Be Quiet and Listen

October 31, 2016 Be Quiet and Listen! By: Robert A. Searles “The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.” Ecc 9: 17 (KJV) While God is speaking to us, are we really listening, or is the clamor and noise of this sin cursed world drowning out the voice of our loving heavenly Father who is trying to tell us of his love and mercy for his children? If we really want to know what God is saying to us, moment by moment, we must cease from our own noise making, and listen intently to the still small voice of God. We cheat ourselves of so much comfort and so many blessings when we are so preoccupied with our own everyday affairs, that we do not take the time to get alone with God in our own secret hiding place and listen for the voice of God as he speaks to us by the various methods which he chooses. How does God speak to us? God speaks to us first of all by his written word, the Holy scriptures. In them, God tells us how the heavens and the earth came into being. He tells us how he made man and woman, and all the animals and creeping things of the earth for the use and benefit of mankind. He tells us how he hates sin, but loves the sinner. He tells us that we all have sinned and come short of his glory, but that he is willing to forgive and forget our sins. He tells us how we may obtain that forgiveness and renewal of spirit and restoration of fellowship with himself. In the written word, God also assures us that every word written in the scriptures are true and given by his Holy Spirit to his chosen prophets and historians who would be faithful men and women to record his words for all future generations to come. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) “We have also a more sure word of prophesy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shinneth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your heart; knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19- 21 (KJV) In the Holy Scriptures, God relates to us the history of his chosen people, Israel from Abraham down through the centuries to the present generations. He speaks to us of the promises he has made to his chosen ones. He show us all the trials and tribulations that his people have experienced because of their sins and rebellion and turning their back on him and worshiping idols. Through the history of his people Israel, he warns all of us of what can become of rebellious nations who forget God and turn to idols; but he also reveals to us his great love and mercy when men and women repent and turn back to him. In the written word, God is speaking to us to show us the way back from our sinfulness and rebellion by receiving his son as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. He tells us that: Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried and rose again the third day, according to the scriptures, and is now in heaven interceding for all of us who will believe and receive him, and we are promised that he is coming again to receive his children to himself and establish his kingdom on earth. In the written word, God offers us comfort and rest when we are tired and weary, and peace when we have turmoil in our soul. God also speaks to us through the living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were make by him; and without him was not anything made that was made., In him was the life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shinneth in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1: 1-5 (KJV) God is spirit. The bible says that no one has seen God at any time, but the son of God has revealed him. Christ came into the world not only to die for the sins of the world, but also to reveal God the Father to the world. Jesus said: “if you have seen me you have seen the Father. I and the Father are one.” God the Father, speaking through his son, the Lord Jesus Christ, spoke to his disciples in the language of men, in an audible voice which they could understand, and record his message to all mankind through the gospels. Jesus, while on earth, spoke many words of wisdom and instruction to his apostles and disciples, to which we ought to listen intently and pay the most earnest heed. Do we read and study the gospels and quietly listen to the words of Jesus, and make them a part of our very being as was intended by God? God also speaks to us through his indwelling Holy Spirit in the heart and mind of every born again child of his. When Jesus ascended into heaven he promised, that when he went away, he would send another comforter, to be a constant companion, interpreter of the word of God, instructor and guardian of his redeemed. God has so much for us to know of him, so much to enjoy and be blessed by him. God speaks in a still small voice, and in order to hear what he is saying, we must quietly listen. We must stop our ears, at least for a little while from all the noise of the world, and the noise within our own soul. Arise in the morning and behold the majesty of a gorgeous sunrise, and allow the sunrise of the love of God to arise in your own soul. Stop and smell the fragrance of the rose, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a beautiful sunset, and know that with God all is well, and it is well with your soul. Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com www.telehelp-publications-bookshelf.myshopify.com

Be Quiet and Listen

Today - A Gift From God

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Thought forToday  – December 22, 2022 

 A GiftFrom God 

By: Robert A. Searles 

 Each day in our lives is a brand new gift from God. There has never been a day exactly like it before, and there will never be a day exactly like it again. It is unique in itself.

 As someone has aptly said: “This is a brand new day without mistakes, yet." Pray to God that we can keep it without mistakes.

 “This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad it it.” Let us not ruin today by borrowing from tomorrow's sorrows, or remembering the mistakes of yesterday. If we at all remember, let us remember the joys and the happiness, and the good things, and let us throw out with the trash, as it were, the negative and bad things. Let us spend this day, this valuable gift that God has given to us, always aware of his presence and companionship. A day spent in companionship with the Lord is better than a thousand without him. 

 If we have received Christ as our Savior, then today we have eternal everlasting life, and have passed from darkness into light and we don't have to look for tomorrow to come to receive it and enjoy it.

 Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

Psalm 26:7

Once I Was Blind

 Thought for Today -  October 16, 2023

 Once I Was Blind!

 By Robert A. Searles 

 Once I was blind, but now I see. From the moment of my physical birth until the moment of my rebirth as a child of God, my spiritual eyes and understanding were afflicted with blindness. This is true of all people whether or not they will acknowledge this truth.

 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God” for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2: 14. 

 Jesus said: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3: 3. 

 Unfortunately, there are certain religious leaders today occupying pulpits and teaching and preaching some form of religion who are blind leaders of the blind. Jesus said: “Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matthew 15: 13,14. 

These blind leaders have never truly been born again and experienced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; therefore, they teach the doctrines of men, a social gospel of good works, good deeds, the keeping of rules and commandments . More emphasis placed on tolerance and love, and at the same time neglecting to teach the penalty of not being forgiven and pardoned by God and having a personal relationship with Christ.

 Praise God! Christ is willing and able to open the blind eyes of all those who will come to him and ask to receive their sight. In asking we must believe that he is, in fact, the divine son of God, and is the only way, the truth, and the light. We must believe that he is the propitiation for our sins: he paid the price of our redemption, and we are forever saved by his grace. We must believe that he arose from the dead and ascended into heaven, and is now our great high priest who makes intercession for us before the throne of God. We must believe that if we will confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

 When we receive all this truth by faith as a free gift of God's grace, we are miraculously born again, and then and only then can we see spiritual things. We must have the confidence that Jesus can and will do all this for us, and as we believe, Jesus said, it shall be done unto us. 

 “And when Jesus departed thence two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, thou son of David, have mercy on us. And while he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, according to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened, and Jesus straitly charged them, see that no man know it.” Matthew 9: 27-30.

 In this case Jesus gave physical sight to physical eyes, and at this time he was not yet ready for it to be known abroad. Today Jesus will give spiritual sight to spiritual eyes and he wants all those who have received spiritual eyesight to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

 

Once I Was Blind

   Thought for Today - December 27, 2022

 Once I Was Blind!

 By Robert A. Searles

 Once I was blind, but now I see. From the moment of my physical birth until the moment of my rebirth as a child of God, my spiritual eyes and understanding were afflicted with blindness. This is true of all people whether or not they will acknowledge this truth.

 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God” for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2: 14. 

 Jesus said: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3: 3.

 Unfortunately, there are certain religious leaders today occupying pulpits and teaching and preaching some form of religion who are blind leaders of the blind. 

 Jesus said: “Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matthew 15: 13,14. 

 These blind leaders have never truly been born again and experienced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; therefore, they teach the doctrines of men, a social gospel of good works, good deeds, the keeping of rules and commandments . More emphasis placed on tolerance and love, and at the same time neglecting to teach the penalty of not being forgiven and pardoned by God and having a personal relationship with Christ.

 Praise God! Christ is willing and able to open the blind eyes of all those who will come to him and ask to receive their sight. In asking we must believe that he is, in fact, the divine son of God, and is the only way, the truth, and the light. We must believe that he is the propitiation for our sins: he paid the price of our redemption, and we are forever saved by his grace. We must believe that he arose from the dead and ascended into heaven, and is now our great high priest who makes intercession for us before the throne of God. We must believe that if we will confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. When we receive all this truth by faith as a free gift of God's grace, we are miraculously born again, and then and only then can we see spiritual things.

 We must have the confidence that Jesus can and will do all this for us, and as we believe, Jesus said, it shall be done unto us. “And when Jesus departed thence two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, thou son of David, have mercy on us. And while he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, according to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened, and Jesus straitly charged them, see that no man know it.” Matthew 9: 27-30.

 In this case Jesus gave physical sight to physical eyes, and at this time he was not yet ready for it to be known abroad. Today Jesus will give spiritual sight to spiritual eyes and he wants all those who have received spiritual eyesight to go into all the world and preach the gospel. 

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

                                  Psalm 26: 7

Bring Your Burdens To the Lord

Thought for Today - October 13, 2023

 Bring Your Burdens To The Lord

 By: Robert A. Searles 

 Jesus extended an invitation to all who are weary and heavy laden to come unto him, and he would give them rest. He came into the world to be our burden bearer and our sin bearer. 

 "Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted." Isaiah 53: 4 

"That it might be fulfilled which was spoken of Esaias the prophet, saying, himself took our infirmities, and bare our sickness." Matthew 8: 17 

 What burdens lay heavy on our souls today? Is it the burden of not forgiven sin? Is it the burden of doubts and fears, or the burden of sickness and immanent death? Do we grieve today over the loss of family, friends, or loved ones? Are we perplexed, not knowing where to turn or what road to take to solve our problems? Are we overly concerned about how we will meet the challenges of the future? Jesus stands ready to make an exchange of burdens. If we are willing to lay all our cares and burdens upon him, he will bear them for us, but we in exchanges must be willing to put his yoke upon our shoulders and be busy for him. When we are yoked together with him,he is bearing the heavier part of the load and our burdens become lighter. We are told to take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there. Burdens are lifted at Calvary. Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and , my burden light."Matthew 11: 28-30

What Shall I Render Unto The Lord?

 Thought for Today - December, 30, 2022

 What Shall I Render Unto The Lord?

 By Robert A. Searles

 “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?” Psalm 116: 12 

 How can I ever repay the Lord for his great love and kindness which he shows toward me? I can't! There is no way that I could ever come close to repaying God for all his benefits. What, then, shall I do, seeing how much I owe God?

 “I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116: 13-15 

 As the psalmist said: I will gladly, and with much thankfulness receive the gift of salvation which God has given to me, and I will gladly be his servant, and allow him to use me and to continue his work through me, which he has begun, until he comes again and restores all things.

 God loves us, and wants not our destruction, or for us to be incapacitated, but he desires that we should live for him and bear much fruit for his glory. As a token of our gratitude then, to God for all his benefits, let us continually offer him the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord, and render our service to him with joyfulness and praise.

 Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

                                       Psalm 26: 7

                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Daily Bread

Thought for Today - April 3, 2023

My Daily Bread 

By Robert A Searles

 Give me this day my daily bread so that my soul might find nourishment in thee, O God of my salvation, and that I might have to give to others, that they too might be fed. Except thou dost break the bread to me, I cannot feed the hungry. A person can receive nothing except it be given him from God. You have told us, dear Lord in your word, that as our days are, so shall our strength be. Each day the manna falls from heaven upon your beloved own, and provision is made for our well being; therefore, dear Lord, we ask for strength that we might gather that which you have already provided for us. Your word O God is a banqueting table to which all who will hear your voice have been invited to come and dine. A banqueting table filled with the finest cuisine of heaven; the bread of life; the lamb of God; the heavenly manna, the Lord Jesus Christ who said that if we eat of his flesh and drink his blood we shall never hunger and never thirst. He is at the head of the table with his arms outstretched and calling to the multitudes, “come and dine”. Sinner, will you believe and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior today and partake of the bread of Life? Christian friend and brother and sister, will you leave the scraps of the world to the hogs and come to your Father's table and eat like a king's son or daughter? God has promised that he will supply us with daily bread, but our daily bread is found within the pages of his holy word. We must gather and eat by reading and prayer, and meditation in a disciplined time and manner. Then the Holy Spirit will feed us. Then we will have enough for ourselves and others, and baskets full left over. 

 

Our Daily Bread

October 25, 2016 My Daily Bread By Robert A Searles Give me this day my daily bread so that my soul might find nourishment in thee, O God of my salvation, and that I might have to give to others, that they too might be fed. Except thou dost break the bread to me, I cannot feed the hungry. A person can receive nothing except it be given him from God. You have told us, dear Lord in your word, that as our days are, so shall our strength be. Each day the manna falls from heaven upon your beloved own, and provision is made for our well being; therefore, dear Lord, we ask for strength that we might gather that which you have already provided for us. Your word O God is a banqueting table to which all who will hear your voice have been invited to come and dine. A banqueting table filled with the finest cuisine of heaven; the bread of life; the lamb of God; the heavenly manna, the Lord Jesus Christ who said that if we eat of his flesh and drink his blood we shall never hunger and never thirst. He is at the head of the table with his arms outstretched and calling to the multitudes, “come and dine”. Sinner, will you believe and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior today and partake of the bread of Life? Christian friend and brother and sister, will you leave the scraps of the world to the hogs and come to your Father's table and eat like a king's son or daughter? God has promised that he will supply us with daily bread, but our daily bread is found within the pages of his holy word. We must gather and eat by reading and prayer, and meditation in a disciplined time and manner. Then the Holy Spirit will feed us. Then we will have enough for ourselves and others, and baskets full left over. Brought to you by: Telehelp Publications Christian Literature www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com www.telehelp-publications-bookshelf.myshopify.com

Praise and Thanksgiving

 Thought For Today - October 21, 
Praise And Thanksgiving 
By: Robert A. Searles 

“Ye that fear the Lord, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.” Psalm 22: 23

 To fear the Lord does not mean that we are afraid of God as some one who is out to get even with us or to catch up with us and take vengeance upon us. If we have received the redemption offered to us by the Lord Jesus Christ, then we are the children of God by adoption, and we can enter into a wonderful relationship and fellowship with God.

 To fear God means to be fully aware of his great power, and omnipotence, and his right to rule the universe; it means that we recognize ourselves as helpless creatures on this ball of earth, and that we are completely dependent upon the spirit of God to guide us and lead us in right paths. When we approach the throne of God and the mercy seat, we ought to come before God with fear and trembling, in the sense that we realize that we can enter God's presence only by his grace, and only after a terrible price was paid for our redemption, namely, the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

We ought to come before God, uplifting the name of Jesus. Our chief purpose ought to be to praise God, and glorify him. God is spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit. God is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek him. Many times we fail to worship God properly. We ought to be absorbing the essence and spirit of God as a sponge absorbs water, so that when God sees fit to squeeze us a little, his spirit will be poured out on others through us like water pours from a saturated sponge. 

 Most of the time that we are in prayer or fellowship with God ought to be in praise and it ought to glorify his name. All the host of heaven are watching and listening to see if God is glorified in us. We ought to always lift up the name of Jesus; praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God for salvation; praise God for life everlasting; praise God for our homes; praise God for each others companionship; praise God for the fellowship of the Holy Spirit; and praise God for opportunity to serve.

 “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.” Psalm 33: 1 
“Praise ye the lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely.” Psalm 147: 1

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34: 1 (KJV) “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34: 3 

“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me, and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23. 

 “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious.” Psalm 66: 1,2 

 “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp (out in the world) bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13: 13, 14, 15 

 Then following praise and worship and thanksgiving, comes service. 

 “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 

 https"//telehelppublications.blogspot.com

Exalt The Lord Our God

 Thought For Today - October 20
Exalt The Lord Our God 
By: Robert A. Searles 

 “The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubim; let the earth be moved.” Psalm 99:1 

" Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool, for he is Holy.” Psalm 99: 5 . 

We must worship God in spirit and in truth. We worship God in our thought life – by what we think about God. We worship God in our speech – by what we say about God. We worship God by our actions – in what we do to glorify and to serve God. If God is our God, then he deserves our worship. He deserves to be the chief object of our thought life. He deserves to be the chief subject of our conversation. . He deserves to be the one for whom we work and perform 

“Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is Holy.” Psalm 99: 9 

http://telehelppublications.blogspot.com

Who shall Sit At Thy Table, Lord?

 Thought for Today  -  October  19, 2022 

 Who shall Sit At Thy Table, Lord?

 By: Robert A. Searles

My Father, and my God, as you have fed me in the past, so feed me today that I might be strong in thee, and that I might grow to be like thine only begotten son, the Lord Jesus Christ. You have offered me the bread of life, help me not to neglect to eat it. You have said: “come and dine”. Lord let me sit at thy table forever and enjoy the fatness of thy house. Thy table is spread with love; with truth; with mercy and grace. The blood which was shed for me is in the cup, and I am invited to drink thereof. The bread was broken on the cross, and Satan's head was crushed unto death, and this bread is set before me to sustain me forever.  Who are they that sit at thy table? They may sit at thy table who will believe that God is, and is a rewarder of all that seek him; those who know that God is spirit and must be worshiped in spirit and in truth; those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the divine son of God who came into the world to offer his life a ransom for many who were lost. They will sit at thy table who will confess and agree with God that they are sinners and need a savior, and by faith receive Christ as their Savior, believing and confessing that Christ died for their sins, and that he was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures. This is the gospel, and all who will believe it and confess it are those who will sit at thy table.

 “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts, we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.” Psalm 65: 4

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

                                Psalm 26:7

God Fixes Things

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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God's Promise of Joy

Thought for Today - April 6, 2023

 God's Promise Of Joy

 By: Robert A. Searles  

 We are told that the pursuit of happiness is the right of every one of God's created human beings, and so it is,; but sometimes, we are misguided into believing that happiness and joy are one and the same., but this is not necessarily true. Happiness must be pursued, and sometimes we find it, and sometimes we don't. Whether or not we are happy at any one particular moment can very often depend upon our state of health, our financial situation, our possessions, our gains or losses etc. Joy on the other hand, is a deep seated, lively emotion of happiness, a sense of gladness, and delight and well being that is a fixation in our soul that was not found by our pursuit, but has been imparted to us as a gift from almighty God. If we have ever experienced the overwhelming sense of security and gladness, delight, and well being welling up from the depth of our innermost being, even in times when our body may be experiencing pain, or our bank account balance showing zero, or perhaps we have experienced some great disappointment, or even in times of great loss or even death itself., then we have experienced true joy. Happiness is contingent upon our present situation or state of affairs, and no one could expect to be what the world calls extremely happy when stressed out by worry over health, finances, and our every day problems which we are trying to resolve by our own worldly wisdom; but when we know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we can take all our burdens to him, and not only can we find peace and happiness, but he will give us his assurance of our salvation, and give us his joy. We are told to take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there. Sometimes in the pursuit of happiness, we try to convince ourselves that we can find happiness and experience joy if we get that new house or that new automobile, or if we go to the shopping mall and accumulate a new wardrobe, and spend money for things that we do not really need, and sometimes find that we have over burdened ourselves with debt that only adds to our unhappiness in the end. Sometimes we even go to extremes and think that if we were in a different relationship with someone else other than the one to whom we are espoused, that we would have more happiness and joy, but none of these artificial remedies can bring us true happiness and everlasting joy. The basic problem with all of us is that we are all sinners and separated from God, our creator. In order to be filled with joy, and experience true happiness, we need to have our sins forgiven, and fellowship restored with God. We are all guilty before God of being born sinners. We need God's forgiveness and pardon. Christ came into the world for this very purpose, that though his death on the cross, men and women, boys and girls, might find forgiveness and restoration to God our Father. Until we, by faith, come to Christ, believing that he is God in human flesh, and that he offered himself on the cross for our salvation and freedom from sin and its' penalty of guilt and damnation, we will always be carrying around within our souls a heavy burden of guilt, because, whether we realize it or not, our discontent and unhappiness is the result of our guiltiness before God. We do not have to carry this heavy burden of a guilty conscience on our shoulders because all we have to do is to come to Christ by faith, believing his word that he is willing to save to the uttermost all who come to God by him. Sincerely ask for his forgiveness, and open our hearts and minds to him so that he might fill us with his Holy Spirit, and then we are born again, the children of God, and then the joy of the Lord fills our entire being. When we have the joy of the Lord in our hearts, then what we think of as happiness is there also regardless of our state of being or situation in life. God has not promised that we will not have trials and tribulations and problems, but he has promised us everlasting joy, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name; ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full.” John 16: 24. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost” Romans 15:13. “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their hearts; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35: 10. “O satisfy us early with thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90: 14. “Thou will show me the path of life, in thy presence is fullness of joy: at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11. “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 your joy may be full,” John:15:10-11. “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. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30: 5. You will experience Joy in serving Jesus. 

God's Promise of Joy

 Thought for Today - January 2, 2023

 God's Promise Of Joy

 By: Robert A. Searles 

 We are told that the pursuit of happiness is the right of every one of God's created human beings, and so it is,; but sometimes, we are misguided into believing that happiness and joy are one and the same., but this is not necessarily true.

 Happiness must be pursued, and sometimes we find it, and sometimes we don't. Whether or not we are happy at any one particular moment can very often depend upon our state of health, our financial situation, our possessions, our gains or losses etc. Joy on the other hand, is a deep seated, lively emotion of happiness, a sense of gladness, and delight and well being that is a fixation in our soul that was not found by our pursuit, but has been imparted to us as a gift from almighty God. 

If we have ever experienced the overwhelming sense of security and gladness, delight, and well being welling up from the depth of our innermost being, even in times when our body may be experiencing pain, or our bank account balance showing zero, or perhaps we have experienced some great disappointment, or even in times of great loss or even death itself., then we have experienced true joy.

 Happiness is contingent upon our present situation or state of affairs, and no one could expect to be what the world calls extremely happy when stressed out by worry over health, finances, and our every day problems which we are trying to resolve by our own worldly wisdom; but when we know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we can take all our burdens to him, and not only can we find peace and happiness, but he will give us his assurance of our salvation, and give us his joy. We are told to take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there. 

 Sometimes in the pursuit of happiness, we try to convince ourselves that we can find happiness and experience joy if we get that new house or that new automobile, or if we go to the shopping mall and accumulate a new wardrobe, and spend money for things that we do not really need, and sometimes find that we have over burdened ourselves with debt that only adds to our unhappiness in the end. Sometimes we even go to extremes and think that if we were in a different relationship with someone else other than the one to whom we are espoused, that we would have more happiness and joy, but none of these artificial remedies can bring us true happiness and everlasting joy. 

 The basic problem with all of us is that we are all sinners and separated from God, our creator. In order to be filled with joy, and experience true happiness, we need to have our sins forgiven, and fellowship restored with God. We are all guilty before God of being born sinners. We need God's forgiveness and pardon. Christ came into the world for this very purpose, that though his death on the cross, men and women, boys and girls, might find forgiveness and restoration to God our Father. Until we, by faith, come to Christ, believing that he is God in human flesh, and that he offered himself on the cross for our salvation and freedom from sin and its' penalty of guilt and damnation, we will always be carrying around within our souls a heavy burden of guilt, because, whether we realize it or not, our discontent and unhappiness is the result of our guiltiness before God. We do not have to carry this heavy burden of a guilty conscience on our shoulders because all we have to do is to come to Christ by faith, believing his word that he is willing to save to the uttermost all who come to God by him. Sincerely ask for his forgiveness, and open our hearts and minds to him so that he might fill us with his Holy Spirit, and then we are born again, the children of God, and then the joy of the Lord fills our entire being.

 When we have the joy of the Lord in our hearts, then what we think of as happiness is there also regardless of our state of being or situation in life. God has not promised that we will not have trials and tribulations and problems, but he has promised us everlasting joy, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

 “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name; ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full.” John 16: 24.

 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost” Romans 15:13.

 “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their hearts; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35: 10.

 “O satisfy us early with thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90: 14. 

“Thou will show me the path of life, in thy presence is fullness of joy: at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11.

 “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 your joy may be full,” John:15:10-11.

 “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. 

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30: 5

. You will experience Joy in serving Jesus. 

 Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry  

                                    Psalm 26: 7   

Bless the Lord At all Times

  Thought for Today - January 13, 2023

 Bless The Lord At All Times

 By: Robert A. Searles

 "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name." Psalm 103:1 

 We who are Christins and know of the mercies of God ought to spend the remainder of our lives blessing and praising the Lord for all his goodness to us. How wonderful to know that he has forgiven us all our iniquities, past, present, and future, and we will never again come unto condemnation. How wonderful to know that our once sin sick soul has been healed from the plague of the dominion and power of sin, and sin has no more power and dominion over us to keep us in its' prison. 

 The loving kindness and tender mercies of God has redeemed our life from destruction. As the mother bird feeds its' young, God daily fills our lives with good things. All things work together for good to them that love God. I am so glad that God hath not dealt with me after my sin, nor rewarded me according to my iniquities, but he sent his only begotten son to die in my place and take my sin upon himself and pay the penalty for me, and as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our trangression from us.

 My friend, if you are not yet a Christian, if you have not yet believed in the only begotten son of God whom God sent to earth to manifest himself to sinful man,and offer himself a sacrifice for the sin of the world, I admonish you to receivce him by faith,and ask him to forgive your sin, and come live in your heart and give you eternal life. Then as millions of others will testify along with the psalmist, you will have gladness and joy in your heart, and you will have reason to bless the Lord all the day long with all that is within you.

 Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

                                   Psalm 26: 7