self-pity, you will find that that whole situation will be changed into a great blessing.” Hannah Hurnard

“Instead of trying to comprehend My Incarnation intellectually, learn from the example of the wise men. They followed the leading of a spectacular star, then fell down in humble worship when they found Me. Praise and worship are the best responses to the wonder of My Being. Sing praises to my holy Name. Gaze at Me in silent adoration. Look for a star of guidance in your own life, and be willing to follow where I lead.” Sarah Young

“Hell’s foundations quiver at the shouts of praise; brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!” Sabine Baring-Gould

HEART SAVOR

• God deserves my highest praise. He alone is worthy.
• There is no one like God – He forgives and heals and redeems and crowns with love and compassion and satisfies my inmost being.
• Satan flees at the shout of praise.

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Jesus The Saver Of The Soul 12.11.15

JESUS THE SAVER OF THE SOUL

BREAD

26 Help me, O LORD my God; save me in accordance with your love. 27 Let them know that it is your hand, that you, O LORD, have done it. Psalms 109:26-27 (NIV)

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. 1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (NIV)

10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10 (NIV)

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:16-18 (NIV)

21 Declare what is to be, present it– let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. 22 “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. 23 By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. Isaiah 45:21-23 (NIV)

1 I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalms 18:1-3 (NIV)

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:23-25 (NIV)

BUTTER

“Religion is, ‘I obey, therefore I’m accepted’. The Gospel is, ‘I’m accepted through what Jesus Christ has done for me, therefore I obey’. Religion gives you control, that’s why it’s so popular…If I am saved by what I can do, then there’s a limit to what God can ask of me. I still have some control. But if I am saved by sheer grace, then there’s nothing He cannot ask of me”. Tim Keller

“The real difference between the Buddhist and the Christian cannot be seen in their behavior, but in their heart and motives. One works to be saved, the other works because he is already saved. One can never rest from his work of making merit, the other rests in the work of Christ. One has no idea where he will go when he dies; the other has the full assurance of an eternity with God. The good news has never seemed more good.” Suzy Triplett

“It is said Buddha’s last words were ‘Strive without ceasing’. Jesus’ last Words were ‘It is finished’. Give me Jesus.” Scott Sauls

“The gospel…should be seen as not only a message of good news for lost people to be saved from sin’s penalty, but also a message of good news for Christian people to be saved from sin’s domineering power. The goal of the gospel is not merely to forgive us, but to change us into true worshippers of God and authentic lovers of people.” Dr. Steve Childers

“Oh! that I had a trumpet voice to warn you. Oh! while you are dying, while you are sinking into perdition, may I not cry to you; may not these eyes weep for you! Take to heart, I beseech you, the realities of eternity. Oh, turn, turn! Why will you die? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and ye shall be saved.” Charles H. Spurgeon
“God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved.” J. C. Ryle
“What if believing meant there’s no way you could stop telling the Good News because it’s more sensational than gossip that parades as news? What if shying away from the word sin so as not to offend, offends a Holy God — and what if being culturally correct leads a whole generation a wrong shy of heaven? What if breaking this addiction of talking about problems could break new ground of talking about our Provider? That we couldn’t stop sharing about how we’ve been saved, rescued, redeemed, revived?” Ann Voskamp

“No matter what happens in life, remember this: You have a Savior. As a Christian, you have been saved from death. You have been saved from eternal punishment and hell. You have the hope that when you die, you will go straight to heaven. That is the most important thing about the Christian life. There is a Heaven waiting for you. You have a Savior.” Greg Laurie

HEART SAVOR

• Thankfully, Jesus came to this earth to save sinners – which includes us all – Praise Him!
• God so loved the world that He sent His Son to save.
• Jesus is not only my salvation but my deliverer, my fortress, my strong and mighty tower, my rock and my refuge – what can man do to me?

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Wisdom’s Wealth 12.9.15

WISDOM’S WEALTH

BREAD

13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:13-17 (NIV)

6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2:6-8 (NIV)

5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. Proverbs 4:5-8 (NIV)

15 It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed in silver. 16 It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or sapphires. 17 Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold. 18 Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. 19 The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure gold. Job 28:15-19 (NIV)

“But wisdom is proved right by her actions.” Matthew 11:19 (NIV)

2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. Colossians 2:2-4 (NIV)

BUTTER

“We judge things by their present appearance; but the Lord sees them in their consequences. If we could do the same we would be perfectly of His mind; but since we can’t, it is an unspeakable mercy that He will manage for us, whether we are pleased with His management or not; and it is regarded as one of His heaviest judgments when He gives any person up to the way of their own hearts, and to walk according to their own wisdom.” John Newton

“His wisdom’s vast, and knows no bounds, a deep where all our thoughts are drowned.” Isaac Watts

“Most of us go through life praying a little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. There is a better way. It is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God…..God has charged Himself with full responsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn in faith to Him.” A. W. Tozer

“The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance.” Charles H. Spurgeon

“It is a bad world, Donatus, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and good people who have learned the great secret of life. They have found a joy and a wisdom which is a thousand times better than any of the pleasures of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are Christians…and I am one of them.” St. Cyprian, 200-258

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.” Augustine

“What does an unused prayer link look like? Anxiety. Instead of connecting with God our spirits fly around like severed power lines, destroying everything they touch. Anxiety wants to be God, but lacks God’s wisdom, power, or knowledge. A godlike stance without godlike character and ability is pure tension. Because anxiety is self on its own, it tries to get control. Anxiety is unable to relax in the face of chaos; continuous prayer clings to the Father in the face of chaos.” Paul Miller

“Wisdom is man’s true strength; and, under its guidance, he best accomplishes the ends of his being. Wisely handling the matter of life gives to humankind the richest enjoyment, and presents the noblest occupation for his powers; hence, by it he finds good in the fullest sense. Without wisdom, man is as the wild ass’s colt, running here and there, wasting strength which might be profitably employed. Wisdom is the compass by which we are to steer across the trackless waste of life; without it we are derelict vessels, the sport of winds and waves.” Charles H. Spurgeon

“They do not go wrong who go in the company of God. Like Enoch, walk with God, and you cannot mistake your road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, immutable love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you. ‘The LORD’ – note the word – ‘The LORD will guide you always.” Charles H. Spurgeon

HEART SAVOR

• Wisdom’s ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace.
• In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
• Wisdom is proved right by what she does.

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