Thought For Today - January 31 - Who Would Seek After My Soul - Who Would Desire My Hurt ?

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Thought For Today - January 31 - -
Who would seek after my soul? - Who would desire my hurt? - -
Read Psalm 70 - -

Who would seek after my soul, and who would desire my hurt? Who is the chief enemy of our soul? Satan is God’s enemy, and because we are the children of God, he is our enemy also, and he will use every means at his disposal to seek after our soul and draw us away from God to our eternal destruction.
We need to be aware of Satan’s tactics: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood; but against principalities; against powers; against the rulers of the darkness 0f this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6;12. Jesus gave a warning to Simon Peter that Satan would desire to destroy his faith and his testimony: “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” Luke 22: 31
When we are in constant pain, Satan can use it to take our mind and focus away from God and sometimes make us blame God. When we are lonely, Satan can use our loneliness to draw us to ungodly associations, and cause us to try to find consolation in wicked worldly pleasures that last only for a moment, and eventual despair. When we are in poverty, Satan can make us to be covetous, and even temp us to steal, lie, and cheat.
We must constantly be on our guard against the wiles of Satan. When we are in desperate pain, we must remember to flee to God for relief, for he is the great physician and healer. When we are lonely, we must remember that Jesus is an ever present friend and companion if we will have him to be so. When we are in poverty, we must remember the promises of God that our help comes from God, and that he will supply all our needs.
“We must be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
We must do as the Psalmist did, and pray constantly to our Father in heaven that he will protect us from his enemy and ours. “Make haste, O God to deliver me: make haste to help me, O Lord” Psalm 70:1.
God has told us in other scriptures that he inhabits our praises. When we are constantly thinking of him and praising him and rejoicing and being glad in him, he is ever present with us, and when the spirit of God dwells within us, Satan and all that is evil and would seek our soul to hurt and destroy us must flee away.
“Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee; and let such as love thy salvation say continually, let God be magnified.” Psalm 70:4.

Thought For Today - January 30 - A Nation Blessed ?

Thought For Today - January 30
A Nation Blessed? 
By: Robert A. Searles
 
Read Psalm 33 

A new regime will soon be inaugurated in Washington. Will our nation be blessed? Will God look down from heaven and see his people in control of our great land? Will our leaders call upon the Lord God of heaven and earth for wisdom to make important decisions in the lives and affairs of men? Is the infallible word of God, the holy bible, the compass for our nation to lead us through these troubled waters? Or, will we chose to forget God and his guidance, and be cast into hell as the scriptures warn?

 “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all nations that forget God “ Psalm 9: 17. 

Or, will we have reason for rejoicing as we are promised by the holy writ - “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule the people mourn.” Proverbs 29: 2.

“Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14: 34.

I pray that in the days ahead, we the people, will have cause for rejoicing and praising God. I pray that when God looks down from heaven he will see righteousness prevailing in our government, and that he will be pleased to bless us.

“Rejoice in the Lord, o ye righteous; for praise is comely for the upright.” Psalm 33:1.

“For the word of the Lord is right; and his works are done in truth.” Psalm 33:4.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host; a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety; neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eyes of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy, to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine.” Psalm 33: 16-19. -

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

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Thought For Today -January -29 - The Blessedness Of Being Forgiven !

Thought For Today - January 29 - -
The blessedness of being forgiven! 
By: Robert A. Searles

Read Psalm 32 

Oh! How wonderful it is to know that our sins are forgiven. We all know inherently that we are guilty. We were born guilty from our mother’s womb. We inherited our guilt and our sin from our parents, all the way back to Adam, and as a result of our sinful nature, we are bent toward sinning, sinning against God, and sinning against each other.


We may not always be thinking about our sin and disobedience to God and man, but in the subconscious, the guilt is always there, bending us over and bearing us down. We are as Pilgrim in Pilgrim’s Progress, we carry a heavy burden on our back, and as he found, how wonderful when the burden falls from our back at the feet of Jesus!


Oh, how heavy the burden, but oh, how delightful and refreshing it is when the burden has fallen from our shoulders because Christ has commanded it to be so! When Christ declares that our sins are forgiven, and that he will not impute to us our iniquity, we become as new born babies, with new life and new energy to live on a higher plane than we have ever known before. We are truly blessed when our transgression is forgiven, when our sin is covered. 


If we are willing to confess that we are sinners and our guilt, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us, because he paid the penalty of our sins by his death on the cross, and he justified us by his resurrection. He takes the burden and guilt all away.


When we try to cover our sin by our denying the fact that we have sinned, or try to atone for it by our own good works, then the fire still burns, and the guilt does not go away, because there is nothing that can wash away our sin but the blood of Jesus Christ.

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all day long.” Psalm 32:1,2, 3.

“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said I will confess my transgression unto the Lord; and thou forgavest me the iniquity of my sin, Selah.” Psalm 32: 5
.
“Thou art my hiding place, thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance, Selah.” Psalm 32:7

“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that at upright in heart.” Psalm 32: 10,11. - -

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

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Thought For Today - January 28 - Read Psalm 31 !

Thought For Today - January 28 - -
Read Psalm 31 
By: Robert A. Searles

We can never be ashamed or disappointed when we put our trust in the Lord because he will deliver us from all that is evil and against us. Christ has purchased us with his own blood, and we have been redeemed. We are his property. We can rest assured that he will take care and provide for his own.

We can be glad and rejoice because he knows all about our troubles and adversities, and he will not allow our enemies to be victorious over us. Today we may have troubles, but he knows, and his love and mercy is great, and his grace abounds.

“In thee O lord, do I put my trust, let me never be ashamed; deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me, deliver me speedily; be thou my strong rock, for a house of defense to save me.” Psalm 31: 1,2.

“I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy; for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversity, and hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; thou hast set my feet in a large room.” Psalm 31: 7,8.

“But I trusted in thee O Lord. I said, thou art my God. My times are in thine hands; deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.” Psalm 31: 14, 15.

“Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Psalm 31: 19

O love the Lord all ye his saints, for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31: 23, 24.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

https://telehelppublications.blogspot.com
https://sterlingsilvercollections.blogspot.com

 

Thought For Today - January 27 - The Ever Abiding Christ !

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Thought For Today - January 27 - -
The Ever Abiding Guest! - -
At the moment when we believe, and by faith receive Christ as our savior, the person of the Holy Spirit comes to in dwell us and abides with us forever. He is an ever abiding guest. Jesus promised that when he returned to the Father in heaven, he would send us another comforter which is the Holy Spirit who would be our constant companion. Jesus said: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter that he may abide with you forever.” John 14: 16.
The Holy spirit, abiding with us and in us, is not only our constant companion and comforter, but he is our teacher and brings to our remembrance all things that Jesus did and taught here on earth, and he rebukes us when we are wrong, and encourages us when we are in right fellowship with God our Father.
Jesus said: “But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you, heretofore. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you.”.. “And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment John 16: 7,8
The Holy Spirit is our teacher, our guide, and the voice of God, and the prophet. “Howbeit, when he, the spirit of truth is come, he will guide you unto all truth for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show all things to come.” John 16: 13.
The Holy spirit is the glorifier of Jesus: “He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.” John 16: 14. He exhibits Jesus. “All things that the Father hath are mine, therefore said I that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. John 16: 15.
The Holy Spirit is the spiritual dynamo and source of power for all truly born again Christians “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you, and ye shall be witness unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the world.” Acts 1: 8.
The Holy Spirit is the witness of our relationship to God the Father. “The spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8: 16. He is also our helper and guide in prayer. “Likewise, the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the spirit maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. “ Romans 8: 26.
The Holy Spirit is the solicitor of the lost. He convicts and draws sinners to God the Father, through the son, The Lord Jesus Christ. He invites, he pleads, and even at times makes us uncomfortable for our own good so that we will be saved. “And the spirit and the bride say come, and let him that heareth say come, and let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelations 22: 17.
You who are reading this message, perhaps you feel a tug at your heart. Perhaps the person of the Holy Spirit is convicting you, inviting you, and pleading with you to receive Christ as your savior before it is eternally too late. Won’t you heed the call, and take the water of life freely, and quench your thirst for peace and the forgiveness of sins, and receive the free gift of eternal life being offered to you.? “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.- -

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Thought For Today - January 26 - The Inescapable Question !

Thought For Today - January 26 - -
The Inescapable Question - -
By: Robert A. Searles

There is a universal, inescapable question which every man, woman, boy and girl, must eventually answer for himself. The answer given to this question will determine the eternal destiny of each and every person on earth. There have been diverse opinions of men down through the ages, as concerning the person of Jesus Christ. Who is he? Some have said that he is just another man. Some have said that he was a good man. Others have called him a blasphemer, an imposter. There have been those who have said that he was one of the prophets.

 Jesus said, “I am come down from the Father, and the Father and I are one.” What is your answer, who is Jesus Christ? What do you believe about him?


Peter was asked this same question by Jesus Christ himself. “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, whom do men say that I the son of man am? And they said: some say that thou art John the Baptist, some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them; but whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.” Matthew 16: 13,14,15, 16


The multitudes that Jesus taught were confused as to who Jesus was. The Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day were blind as to the identity of Christ, even though all the prophets and holy scriptures had told of the his coming. 

“And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, who is this? “ Matthew 21: 10.


While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying: what think ye of Christ? Whose son is he? They say unto him, the son of David. He saith unto them, how then doth David in spirit call him Lord?” Matthew 22: 43.


Pilate tried to remain neutral and avoid answering the question as to who Christ was. He said to the multitudes that were calling for Christ’s crucifixion, what shall I do with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, let him be crucified.


Those of us who know him personally through the holy scriptures and the witness of the Holy Spirit within us, will affirm that he is the Christ, the divine son of God, the Savior of the world, whom God the Father has sent to redeem the world, that through him all people may be reconciled to God the Father.


Let those who doubt the credentials of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ examine the holy scriptures, and they will have to come to the same conclusion, that Jesus is the Christ, the divine son of God. The first mention of a Messiah or savior of mankind was given by God to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. God promised that one would come who would be bruised by Satan, but who would crush Satan and all evil, and be the propitiation for the sin of the whole world:

 “And the Lord said unto the serpent, because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field: upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3: 14,15.


Satan and the power of evil bruised the heel of Christ on the cross by his suffering and death, but Christ conquered and bruised the head of Satan by his glorious resurrection.
The killing of animals and the blood sacrifice for the atonement of sins was a picture of the coming lamb of God who would shed his blood once and for all for the cleansing of sin.


The prophets told of his coming into the world by a miraculous virgin birth. Isaiah prophesied, saying: “therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7: 14.

 The gospel according to Matthew attests to the fact of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise, when as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 1: 18.

 The angel appeared to Joseph and told him of what was about to take place. “But while he thought on these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1: 20,21.


The prophet Micah prophesied as to where the Messiah, or Christ should be born. “But thou Bethlehem Ephratah , though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel: whose going forth have been from old from everlasting.” Micah 5: 2.


It all came to pass, even as Isaiah and Micah had predicted. The virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Ghost, and Christ was born in the little town of Bethlehem. “And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.” Luke 2:1. “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth , into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.. And it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered and she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2: 4,6.


John the Baptist testified as to the identity of Jesus when he proclaimed: “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said , after me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.” John 1: 29, 30.


Jesus taught in the synagogue where he testified of himself when he was invited to read from the holy scriptures: “And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book he found the place where it was written: the spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted; to preach deliverance to the captives; and recovering of sight to the blind; to set at liberty them that are bruised; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord, and he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down, and the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.” Luke 4: 17-20.


The work and miracles that Jesus performed while here on earth could only be accomplished by God himself. He changed the water into wine. He healed the sick. He gave sight to the blind. He made the lame to walk. He cured the lepers. He walked on water. He raised the dead. He raised Lazarus after he had been dead for three days, and to cap it all, he himself rose from the dead. The tomb was empty. The fact that Jesus showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs attest to the fact that he is more than a man, he is God, and because he is God, he has the power and authority to forgive sins and grant eternal life to all who will believe that he is God, and that he is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one can approach God the Father except through him.


Jesus Christ changes lives. He brings families together. He heals broken hearts. He comforts the lonely. He forgives sins. He gives eternal life. He is the prince of peace, and in his own good time, he will return to earth and bring peace.

If there be any doubts in your mind as to who Jesus Christ is, I would urge you to examine all the evidence. Go to God in prayer and ask him to reveal to you the true identity of Jesus Christ.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

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Thought For Today - January 25 - Why Are Fleeting Impressions Made By The Message ?

Thought For Today - January 25
WHY ARE FLEETING IMPRESSIONS MADE BY THE MESSAGE? 
By: Robert A. Searles

Week after week we sit in our pews in church and hear the word of God being expounded. We all appear to be pious listeners to the word of God. Our eyes and our ears are studiously affixed upon the preacher as he preaches his heart out to his beloved flock. It seems as if after all the teaching and preaching that we have been exposed to throughout all the years that we have sat and listened, we ought to be making a difference in changing our society and our environment for the better.


While we listen, we hear, but we don’t really hear. We are admonished to act upon that which we have heard, but we do not act. We somehow assume an attitude of complacency, willing to let someone else do that which we ourselves ought to be doing. When the preacher pronounces his final amen and dismisses his congregation, we all arise, sometimes shake the preacher’s hand, and go back to our old ways, doing our own things, and the message, if we ever grasped it at all, has fled from us.

This was also true in the days of Ezekiel. God, speaking through him warned his people, saying: “And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they all sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. Ezekiel 33:31.

Why are we so soon to forget the message that God has laid upon the preacher’s heart to deliver to us? Is it because we take our bodies to church, but leave our minds behind in some other place. Is it because we want to appear to be correct in our culture and appearances, and somehow feel that going to church is the right thing to do especially on Sunday morning if it happens to be Easter or Christmas? Are we among those with cold stony hearts, filled with guilt, hard feelings, and resentments, having a stony heart so that the word of God cannot penetrate, and take root and bear fruit.?

I have observed in my years of church going that before the message and after, in the church sanctuary, there is little that reminds one of the sovereignty and holiness of God. Children are allowed to race and run through the building. Old and young alike are gathered in their own clicks or groups discussing football, or other sports, or describing their daily occupations and careers; women exchanging gossip with little mention of spiritual or godly things. Much of the time our hearts are not fertilized with soil that will receive the word of God and act upon it. 

 Jesus gave an explanation as to why the word of God does not have a more lasting effect in the lives of its’ hearers when he taught his disciples that the seed of the word was falling into shallow, unprepared stony hearts. 

 “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for awhile: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” Matthew 13: 21.

Most of us hear what we want to hear, and do what we want to do, much of the time disregarding what God wants for us. We are so overwhelmed with our own trials, tribulations, and problems that we do not remember how in times past God has blessed us and brought us through. We are hearers with short memory.

 “For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way and straightway forgeteth what manner of man he was.” James 1:24

. Previous miracles are soon forgotten. “Having eyes, see ye not? And having ears, hear ye not? And do ye not remember? When I broke the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, twelve.” Mark 8:19

When we sit week after week in the church pews, we are like those whom Jesus described: those who cannot or will not grasp and deal with truth. “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth,.” 2 Timothy 3:7.

 If we could learn to truly worship God in spirit and in truth, and regard his word as the most important thing that we have to deal with each and every day, perhaps we would become more attentive listeners, and having received the word of God with fear and trembling, go out into our society and truly make a difference. True Christians ought to be heard and not just seen. True Christians ought to be more active in government and influence the elimination of corruption in high places.

God sends his preachers and teachers to warn the people and to encourage them to action for good, as well as to point them to the way of their own individual salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Fellow Christians, we need to take more serious heed to the preaching of the word of God. When we come into the house of worship on Sunday and at other times as well, lets approach it with a sense of awe and refinement, and worship. Lets teach our children to respect the place of worship as coming into the very presence of God. There are other places and times where and when we can gather with our friends and neighbors to discuss our jobs, and sports, and carnal things. Lets keep the house of God a place of prayer and learning. Then let us go out into the world with answered prayer and knowledge and make a difference.


Telehelp Publicdations Christian Literature Ministry 


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Thought For Today - Jauary 24 - Effort Demanded Before Blessing Can Be Given !

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Thought For Today - January 24 - -
EFFORT DEMANDED BEFORE A BLESSING CAN BE GIVEN - -

Faith without works is dead,. We are told that we are justified by faith, and we are to live by faith. Faith is believing in something even though the object of our faith remains unseen. We are told that if we have faith, even as small as a grain of mustard seed, we can say to the mountains in our lives to move, and they shall move and be cast into the depth of the sea.
We all have mountains in our lives that we wish that we could remove and we are told to ask our Father in heaven to move them for us , and he says that he will, according to his purposes for us if we believe and have faith. We read in Hebrews chapter 11:1, that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Yes, we believe in eternal God who is high above in the heavens, having all power and authority, who can do all things because nothing is too hard for him. Nothing is impossible with God; but God often tests our faith by requiring some sort of effort and action on our part to show that our faith is genuine. Many times God accomplishes his purpose by miraculous, supernatural means, but more often he requires some kind of action on our part. “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?” James 2:14. We may believe and have faith that the bible says that Christ was the divine son of God, and that he was crucified and died, and was even resurrected, but just by simply believing this fact of history alone will not save us. We must act on what we believe, and receive the free gift of God with gratitude , and rest upon the promises of God for our salvation.
James gives us an example of how faith and works must work together to be effective. “Seest thou how faith wrought with works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God.” James 2: 22,23. Abraham believed God and took action as to that which God had told him to do and God blessed him for it.
We might also use the illustration of how faith and works go together by considering the story of a man caught in a flood, and taking refuge on the roof of his house. He was a godly man and believed in the power of God, and he kept praying that God would save him from his difficult situation. Soon a helicopter flew over and called to him with their loudspeaker, telling him that they were come to rescue him and would drop a ladder, but he refused to climb onto the ladder because he said that God would soon answer his prayer and save him. The helicopter was God’s means of saving him. Our faith must be combined with our common sense and work in order for us to receive blessings from God. Before blessing can be given, effort is demanded.
Jesus and his disciples were confronted with the tax collectors and needed money to pay their taxes. Jesus, almighty God, creator of all things, could have materialized the money instantly, but he instead, performed the miracle of obtaining the money by requiring effort on the part of the disciples. “And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, yes, and when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, what thinkest thou Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up a fish that first cometh up,. And when thou hast opened his mouth thou shalt find a piece of money, that take and give unto them for thee and me.” Matthew 17: 24,27. They had faith to believe that the coin would be there in the fishes mouth, but they were told to go and cast a hook. Faith was combined with works.
Christ, being in the synagogue on the Sabbath encountered a man with a withered hand. “And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, stand forth. And he saith unto them, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, or to do evil, to save life or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out; and his hand was restored whole as the other.” Mark 3: 2-5 Faith alone was not enough to heal his withered hand. Jesus required him to stretch forth his hand, works combined. With faith.
Jesus saw fit to bless Peter and the other disciples with a great drought of fish. They knew he could provide the blessing. He told them to make an effort to do something to receive the blessing by launching out into the deep. They had fished all night and had caught nothing, but Jesus told them to go and try again by launching out into the deep and to let down their nets. When they obeyed his command they were successful. “And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a drought. Luke 5: 4. “And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes and their nets brake.” Luke 5: 6. Again, for Peter and the other disciples to receive this blessing from the Lord, it required effort on their part. By doing that which the Lord commanded they showed their faith in his provision.
When the Lord healed the ten lepers he told them to put their faith into action, he told them to go and show themselves to the priests. They did, and they were healed. Luke 17: 14.
All the blessings that we receive from God our Father come to us because of God’s grace. God blesses us because he wants to. God will surely help us in every situation in which we find ourselves, but he does not want us to be negligent of the powers, and abilities he has already instilled within us. Sometimes in order for God to bless us, he requires action on our part. We need to know the talents and abilities that God has already given to us, and use them to the best of our ability to accomplish God’s purpose in our life. Much of the time effort is demanded before a blessing can be given.

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Thought For Today - January 23 - Eagerness For the Truth !

Thought For Today - January 23 - -
EAGERNESS FOR THE TRUTH 
By: Robert A. Searles

“What is truth?”, Pilate asked Jesus. Little did he know that he was dealing with, and speaking to the personification of truth. From the dawn of time, men have been searching for, and asking, what is true and what is truth? It is sad that over two thousand years ago, truth walked the earth in human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, and mankind was blinded by their sinful nature and could not apprehend truth. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

There are those who regard truth as being relative to any given situation of time, or place. They say that what may be true for one may not be true for others; but we know from the word of God that this is not the case. The bible teaches that truth is absolute because God is absolute, and the word and commandments of God are absolute authority in the universe. There are some who would try to evade truth because they are frightened by it. For example, one may go to a physician to find help for a physical problem, and be frightened to death to hear the truth that he has some horrible dreaded disease, if that be the case. Some avoid the truth of the word of God because they do not want to be reminded that they are lost sinners, and unless they find a remedy, will be lost forever.

Some times truth hurts and cost something, but in the end, truth always heals and sets us free.

What is true? The Holy Bible, the inspired, infallible word of God is true, from Genesis Chapter 1: verse 1 to Revelation Chapter 22: verse 21. The fact that Holy intelligent God created the universe and all things in it is absolute truth, a truth that cannot be proven in a scientific laboratory, but can be known in the human heart as being absolute truth by the witness of God’ s Holy Spirit. 

Many do not want to hear and accept this truth because it deprives them of the luxury of believing that man is the center of all things and controls his own destiny. In many places, parts of the bible have been cut out and discarded because ,if the truth were known and adhered to, it would mean that there would have to be a change in lifestyle.


God’s word, the absolute truth, says it is wrong and a sin to commit murder which includes the abortion (or murder) of unborn babies. Some say, in order to justify their evil deeds, and sin and rebellion against the absolute truth of God’s word, that it depends upon the situation in which they find themselves. This is known as situation ethics.

God’s word, the absolute truth , says that it is wrong and a sin for men to have sexual relations with other men, and women with other women. God’s word, the absolute truth , says that the meaning of marriage is the relationship of one man and one woman, joined together in a holy union by God for life.

God’s word, the absolute truth, says that it is wrong and a sin to lie, cheat, and steal. Again, there are those who hate truth so as to justify lying, cheating, and stealing, as expedient means for solving difficult problems, especially in governments. Sad to say that there are those who claim to be Christian serving in high places of authority who are willing to sacrifice truth on the altar of expediency.

The good news is that not all men are liars, murderers, sex perverts, and adulterers. There have been those down through the ages who have recognized truth as being the absolute nature of God, and required of men.


God’s word, the absolute truth, teaches us that all men are sinners from birth and have a sinful nature, and consequently, barred from the presence and fellowship with God. God’s word, the absolute truth, tells us that Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life, came into the world to save us. God’s word, the absolute truth, tells us that one must be born again before he can be saved and have access to heaven, that is, he must believe in Jesus Christ as the only way to God the Father, ask forgiveness for sin, and receive his sacrifice as a free gift from God for our redemption. Those who would seek heaven and the paradise of God must accept God’s absolute truth for mankind.


Fortunately, there have been those who having been exposed to the word of God, have diligently sought after and found truth. A Jewish Rabbi sought after truth. “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, good master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Mark 10: 17. This man kneeled at the feet of Jesus to find truth.

The common people came to Jesus and listened to his teaching to learn truth. “David therefore himself calleth him Lord: and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.” Mark 12: 37.


Multitudes flocked to the temple early in the morning to hear the truth that Jesus had to teach them. “And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.” Luke: 21:38


The Samaritans were eager to hear what he had to say. “So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them, and he abode there two days.” John 4: 40
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The bible says that Cornelius and his family were eager to hear the truth of God, and they sent for Peter to come and teach them. Cornelius said to Peter: “Immediately therefore, I sent to thee, and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Acts 10: 33.

When the truth was taught in the temple to Christ’s own people, the Jews at Antioch, the gentiles which overheard were curious to know what was being taught. “And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath . Acts 13: 42.

The Bereans, “Were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether these things ere so.” Acts 17:11.

Oh! That men and women today would have an appetite for the absolute truth of God, and accept Jesus Christ as the their own personal Savior. What a change there could be in individual lives, and in our homes, our government, and our country.

You may talk all you want to about the “big bang” which scientist claim brought forth the universe, but please tell me, where did the thing that “banged” come from? The absolute truth of the matter is, that God spoke and said let there be, and it was so

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

https://telehelppublications.blogspot.com

https://sterlingsilvercollections.blogspot.com                    

Thought For Today - January 22 - Christ's Divinity Acknowledged !

Thought For Today - January 22 - -
CHRIST’S DIVINITY ACKNOWLEDGED 
By: Robert A. Searles

Dear reader, what do you think of Jesus Christ? Who is he? Why did he appear on earth? Is he just a man or is he more than man? What man is there who could perform such miracles, and raise himself from the dead if he were just an ordinary man? What is your opinion of this man from Nazareth, the carpenter?

Down through the ages men and devils have tried to deny that he is the divine son of God, God in human flesh. His divinity was challenged by Satan.

 “And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” Matthew 4:3. “And he saith unto him, if thou be the son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, he shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Matthew 4: 6.


Satan not only tried to temp Christ to prove his deity , but Satan is ever active in the minds and hearts of individuals today to create doubts as to who Christ really is. Some say that he was just a good man. Others say that he was a wise prophet. Some say that he was a reformer, and others say that he came to be king. 

Christ’s deity was challenged by the scribes and Pharisees. The learned scribes and Pharisees were well versed in the old testament scriptures, and knew the prophecies of the coming Messiah, yet, they saw him as only a man who was blaspheming God by declaring himself to be God. These were the religious leaders of the day. It is sad that some religious leaders of our time are so blinded that they cannot see that this same Jesus is the fulfillment of all the old testament prophecies concerning him. There are preachers in pulpits everywhere who stand at the sacred desk week after week and challenge the virgin birth and divinity of Jesus Christ.

 “And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” By asking this question, they were denying that Jesus was God.

Christ’s deity was challenged by his own people. His own nation and people, the Jews, branded him as an imposter, and demanded that he be punished for proclaiming himself to be God. “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him because he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” John 5:18.

 “Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? And the prophets are dead; whom makest thyself?” John 8: 53. “The Jews answered saying, for a good work we stone thee not but for blasphemy, and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” John 10: 33.


Christ’s authority to teach was challenged by the elders in the temple. If this was just an ordinary man, from whence did he derive such authority to declare the word of God, having not learned letters, and having little formal education?

 “And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the elders came upon him with the elders, and spake unto him, saying, tell us by what authority doest thou these things? Or who is he that gave thee this authority?“ Luke 20: 1,2.

When he was on the cross, the crowds were mocking him and challenging his divinity, telling him to come down from the cross if he were God, and save himself. “And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying , thou that destroyed the temple, and buildest it in three days, , save thyself if thou be the son of God, come down from the cross.” Matthew 27: 39-40.


He was derided by the rulers. “And the people stood beholding him, and the rulers also with them derided him, saying, he saved others; let him save himself, if he be the Christ, the chosen of God.” Luke 23:35.


Two thieves were crucified with him. One of the thieves challenged his claim to be the Christ. “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him saying, if thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” Luke 23:39. The other thief turned and looked upon him , and in repentance, acknowledged his divinity and was granted a place with him that very day in paradise. Jesus said to him: “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise.” 


Down through the ages there have been many who have been forgiven and gained a place with Christ in paradise because they have acknowledged the truth of God’s word that Jesus is the Christ, the divine son of God, and all who call upon him for forgiveness of sins will be saved. Peter acknowledged his divinity. “And Simon Peter answered and said, thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.” Matthew 16: 16.


The centurion who stood guard at the cross, when he beheld him, had to acknowledge that he was the son of God. “And when the centurion, which stood over against him saw that he cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, truly this man was the son of God.” Mark 15: 39.

Nathaniel acknowledged his divinity. “Nathaniel answered and saith unto him, rabbi, thou art the son of God: thou art the king of Israel.” John 1:49.

Even the demons were terrified when they had to acknowledge who Jesus was. “And cried with a loud voice, and said, what have I to do with thee Jesus, thou son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.” Mark 5:7..

“Christ showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proof.”. thus confirming that God had raised him from the dead, and accepted his sacrifice for the sins of the world. Thomas, the doubter, acknowledged his divinity when he was allowed to place his hand in the print of the nails, and his wounded side and declared him to be God. “And Thomas answered and said unto him, my Lord and my God.” John 20:28.


Can we say with Thomas that he is divine, and he is my Lord and my God? Can we declare with Job that we know that our redeemer liveth? Do we have the confidence that Jesus is God, that he has the power to forgive our sins, and raise us from the grave? Whatever we believe and publicly acknowledge about Jesus will determine our eternal destiny, whether it be in paradise with him, or in hell forever.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

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https:sterlingsilvercollections.blogspot.com

Thought For Today - January 21 - Christ Defamed !

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Thought For Today - January 21 - -
CHRIST DEFAMED ! - -
It is sad but true that we live in a world where instead of love, peace, and harmony prevail, there is avarice, deceit, and slander. It is difficult to know sometimes just who we can trust or who will betray us. In this dog eat dog world which holds to the philosophy of the survival of the fittest, when one is lifted up to a higher degree of importance, another comes along to put him down, and to destroy his credibility and to ruin his reputation so as to make himself look better.
In this sin cursed world, some people would rather cling to and believe a lie rather than to adhere to the truth. Many try to twist the truth to exalt their own ego.
The old testament prophet Jeremiah warned us of this very thing. He said: “Take ye heed every one of his neighbor and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will walk with slander. And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.” Jeremiah 9: 4,5.
When our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was on earth, the religious leaders of his day tried to disqualify him and defame him, and they tried to persuade the multitudes to be swayed by their slander. Because he spoke the truth and said that he was the son of God, come down from heaven to bring light and salvation to a world of lost sinners, they accused him of being a blasphemer. “Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, he hath spoken blasphemy, what further need have we of witnesses? Behold now ye have heard his blasphemy.” Matthew 26: 65.
There are religious leaders today who try to picture Jesus as some kind of a pervert or blasphemer. They try to take away from him his claim of deity by denying his virgin birth and bodily resurrection. Sinners who are lifted up with pride and arrogance want to put Jesus in the same category as themselves, claiming, at best, that he was just another prophet or good man, but the fact of the matter is: Jesus Christ, the divine son of God was not just another prophet, or angel, or good man, but he was and is God in human flesh dwelling among men.
There were those in Jesus day who thought themselves to be religiously superior to other human beings. They boasted of their good works and adherence to the old testament laws. They refused to fellowship with others who were different from themselves in their beliefs and practices. When Jesus came on the scene, he openly announced that he had not come to save the righteous but that he was come to save sinners, and that all men and races were precious in his sight. He gladly accepted the invitation to fellowship and dine with all who would invite him. Consequently, he was accused of keeping bad company. “And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, why eateth your master with Publicans an sinners?” Matthew 9: 11.
He was accused of gluttony and intemperance. Jesus was frequently found at a gathering of people at a festive occasion enjoying their fellowship and food and answering their questions. His enemies seized upon this to accuse him of being a glutton and intemperate. “The son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.” Matthew 11:19.
Even the members of his own family and close friends thought, at one time, that he might be insane, for what man in his right mind would claim deity , and claim to be equal with God, but the one thing they did not realize was that he was God. “And the multitudes cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it they went out to lay hold on him, for they said, he is beside himself.” Matthew 3: 20,21.
The religious leaders branded him as a sinner because they accused him of not keeping the law of Moses. They tried every way they could to trap him in his conversation and to belittle his claim that he had come to save the lost and forgive sins. “Therefore, said some of the Pharisees, this man is not of God because he keepeth not the Sabbath day. Others said, how can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.” John 10:20.
They tried to attribute his work and miracles to the occult, to the works of the devil. They said that he was possessed and derived his power from the devil. Jesus knew that there were those among them who would like to kill him, and he told them so. “The people answered and said, thou has a devil, who goeth about to kill thee?’ John 7:20.
Because of their hatred and envy of Jesus, the Pharisees and religious leaders tried to accuse Jesus of being a traitor, and accused him of treason. They said that Jesus was trying to make himself king and overthrow the government of Rome. They said he was not a friend of Caesar. “And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him:; but the Jews cried out saying, if thou let this man go, thou art not Caesars friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.” John 19:12.
It is sad to see that even in our own country today there are so many who prefer sin and darkness over the light and righteousness that Christ came to give. They are trying every way possible to defame Christ and his righteous claim to be ruler over his creation and the lives of all men. Christ is the answer to the worlds problems, politically and economically. The bible says that “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.
I wonder, as election day approaches and new leaders are chosen, will the people rejoice or will the people mourn? Who will we choose to be the leaders of our great nation? Will we choose those who would deny Christ and try to defame him, and vote for policies in government that are plainly against his teaching of righteous living, or will we choose those who embrace him, and adhere to his teaching, and trust him as Lord of Lords and King of Kings to lead us to peace and prosperity.

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Thought For Today - January 20 - The Godly Man Ceaseth !

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Thought For Today - January 20 - - -
"The godly man ceaseth" - - -

“Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth: for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things; who have said, with our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is Lord over us? For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord, I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them. O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever. The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted." Psalm 12
This psalm could very well describe the era and the times in which we live. It is difficult, at times, to find anyone out in the world who fears God, and lives according to God's laws; but we can be assured that God knows those who are his own, be they ever so few, and he has promised to help and give victory to all who will honor him with their trust and devotion. God's word is true, and his promises sure to all those who will believe.
Sometimes when we have problems and trials, it seems that either God has forgotten us and abandoned us forever, or that he doesn't even exist. Satan, our enemy would like to have us believe this lie; but we know that God is true and eventually we shall rejoice in our salvation and sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with us. - - -

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Thought For Today - January 19 - Roommates

Visit us online at www.telehelppublications.com - - - Thought For Today - January 19 - - - Roommates - - - Do we who claim to be "born again" Christians commune and visit with our roommate, the Holy Spirit, throughout the day, or do we just accept the fact that he is present with us and just ignore him? He wants to be a vital part of our life; he wants to be our counselor and guide. The bible tells us that he moves into our body which is his holy temple, and bears witness with our spirit, (that is- he makes himself and the things of God known to us in a real way). How fortunate we are as Christians that wherever we are, and wherever we go, our roommate goes with us to be our companion; to keep us sealed unto salvation; to be our physician to keep us healthy and well; to be our lawyer, to keep us out of trouble with God the Father; to be our teacher and to show us the things of God our father and Christ our Savior. He is our Lord's promise to us after his resurrection that when he ascended into heaven, he would send us another comforter who would abide with us forever.. Let us not neglect him, but include him in all our conversation and daily activities. - - - See more at www.telehelpublications.com Click on "Chapel Time"

Thought For Today - January 18 - Our Greatest Asset

 Thought For Today - January 18
 Our Greatest Asset
By: Robert A Searles
 
 If you were asked what you considered to be your most valuable asset, no doubt you would look about you and think for a moment, then you would probably list your property, savings, home, health and family. These are indeed, great assets to everyone, but wait, there is something that made all these things possible, that something is freedom - freedom to work, to accumulate savings; to build your home, and live happily with your family. 

 Without this freedom we would be denied the right to speak or write our thoughts and express our opinions on important issues of the day. Our freedom which was fought for by the early American colonist ,and which men have fought and died for many times since to preserve, is one of our most cherished heritages. It is something which we must never lose sight of, for if we do, then the nation is doomed to totalitarianism like so many countries of Europe. We must grasp this freedom and keep hold of it like a mother might grasp a small infant to keep it from falling from her arms. 

When we are going about our daily routine of living, we sometimes take freedom for granted and fail to see any possibility of losing it; but remember , it could be suddenly taken from us as easily as a piece of candy could be taken from a small child; therefore, we must all join hands and work hard to preserve that freedom. We must guard it with our lives, and if necessary fight for it.

 How can we ever hope to preserve our freedom when there are people that hate their neighbors because they have a different colored skin or a different accent in their voice from theirs, or perhaps they may go to a different church. When the colonist fought for freedom they not only considered it a thing for men of the same color skin and nationality, but for all men, regardless of their race, creed or color. If we foster prejudice and racial discrimination, then we have no freedom. If we refuse to have anything to do with a person just because he happens to be different from us, we are doing the same thing that the Nazis or the so called:” master race" did. When we do this, we are gradually building up hatred in our own country.

 In a country where there is hatred there can be no freedom, and without freedom we cannot expect peace and the many comforts which we take for granted every day; therefore we must get rid of intolerance and racial discrimination. Not until we do this can we ever hope for world peace and the end of dictators.

 Remember that our great country was discovered by foreigners and built by foreigners. If we eliminate men and women of different races, colors, and religions from our country, then we shall have little left. If we want peace we must strive to keep our freedom. The first step in keeping our freedom is to recognize the author of all freedom, he who created all men to be equal and to have equal rights, and honor him and give him thanks, he who is the great lawgiver of the universe. Without law there can be no real freedom, yet there are those who would bar from public view, those fundamental laws upon which our common laws are founded, namely the ten commandments handed down by almighty God to Moses.

 If there be no God whose commandments are to be respected and obeyed, why are these so called atheist who want to keep the laws of God out of public view, so afraid to have them seen. It seems to be quite ridiculous to be afraid of something non existent. Prayer and bible reading is being forbidden in our schools and public places, and we expect to preserve our freedom? No my friends, whether we like it or not, the infallible word of God tells us that: "The wicked shall be turned into hell and all nations that forget God" Psalm 9;17 

 A much quoted scripture which is very true says: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14.

 If we want peace and freedom we must strive to keep freedom, and in order to keep freedom we must join hands with our neighbors whether they be black, white, yellow or red, and realize the fact that we are one nation under God, and under God's laws, and that a separated people are doomed.  

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

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Thought For Today - January 16 - Why ?

Thought For Today January 16
 Why?
By: Robert A. Searles
 
 Why do we write these things? Why do we preach these things? Why do we plead with people to take heed to the warning of the word of God? Why are we so concerned with those who do not really want to hear what we have to say and what God has to say, and may even resent us and hate us for it?

 It is because we, who have, by the grace of God experienced the love of God, and have been pardoned from our sins, and come to know the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and have been taught by God through the Lord Jesus Christ, have been commissioned by him to "speak the truth in love" and warn the wicked.

 Who are the wicked? All of us, whether we are now saved, or have not yet come to the truth, could at one time or other, fall into this category. What is truth? There is one absolute truth in all the universe, that is - almighty God and God's word.. Who is God? "I am, that I am, the almighty", God told Moses. There is no other God. "Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth, for I am God, and there is none else." Isaiah 45:22.

 Immanuel - God with us in human flesh in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, The Messiah. God has revealed himself to us in nature, by the things he has made. "the heavens declare the glory of God". He has revealed himself in the Holy Scriptures, The Holy Bible. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God. Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit". God has revealed himself to us through his living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Christ is confirmed to be who he said he is and  accepted by God the father by his resurrection, which is an established fact of history, having shown himself alive by many infallible proofs, and being seen by over five hundred people at one time after his resurrection.

 Wicked people are all those who will not acknowledge these absolute truths, and humble themselves before a loving heavenly father and accept his gift of love in the sacrifice of Christ for their sins. The fool says in his heart: "no God for me" Psalm 53. This kind of fool is a wicked person, and God's absolute word tells us in no uncertain terms: "The wicked shall be cast into hell and all the nations that forget God." Psalm9: 17

 Those of us who claim to be Christians, have been commissioned by our Lord to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature and warn the wicked. If we have little or no concern for the state of the wicked and those who are lost without Christ, then our Christianity is weak indeed.

 We who know the truth have a responsibility to our friends and neighbors for their safety, whether it be physical or spiritual, then it is our responsibility and duty to answer his call for help, and to break down every barrier to get to him and snatch him from the fire. Likewise, when I see my friends and neighbors in danger of hell fire because of willful neglect of God's call to them, then it is my duty to do every thing I can to snatch them from the fires of eternal hell, even if they become angry at me for doing so. Besides, I have to give an account to God if I neglect to do this.

 "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small, if thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death and those that are ready to be slain: if thou sayest, behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul: doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?" Proverbs 24:10-12 

 If we are truly the children of God who have been born again through our faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God did not leave us here on earth just to brag, as it were, of our salvation, and sit in church Sunday after Sunday, and sing hymns and pat each other on the back and tell each other how wonderful we are, this is good and something we ought to do, but God has a bigger job for us to do, even as he told the children of Israel in Ezekiel’s day. He has commissioned us to be watchmen to warn the wicked and the lost of our day so that they might be spared the judgment of God.

 "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore, hear the word at my mouth and give them warning from me, when I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked ways, to save his life: the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet, if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die: because thou has not given him warning, he shall die in his sins, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand, Nevertheless, if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live because he is warned: also thou hast delivered thy soul." Ezekiel 3; 17-21

We do not want to stand before God almighty and give an account for not sharing our testimony of personal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. We would like to see all men and women, boys and girls, turn from their wickedness and seek God. This is why we write these things, and preach these things, and plead.  God said: "So shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it." Isaiah 55:11  

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

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Thought For Today - Janujary 15 - Marks Of Childhood !

Visit us online at www.telehelppublications.com - - - Thought For Today - January 15 - - - MARKS OF CHILDHOOD - - - Who is a child of God? God is the creator of all living; but he is not necessarily the Father of all. Not all people are the children of God. Only those who have been truly born again and have been begotten by him. There is a vast difference between the children of God and the children of the devil. Those who have acknowledged that they are lost sinners, and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation are truly the born again children of God. Those who will not acknowledge and turn away from their sin, and insist on following the course of the world, are the children of the devil. God speaks to his children, and the devil speaks to his children. A child of God will hear the voice of God and obey him, whereas, the child of the devil will hear and obey him. “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil; whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” 1 John 3: 10. Children, when very young and immature have a tendency to believe anything and everything they hear, whether it be true or false, good or evil. If we want our children to grow up and mature as a true child of God, then we who are parents and grandparents must be sure that we ourselves are the true children of God, and are following his direction for the rearing of our children. “The simple believe every word, but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” Prov 14: 15. A prudent child of God who is a parent or guardian of children will be wise concerning that which he allows to enter his mind and soul through the eye gate and the ear gate. Likewise, he will not allow his children to absorb endless hours of trash and evil presented to them via television or the internet. “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov 22:6. “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Prov 22: 15. If we are the children of God, we can expect that because God loves us so much, he will, on occasion, use the rod of correction in our lives to keep us in harmony with his will. Children have a love for amusements. Young children, for the most part, love to get outside and play with their friends in the streets. The streets of our cities today are in no way a safe place for young children to hang around . They are a cesspool of corruption, full of vice, drug dealers, and criminals, as well as sex perverts and child molesters. A parent who is a child of God and desires that his children be the children of God will not turn their children loose to themselves and allow them to go anyplace they like any time they want. They will place strict controls on their children’s whereabouts, and their companions at all times. God has promised that there will come a day when the kingdom of Christ reigns on this earth that children who love to play will be able to play in the streets of the new Jerusalem in perfect safety. “Thus saith the Lord of hosts; there shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with the staff in his hand for very age, and the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.” Zecharah 8: 4,5. Children have a tendency to be very fickle, going from one thing to the next, and never seeming to be satisfied, sometimes complaining about the toys they play with; and sometimes complaining about their surroundings. Many adult Christians who are indeed the children of God are full of complaints and unrest, going from one thing to the next without ever finding any satisfaction in anything. If we as God’s children are not careful, we can be swayed and influenced by every wind of doctrine that comes our way. We need to be careful that we are well grounded in the word of God and know what we believe and why. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine and the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait t deceive .” Ephesians 4:14 All God’s children, no matter their age or level of maturity, need rules and guidelines by which to live and order their lives. Those who are truly the children of the heavenly Father have been given the Holy Spirit to indwell them and to be their law giver, interpreter, and guide. We are heirs to the kingdom of Christ, but until our perfection in Christ is fulfilled, we are under tutors and governors. “Now I say that the heir as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be Lord of all, but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the Father. Even so do we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world, but when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his son, made of a woman, made under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons, and because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the spirit of his son unto your hearts, saying, Abba Father.” Galations 4: 1-6. Some children of God have not progressed much beyond the state of babyhood and remain ignorant of many things that God has taught in his word. Such children, because of neglect of gaining knowledge of God’s word are not equip to do much of the work that God requires of his children, thus they are hampered in their service to God. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracle of God; and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.” Heb 5: 12, 13. May we who are the children of God listen to our Father when he speaks o us through his written word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If we will obey our parent we will be blessed, especially if we obey our heavenly Father. See more at www.telehelppublications.com - Click on "Chapel Time"

Thought For Today - January 14 - One Day At A Time !

Visit us online at www.telehelppublications.com - - - Thought For Today - January 14 - - - One day at a time - - - We should make no definite promises or commitment for tomorrow, for tomorrow, at this point in time, is non existent. We may say, should another day be given to us by the grace of God, we would like to do this or that thing, or go to this place or that, if our Lord is willing for it to be so; always praying that his will be done. In the light of this, we should carefully consider whether or not it might be a bit presumptuous on our part to contract debts for which we must make definite commitments far into the future, not knowing what the future holds for us, or what God's plan for our future may be. This is the day that the Lord hath made and has given to us, we ought to rejoice and be glad in it, knowing that for this one day at a time, God has promised to supply all our need. We ought to take the things that we have and use them for the glory of God, and be thankful and not be covetous. If our Lord wants us to do something, then nothing on earth can stop us from doing that thing that God wants done. If God wants us to have something, then no power on earth or under the earth, or above the earth, can keep it from us. The most secure position a child of God can know is to be right in the center of the will of God. If we have to really struggle to make something happen or to obtain some object of our desire, the chances are, it is not the will of God for us. The things that God wills for us will flow easily to us as we delight in him; as we keep our mind and heart stayed on him; and as we seek first the kingdom of God. "Be content with such things as ye have," Jesus told his disciples. "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound, in all things giving thanks," the apostle Paul said. Presuming on God is a sin. It is presumptuous to enter areas of future commitment for which we have no guarantee of fulfillment. Let us not presume upon God. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1 "Go to now, ye that say, today or tomorrow we will go into such a city and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow, for what is your life? it is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that, but now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4: 13-17 See more at www.telehelppublications.com - Click on "Chapel Time"

Thought For Today - January 13 - Christ, the Conqueror Of Death !

Visit us online at www.telehelppublications.com - - - Thought For Today - January 13 - - - CHRIST, THE CONQUEROR OF DEATH !- - - The ultimate and most feared enemy of all times for mankind is death, the cessation of physical life, the cessation, absence or opposite of spiritual life, spiritual and eternal ruin. God’s original plan for mankind in the creation was eternal everlasting existence in paradise. Death entered when sin entered into the realm of human existence. Since man was originally created to live forever, the thought of non existence or cessation of life creates terror and horror in the human mind. God proclaimed death to be the penalty for sin when man disobeyed God. God put mankind to a simple test, and mankind failed that test and the result was and is the death penalty. The bible gives us two descriptions of death, one being the separation of the soul from the body. The body returns to the dust of the earth from which it came, and the soul rises to go back to God to enjoy eternal bliss, or goes to a place separated from God to be judged by the word of God. The second and most fearful death is the death of the soul .which is the eternal everlasting separation of the spirit and soul from God the Father and creator to be forever tormented and suffer in hell. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.: Romans 5:12. “And the lord God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it, for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Gen 2:16. God the Father is a loving God, full of grace and compassion. God saw the plight of mankind, that he was helpless to redeem himself from the penalty of death, and in the counsels of heaven he devised a plan by which death for mankind could be conquered . He became flesh and dwelt among us, and took the blame for our sin on himself and paid the ultimate penalty. Christ Jesus who is God in human flesh, came into the world to conquer death for all men. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Christ’s coming as the conqueror of death was foretold by the prophets. “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off the earth; for the Lord hath spoken it.: Isaiah 25:8. Christ, the conqueror of death, has life in himself, and cannot be destroyed, and could never see corruption. He is qualified to be the conqueror of man’s most feared enemy. “Therefore did my heart revive, and my tongue was glad, moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither will thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption” Acts 2: 26.27. Christ defied death to hold him in its’ grip. He has all power over life and death.. He holds the keys to death and life. He was not martyred by sinful men, but he voluntarily laid down his own life so that he might claim it again along with all that he would save from the penalty of sin.. “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” John 10; 17,18. While he walked on earth, Christ entered the realm of death to rescue its’ victims+ ”Now when he came to the gate of the city, behold there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, weep not , and he came and touched the bier; and they that bare him stood still. And he said, young man, I say unto the rise, and he that was dead sat up, and began to speak and he delivered him again to his mother.” Luke 7: 12-15. After Lazarus had been dead for four days, Jesus came to his tomb and said: take ye away the stone. Martha the sister of him that was dead saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto them , said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe thou should see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father I thank thee that thou has heard me and I know that thou hearest me always; but because of the people which stand by I said it that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he had spoken he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was bound with napkins. Jesus saith unto them, loose him, and let him go.” John 11: 39-44. Christ came and he died for our sins according to the scriptures, he was buried and rose again the third day. He demonstrated his power over death by his own resurrection. God promised through the prophets: “Concerning his son Jesus Christ our Lord which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1: 3,4. Christ has the keys of death and the grave in his hand. He has the power to speak the word and all the graves shall be opened and the dead shall come forth. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the grave shall her his voice, and shall come forth, they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5: 28,29. For the Christian, our blessed hope is in Christ our Lord who paid the price that we could never have paid for our sins. He has guaranteed to those who will receive him, that for them he is the conqueror of death. He holds the keys of hell and death. “I am he that liveth, and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death.” Rev 1:18. Man has many enemies on earth, be that as it may, but his greatest enemy of all is death. We can be sure that Christ is the conqueror of death, and he will finally destroy it., “For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” 1 Cor 15: 25,26. - - See more at www.telehelppublications.com - Click on - "Chapel Time"

Thought For Today - January 12 - Bringing Men To Jesus !

- Thought For Today - January 12
  BRINGING MEN TO JESUS 
By: Robert A. Searles

  “From whence cometh my help? My help cometh from the Lord.” 

 The Lord is an ever present help in the time of trouble. There are many people in our society who are in some sort of trouble and need help. Some are sick; some are insane; many have been neglected, or short changed by their church, and many have neglected to seek the help of the church to find their source of help.

 The helpless - the blind - the sick - the doubters - the sinful - the sorrowful need to find the answer to the problems of life that we all must face . Those of us who have discovered our source of help in time of necessity and trouble, have a responsibility and obligation to help those who are in desperate need. We know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the answer to all our problems if we will go to him and trust him, but many others need to know this also. How can they know if we do not tell them? How will they find the one who can help them if we do not lead them to him? Multitudes sought Jesus when he was on earth. They knew that he was the great physician, and had the power of healing in himself.

 “And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those who were possessed with devils and those who were lunatic, and those that had the palsy and he healed them.” Math 4:24.

 Depression and mental illness has claimed a lot of victims and destroyed many lives, and drawn many to seek the help of drugs and the occult. Many go to fortune tellers and stargazers and mediums to find answers to their problems. Many may be possessed with evil spirits today even as they were in Jesus time. We must seize every opportunity to lead these people to Jesus who alone can give peace of mind, and joy and stability to one’s life.

 “As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil, and when the devil was cast out the dumb spake and the multitude marveled, saying, it was never so seen in Israel.” Math 9:32, 33.

 Many people have sought help from churches and preachers who have taught false doctrines. They have been misled into thinking that the social gospel is the answer to their problems. They have been taught to believe that if they are zealous of good works and try hard to live a good life, that all will be well and everyone will enjoy the blessing of paradise; but only to learn that these churches and preachers have failed them in the end..

 We need to tell the multitudes of disappointed church members that the answer is in the person of Jesus Christ alone. Some came to the apostles to receive healing but they could not help them, but when they came to Jesus all was well.

 “And one of the multitude answered and said, master I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; and whensoever he taketh him, he teareth him; and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away; and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out, and they could not. He ansereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him, and straightway the spirit tare him, and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.” Mark 9: 17-20 

  -  When we see our fellow human beings in a state of helplessness, whether it be spiritual or physical, we need to step in and do something to help. The first need of any helpless person is the need of salvation: the forgiveness of sin, which is followed by a clean conscience and assurance of heaven.

 Only Christ can forgive sins and grant salvation. We need to introduce the helpless to him, and if necessary, break down walls and barriers to get them to him.: We need to follow the example of those who brought the man who was sick of the palsy to Jesus - “And behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with palsy: and they sought means to bring him in and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his coach into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith he saith unto him, man thy sins are forgiven thee." Luke 5: 18-20.

 Oh! So many blind people in the world today, whose eyes have been covered with the scales of false teaching and false beliefs. They cannot see clearly the truth of the wondrous gospel of God’s love and forgiveness. If those who are so blinded, just for a moment could catch a glimpse of the truth of God’s word, they would jump up and proclaim as did the writer of that wonderful hymn: “Amazing Grace” “Once I was blind, but now I see, once I was lost, but now I am found.” 

 The apostle Paul said: “If our gospel be hid, it is hid to those who are blind.” Only Jesus has the power to restore sight to the blind. We need to bring the blind to Jesus.

 “And it came to pass, that as he came nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the wayside begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant, and they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace, but he cried so much the more, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come he asked him, saying, what wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him. Receive thy sight. Thy faith hath saved thee.” Luke 18: 35-42.

 Those in our midst who are seeking and searching for right answers to the question of life and eternity need to be pointed in the right direction by those of us who have found our way..

 “One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him was Andrew, Simion Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, we have found the Messiah, which is being interpreted the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, thou art simon, the son of Jonas: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation a stone.” John 1: 40-42.

 When we attempt to bring men and women to Christ, we will always find that there will be doubters who question the authority of the bible, and will pose all kinds of questions and arguments to oppose that which we are trying to share with them, but when they encounter Jesus, their doubts will all be dissolved as with Nathaniel.

 “Philip findeth Nathaniel, and saith unto him, we have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and prophets did write. Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathaniel said unto him, can there be any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, come and see. Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to him, and saith of him, behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no guile. Nathaniel saith unto him, whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree I saw thee. Nathaniel answered and said unto him, Rabbi, thou art the son of God, thou art the King of Israel.” John 1: 45-49

 We must point sinners to Christ. Once we were sinners without hope in the world, but Jesus found us, and drew us to himself. He gave us the faith to believe. When we called , he answered and paid the price for our sinfulness and redeemed us. It is our duty to have compassion on the lost and bring them to Jesus, who alone can forgive sins, save souls and comforts the sorrowing. 

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

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