God's Promise of Our Growth in Him

God's Promise of our Growth in Him

By: Robert A. Searles

The Lord is constantly looking down from heaven upon the human race  to  see if there are any or who will seek him and glorify him, and he has promised to those who do seek him and understand him that they will flourish and prosper.

"The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God." Psalm 14: (KJV) Bible

"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon." Psalm 92: 12 (KJV) bible

When men and women, boys and girls, truly seek the Lord to understand his ways, and look upon his face, as it were, we are changed, and the more we steadfastly gaze upon him, we are changed into his image and likeness.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3: 18 (KJV) Bible

When we keep our eyes fixed upon the lord, he teaches us as his dear children, and we learn the truth, and grow and become mature adults, and are able to speak the truth in love to others so that they may come to know him and be saved.

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" Ephesians 4:14-15 (KJV) Bible

  "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippians 1:6 (KJV) Bible

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

Should Christians Paticipate In Halloween?

Should Christians participate in Halloween?

The October 31st holiday that we today know as Halloween has strong roots in paganism and is closely connected with worship of the Enemy of this world, Satan. It is a holiday that generally glorifies the dark things of this world, rather than the light of Jesus Christ, The Truth. Have you noticed how costumes and masks are getting generally more bloody, gory, and depraved each year? Unfortunately, the gruesome and grotesque and the occult are increasingly glorified in American society, not only on Halloween, but throughout the year in frequent horror movies and television programs. My family does not celebrate it or participate in it. We do not believe that our children are “missing out,” and neither do they. Other days are used for costumes and parties. Happily, all of our children have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. We have found that Halloween provides an excellent time to remind our children that, as Christians, we are different, and not of this world (Heb. 11:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11). What about church “Harvest Festivals” held on October 31? Although we understand the rational and good intentions behind them, we don’t think they are the best approach. Our family tends to agree with the author of an article called “Are ‘Harvest Parties’ for Christians?” (written by a self-avowed former witch and now active Christian). Harvest parties on October 31 tend to assume that “our children need something to take the place of Halloween, since they won’t be participating in the secular and pagan celebrations. It suggests our kids are missing out on something. And indeed they are, if we allow them to spend Halloween in celebration.” There are better things to do on Halloween than partying. Also, we need to teach our children that “the fight isn’t against occultists, non-Christians, Christians who feel differently than we about Halloween, or institutions that promote Halloween, but” “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV). Relevant Scripture 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22—“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” Philippians 4:8—think about pure, lovely, noble things James 1:27—“keep oneself from being polluted by the world” 3 John 1:11—“do not imitate what is evil” Romans 12:9—“abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Deuteronomy 18:9-14—do not learn to imitate detestable ways, including spiritists, sorcerers and witchcraft Ephesians 5:11-12—“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness” / “live as children of light” 1 Timothy 4:1—don’t ”follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” 2 Corinthians 6:14-17—“what fellowship can light have with darkness?” 1 Corinthians 11:1—“follow the example of Christ” 1 Corinthians 10:31—“whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God” James 4:7-8—submit yourselves to God, resist the devil, purify your hearts Ezekiel 44:23—“…teach my people… to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” Proverbs 22:6—“train a child in the way he should go” Matthew 18:6—“if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin…” Hosea 4:6—“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” John 3:19-20—fallen man loves darkness instead of light Romans 13:12—“put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Ephesians 6:11-18—“take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” 2 Chronicles 7:14—humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn away from wicked ways—and God will heal our land Are October 31 “Harvest Parties” the best alternative for Christians? “What are you doing for Halloween?” Ask a Christian parent this question, and be prepared to hear an answer like, “Nothing! We don’t celebrate Halloween.“ Thunder crashes, and you creep away, embarassed for even asking. “What are you doing ON Halloween?” Ask the same parent this slightly altered question, and their whole manner and response brightens. “Why,” they begin, as birds begin to sing and sunshine breaks through the cumulus clouds. “We’re all going to the Harvest Party at church!” A choir sings. A trumpet sounds. You feel privileged just knowing these saints. Let’s take a look at the typical Harvest Party. It is a celebration. It is chaperoned (usually). It may have costumes. Games are played. Contests are held. Food abounds. Music blares. Everyone enjoys themselves. Certainly, nothing to get concerned about, right? The problem, however, lies in the billing. The Harvest Party is usually referred to as the Christian alternative to traditional Halloween hijinx. Alternative, however, implies substitute. It assumes our children need something to take the place of Halloween, since they won’t be participating in the secular and pagan celebrations. It suggests our kids are missing out on something. And indeed they are, if we allow them to spend Halloween in celebration. If we are to train our children to be soldiers in the army of Christ, why would we sign a pass for them to go on leave when the battle is escalating on the front lines? As a child of four, I contacted the first of many spirit guides (read: demons) while playing with a Kindergarten classmates’ ouija board at a chaperoned Halloween party. This spiritual assault ignited an intrigue with the supernatural that culminated in my lifestyle as a practicing witch: divination, necromancy, channeling, astrology, psychic ability, and spell working. It wasn’t until I was twenty that I met the real Jesus Christ, and was released from the trap that Satan had set for this young prisoner of war sixteen years earlier. There are too many casualities on Halloween and far too few troops fighing the enemy. Instead of partying on Halloween, teach your children how to fight. Keep them aware that the fight isn’t against occultists, non-Christians, Christians who feel differently than we about Halloween, or institutions that promote Halloween, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers or darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). How do we teach our children to wrestle spiritually? Discourage them from participating in traditional Halloween activities (2 Timothy 2:4). Then tell them why. Encourage them to pray on a regular, daily basis (Ephesians 6:18). Let them know first hand the power that we have in prayer. All Christians should know how to fight on their knees. Remind them to be alert and self-controlled (1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6). Give them the discipline of knowing it is their responsibility to keep watch. They, themselves, might also become casualties in the war. Make certain they are prepared for battle (Ephesians 6:11). Do they know the truth? Stand on the Word of God? Have faith? Know the gospel? Are they righteous? Are they saved?… Instead of celebrating, what’s a Christian to do on Satan’s feast day? PRAY! Intercession and spiritual warfare should be the first item on our agenda. It is NOT a last resort! Join with other families in the church. Have the pastor announce a night of spiritual battle. Organize a group of Christians parents and students from your children’s school or homeschool group. As a family, designate the seven nights before October 31 as Family Prayer Outreach nights. Pray for protection. Pray over both those who engage in prayer warfare and over those who will be out trick-or-treating or at Halloween parties. October 31 is a prime recruiting time for witches and Satanists… and a time for interested kids to experiment. Pray that the Lord keeps our kids from falling prey to those who worship the enemy. Pray for discernment. Let the Holy Spirit direct you to specific prayer requests. Pray that the children who are “out there” will somehow “know” to keep away from certain activities. Pray that the Lord hinder the occult rituals. For four years, I lived in a building which over looked a cemetery where occult ceremonial markings were often found. On certain occult feast days, usually between midnight and 3 a.m., I would look down into the darkness and kneel at my window binding the demons that controlled the ceremonies. I’ll never know this side of heaven what effect my prayers had. Maybe a potential sacrifice escaped. Maybe the occultists weren’t successful in summoning their demon. Maybe a new, young recruit decided that this was not the lifestyle he thought he wanted. Pray for the salvation of the occultists. Jesus Christ died for those whom Satan holds captive and deceived, for those who mock Him, who deny His deity or His existence. He doesn’t want them to perish, but to come to Him calling Him Father, Lord. Pray the veil is lifted from their eyes, the Lord allows them to see clearly their spiritual condition and their only hope lies in Jesus Christ. Pray also, about whether the Lord would have you take a more active role in bringing the gospel to Satan’s servants. Let your children know that this is effective warfare. They must know their prayers are heard and acted on by our Father. Let them know they can make a difference. Come October 31, they’ll know they have a job to do. originally published in the Colorado Christian News, October 1995, author’s name not published

God's Promise Of Everlasting Life

Thought for Today - January 24

God's Promise of Everlasting Life-  By: Robert A. Searles
      " For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:   And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." Job 9: 25-27 
      God has promised everlasting life to all who will believe him.  How wonderful if we could all have the sure confidence and assurance that Job of old prophesied. We can if we will confess our sins, accept Christ as our Savior who is the only way to God our Father, and place our trust and faith  completely in his promises
      "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 (KJV) Bible
      "And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40 (KJV) Bible
      "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." John 10: 28 (KJV) Bible
      "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,   In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Corinthians 15: 51-52 (KJV) Bible
      "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4: 17 (KJV) Bible
      If you have not done so already dear reader, won't you claim these promises of God, and have the assurance of Job?
                                   Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministr

                                                                       Psalm 26:7

A Dream Come True

A Dream Come True

By Robert A. Searles

"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.   Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.   The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.  Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.   They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.   He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Psalm 126: 1-6 (KJV) Bible

    Have you ever had a dream come true?  Have you ever had something wonderful happen to you that was beyond your fondest dreams and expectations?   If you are one of us who have been saved and truly born again, you have had this happen to you.  For once God's grace has been poured out to you, and you have been enabled by faith to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and have received him as your Lord and Savior, and you know  that all your sins have been forgiven and that you are on your way to heaven, your weeping is turned to laughter; your mourning has been turned  to joy; and for the first time in your life you are set free.  When the Lord turned your captivity to freedom, it seemed almost too good to be true.  It seemed like a dream, and , Oh! the joy that filled your heart, and you wanted to jump up and shout the glad tidings and tell the whole world.

     We are so happy over what has happened to us that we want to go and tell the whole world.  We sorrow for those who remain in captivity to Satan, and we go out to sow the seed    of the good news of the gospel in tears, knowinbg that by the grace and the power of God, we shall doubtless come again rejoicing  bringing our sheaves with us as we are promised in the word of God.

     Oh! what a dream has come true for all of us who have put our trust in Jesus, that sin and death would have no more power over us, and he has turned our captivity and made us to be partakers of his glory in his heavenly kingdom.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

God's Promise of Joy

God's Promise of Joy

By: Robert A. Searles

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psalm 16: 11 (KJV) Bible

True joy an happiness can only be found in the presence of the Lord.

"Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:" 1 Peter 1:8 (KJV) Bible

  Christ shows us the paths to righteous living.  That is where he is, and when we walk  on that path with him, we will find fullness of joy.

   "O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." Psalm 90: 14 (KJV) Bible

When we recognise that God's mercy is being poured out upon us each and every day, it satisfies our needs and we can be glad and rejoicing every day.

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15: 10-11 (KJV) Bible

When we keep Christ's commandments and abide in him, we will have a song  of joy in our heart always and forever.

Though at times sorrows come, yet we have God's promise that all our sorrows will eventually be turned into joy.

"And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." John 16: 22 (KJV) Bible

"Mourning may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

God's Promise of Peace

God's Promise of Peace

By Robert A. Searles

The Lord has promised to strengthen us and to keep us in perfect peace when our heart and mind is fixed and stayed on him. Jesus told us to never allow  our heart to be troubled  nor be afraid, for the peace that he gives is far better than anything we can get from the world.  Because we are  justified by God by our faith, we can have perfect peace and harmony with  God   through the Lord Jesus Christ  Christ himself is  our peae who has broken down the barrier between us and God the Father.

"The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace." Psalm 29: 11 (KJV) Bible

 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26: 3 (KJV) Bible

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14: 27 (KJV) Bible

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5: 1-2 (KJV) Bible

" For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;" Ephesians  2:14 (KJV) Bible

 "Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (KJV) Bible



Telehelp Publications Christin Literature Ministry
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

God's Promise of Salvation

God's Promise of Salvation

By: Robert A. Searles

Our salvation is completely dependent on the grace of God alone.  There is absolutely nothing that we can do to save ourselves.  God has promised to save all who will  believe and call upon him.

"But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him."  Psalm 37: 39-40

"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." Isaiah 25: 9

His name is Jesus, The Christ, our only Savior.

"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. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the 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 (KJV) Bible

"...........Sirs, what must I do to be ? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16: 30,31 (KJV) Bible

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" Ephesians 2: 8 (KJV) Bible

 "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7: 25 (KJV) Bible

This promise is for all who have heard the call of God.  If you have never asked God For forgiveness of sins through Christ, and believed and called upon him for your salvation, today is the accepted time.  Won't you call  unto him today before it is too late?

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

God's Promise of Love

By: Robert A. Searles

God has told his people that he loves us with an everlasting love, and has promised us that his loving kindness shall never depart from us, nor his peace be removed.  We are told that we are of more value than many sparrows; that he knows every thing about us, even the hairs on our head are all numbered, and he has promised to build us up.

"For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10 (KJV) Bible

.  " The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry." Jeremiah 31. 3 (KJV) Bible.

Because of his great love for us, he has drawn us to himself so that we may know him and receive from him all his benefits.  He proved his love for us when  he gave  his only begotten son to die for us.

"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 (KJV)

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.   If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." John 15: 9,10 (KJV) Bible

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.   Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." John 15: 13,14 (KJV) Bible

" In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." 1 John 4:9 (KJV) Bible

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

Forget Not The Promise of God

By: Robert A. Searles

"My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.   Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.   In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3: 1-6 (KJV) Bible

We must not ever forget the covennt of our God - that we may walk in the way of good men, and keep; the path of the righteous; that we might enjoy long life and peace.  When mercy and truth are written on the table of our heart, we will find favor and understanding in the sight of God and man.  When we trust in the Lord with all our heart, and lean not on our own understanding, God will lead us in the paths of righteousness.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

Prodigal Son or Daughter you can always come home.

Prodigal Son or daughter - No matter how far you may have wandered away from the love of God -your parents - or family- while you live it is never too late. You can always come back home. Watch and listen to the video

Once I Was Lost

By: Robert A. Searles

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins, Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:   Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)   And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.   For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.   For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained  that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2: 1-10 (KJV) Bible
     Once I was lost, but now I am found; once I was blind, but now I can see; Once I was a slave of Satan, but now I am a willing servant of Christ; once I had nothing that would endure, Now I am a joint heir witrh Christ to forever sit with him in heavenly places  and enjoy his wealth and the fatness of his house forever.  All by grace through faith, not of works that I should boast, but by his mercy he saved me.

Thank you Lord!

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

Free Offer

Free Offer!

When you place an order on our website for books or other items totaling $60.00 or more
(not including shipping), we will send you a copy of our book entitled: "Morning Thoughts and Meditations" - a 306 page, 6x9, paperback - containing 365 thoughts and meditations, one for each day of the year, to help you begin your day with God. With the upcoming holiday season, this would make a great gift idea. and it is ABSOLUTELY FREE to you when your total merchandise order is $60.00 or more. so, HURRY NOW! and place your order while this offer remains and supplies of books last. This offer good in the continental United States only.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com