Happy New Year

 Thought For Today - December 31
 Happy New Year  -  By: Robert A. Searles
      Tonight, most likely, the wine and liquor will flow like water. For many, the sacred vows of marriage will be desecrated. It is likely that many illegitimate babies will be conceived, only to be aborted later, because they are really the unwanted accidents of a night of pleasure and sinful passion. The highways will be crowded with drunks, carelessly taking the lives of many innocent victims. Satan will have his heyday,   for this is new years eve, the beginning of another year of ungodliness and selfishness for those who know not God, nor do not care to know him. These are the lovers of pleasure. They love pleasure more than they love God, choosing rather to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. How sad it is to look upon the faces of these pleasure seeking revelers on the morning after, when the fun is over! The so called friends have departed, and the filth and confetti in the streets must be cleaned up. Depression in soul and spirit begins to overcome the heart and soul of sinners when they come to the realization that there is only pleasure in sin for a season, but in the end, only sadness and destroyed lives. Yet, more sad is the fact that many so called Christians will be among this flock of revelers, with their horns, and bottles, and banners, and noisemakers, not being distinguishable as Christians from the rest of the ungodly, worldly crowd, forgetting their covenant with God who has sacrificed his son to save them.
       What better thing could there be for the Christian, the redeemed child of God by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, than to begin the new year in fellowship with God's people, in a place of worship, around the Lord's table, remembering the precious blood and sacrifice that was made for them? As Joshua of old has said: "I know not what course others may take, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." To begin the new year we will be thanking God for the past years blessing and provision for us, and looking forward to another year, if God will, to remain in fellowship and communion with him, and be faithful in his service. This kind of new year's celebration far surpasses anything that the ungodly world has to offer with its' noise and tumult, rebellion, and noisemakers. God says: "Be still and know that I am God."
      Begin the new year with respect for God and his word. Be thankful for your salvation. Be ready and willing to serve him wherever he sends and whatever he asks. How about it, brother and sister in Christ, what are you doing tonight? May the Lord be with you during the coming year, and may you abound in his blessing!

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 
                                                                          Psalm  26: 7

New Year's Resolutions

 Thought For Today - December 31
 New Year's Resolutions  -  By; Robert A. Searles
      Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor siteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1: 1,2,3.
       If we truly covert God's blessing on our lives for the coming year, we ought not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. If we would have God's blessing on our lives we must delight ourselves in the law of the Lord and meditate therein day and night. Our new year's resolution ought to be: Beginning new and fresh today to humble ourselves before God our creator and redeemer, accept the cleansing of his blood for forgiveness of our sins, and go forth to let him live his life through us for his glory and honor. Seek and accept his grace and wisdom so that we are able to know the difference between godliness and ungodliness. Study to know the difference between God's ways and man's ways. Shun man's ways, and the world's ways of thinking and doing things, and go God's way. Accept as the only absolute truth the word of God, both the written word and the living Word, and the witness of the Holy Spirit.
      In order to know the truth, one must study diligently the written word of God, and by faith, walk, talk, and fellowship with the living Word, and listen to the still small voice of calm, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. When we delight in the law of God, and meditate in his laws day and night we agree with God in what he says and does through his word. It means that we allow the light of God's truth to shine on us and reveal to us our own short comings, and reveal to us God's glory, judge ourselves accordingly and correct the things that we can correct and improve, but leave to God's grace and mercy the things that only God can change.
      Our desire for the coming new year ought to be that we have our roots so deep in God that no storm of life can tear us from our foundation. Our desire ought to be that our roots are connected to the source of an infinite supply of wisdom, understanding, and peace, and love, and life. If this is so there will be no question of our lifestyle. our eternity, or our prosperity. Our leaf shall prosper, and we will bring forth fruit. We will grow a little taller spiritually. We will be closer to God, and closer to home at the end of this new year if God chooses to preserve us on planet earth for another year.
             Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 
                                                                                 Psalm 26: 7

I Would Rather Be Poor

Thought For Today - December 29 - I Would Rather Be Poor !

Thought For Today December 29

 I would rather be poor

By: Robert A. Searles

 

I would rather be wretchedly poor in the eyes of the world and have Jesus than to be extremely wealthy in the material wealth of the world and not to know him. For to know him, and know him aright, is life abundant and everlasting. As the world awakens this Christmas season, some will awake with great rejoicing in the knowledge and assurance that the promised Messiah and redeemer has been born, and lives in their hearts, and lives on high, and loves and cares for his own .Some have vaguely heard of him, but have never seriously considered why he came to earth as the babe in the manger. Some have been offered the greatest gift of all time, but as far as they are concerned, that gift remains unopened and not received by them, and they are not enjoying the great blessing that was meant for them. Some are so extremely rich in this world's goods that they have need of nothing, so they think, and the material gifts they receive are meaningless to them, and the only joy they know is in the things they can squander on themselves and satisfy the lusts of the flesh. Tomorrow they will have little or nothing in which to rejoice. The beggar on the street, if he has Christ in his heart, is richer by far than the most wealthy king or prince who has no remedy for his sin and guilt, and consequently , no hope of eternity other than to be confined forever to the bottomless pit and torment of hell. There is not enough gold or silver or precious stones or jewelry in the whole universe that could pay the cost of one drop of blood that Christ shed for the lost sinner.

 

 I awoke on Christmas morning with one thought on my mind, and that is: thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift of love. I opened that gift first, and though I am desperately poor by the world's standard, yet I am wealthy because the precious, priceless blood of the Lord Jesus Christ was shed for me, and I have received an inheritance in my Father's house that could not be equaled or compared to anything that the world has to offer. Yes. I count all that the world has to offer as filthy rags in comparison to the unspeakable riches of Christ?

 

 What are you teaching your children.? Christ, while on earth, had no place to lay his head. Are you willing to follow and serve him this Christmas season?

 

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

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Who Is God?

Thought For Today - December 28 - If someone should ask - Who Is God ?

 Thought For Today  - December 29

 If someone should ask -  Who is God?  -  By: Robert A. Searles

        If someone should ask, who is God? "God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spiritand in truth." John 4:24

.      God is an infinite, eternal being. the divine source of all things. He is the creator of the universe and everything in it. In the beginning, (which excludes the beginning of God, for he had no beginning and has no end), God said let there be, and it was so.

      " In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." Genesis 1: 1-5

.      God is a person, and though he is invisible, he is the ultimate personality. God is love, there could be no love for one another upon earth, except that God has extended his attribute of love toward us. God is the supreme intelligence. God knows. There could be no knowledge of anything except that God has imputed that knowledge from himself to mankind. God sees all things, and God hears all things, and God is concerned   and cares for all his creatures.

.      "He who made the eye, can he not see? And he that made the ear, can he not hear?". God sees, God hears, and God knows, there is nothing hid from him. No man can hide from God, whether his deeds be good or evil. God is holy and all righteousness is in him. God hates sin and will eventually judge all sin. God has chosen to reveal himself to mankind in several different ways. He has revealed himself in nature, in his creation.

.      "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. there is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard." Psalm 19:1-3.

      There is no excuse for any intelligent being on earth not to know that God is, and that he is the creator of all things. God has revealed himself to mankind through the Holy Scriptures, The Holy Bible. 

      "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16,17. "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 spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 20,21

      If one would ask, who is God?, Then let him look to the heavens and observe and admire the glories of God's creation in the universe, in the stars and the galaxies. Let him look at the birds, the bees, the flowers, the animal kingdom and see the intelligent design of an intelligent creator. If one would ask: Who is God? Let him search the holy scriptures, the word of God, The bible, for therein God tells us who he is and what he requires of his creation. When God revealed himself to Moses on Mt Sini and gave him the ten commandments, he said to Moses: "I am that I am".

      God requires holiness, "Be ye holy as I am holy." God's requirement for the human race is that they have no other God beside him. "And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

        God has finally revealed himself in the person and incarnation of his only begotten son, The Lord Jesus Christ. No person can know God, nor approach unto God except by and through him. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manner spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." Hebrews 1: 1-4. 

      If one would ask: Who is God? Then let him lift up his eyes, and behold the only begotten son of God, the perfect lamb of God. God who is spirit, took upon himself a human body in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, the Messiah.

      "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 made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men,. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." John 1: 1-5 

.      All men and women, boys and girls, who have ever lived on earth are by nature sinners, having inherited the sin nature from our first parents, Adam and Eve. Because of this fact, the bible tells us that we are born estranged and separated from God, and consequently unless we are able to keep all the laws of God perfectly and attain unto his holiness, we are all condemned to be eternally separated from God and spend eternity in a literal Hell. No man ever lived on earth who could measure up to the holiness of God except the Son of God. Only in him is perfect rightiousnessand holiness. The word of God the bible tells us that God in his love and mercy looked down upon the lost condition of mankind and that: "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.

      Who then is God? God is our creator, our source, our beginning. God is God, the "Iam, that I am". He is the one that loves us with an everlasting love, and is not willing for any of us to perish and be separated from him forever. God never sent anyone to hell and he never will. If we should find ourselves eternally confined to the horrors of hell, it will be our own fault, because two thousand years ago, born in a stable in Bethlehem as prophesied by the prophet Micah, was Christ, the Perfect, sinless lamb of God, who came to take away the sin of the world, God has promised that whosoever will believe in him, and ask him for forgiveness, and receive him into their heart will be forgiven and will be given the gift of everlasting life 

.      The scripture warns us: "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" Hebrews 2: 1-4.

       This then, should answer the question - Who is God? Before it is eternally too late won't you turn to Christ and accept him as your own personal Lord and Savior? 

 

                                     Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

                                                                         Psalm 26:7

Peace on Earth

 Thought For Today - December 27
 Peace on Earth
By: Robert A. Searles

 The message of Christmas is peace on earth, good will toward men. Up until the time that Christ was born, the world was in a state of profound darkness and enmity against God. Because of unbelief and sin, mankind had been expelled from the presence of God, when in Adam and Eve, they were driven from the paradise of Eden. From that time forward to the time of Christ, men knew God only as the higher power, The I am that I am, the tyrant God of the universe whom they thought poured out his wrath upon all those who could not measure up to his demands for holiness. Consequently, mankind was afraid and at war with God. Because men and women, boys and girls, were estranged from God, they became enemies, one with another. Cain slew his brother Abel because Abel’s sacrificial offering was accepted by God and his was not.

 Men began to murder, steal, lie, and commit adultery, and commit all manner of atrocities against one another until the world was so filled with such gross darkness that even when the light of the world was turned on at the appearance of Christ at his first advent, it was necessary for God to send a messenger in the person of John the Baptist to proclaim that the light had been turned on.

 Men have been at war with one another from the beginning of time: man against man, brother against brother, nation against nation, because all men have been at war with God. The world has cried for peace on earth, but there can be no peace on earth among men until men and nations are at peace with God.

 "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." Isaiah 48: 22.

 "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace saith my God to the wicked."

 "We looked for peace, but no good came, and for a time of health, and beheld trouble." Jeremiah 8: 15.

 Men have longed and sought for peace on earth, even as they were waging war against God. But peace on earth will never be a reality until each individual is at peace with God. This is what Christmas is all about. God in his mercy took the initiative to make peace between himself and mankind. The message of peace on earth, good will toward men, was that God in his mercy was willing to take the first step and offer conditions of peace between himself and individual sinners. God the Father offered to pour out all his wrath for the sins of mankind on an individual basis, on his only begotten son, if each individual would receive it as God's unspeakable gift of mercy. 


"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

. Jesus, who is known as the prince of peace, came to earth to make peace between God and individuals, so that individuals, no longer at war with God because their sins are forgiven, and consciences cleansed, could have peace with God and one with another, man with man, and nation with nation

. How about you, my friend, have you accepted God's condition for peace with him.? Is your reclaimed relationship to God, contributing to peace on earth, or are you still making war with God and man?

 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace." Isaiah 9: 6. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. and the angel said unto them, fear not: for behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men." Luke 2: 8-14.

 That is - God's good will toward men that they might be reconciled to him. The only real peace there can be on earth is when mankind has turned to Christ for salvation and made him King of Kings, and Lord of Lords in their individual hearts. Some day when the Lord returns to earth, there will be genuine peace on earth, for in that day -  " But with righteousness shall he judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. and righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on he cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11: 4-9. 

 We pray that all who read these lines will find peace with God, and have the peace of God abiding in your heart. We wish you all a very joyous Christmas, looking forward to that great day when Christ shall reign on earth. 

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 
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Whol Will Sit At Thy Table, Lord?

Thought For Today - December 26
 Who will 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 re warder 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 
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Glory to God in the Highest

 Thought For Today -December 25
 Glory to God in the highest! How great is our God!
By: Robert A. Searles

 
 - - Oh pen! Fly swiftly across this page and proclaim to the world the glories of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born in a manger, in a cattle stall, a long time ago as an obscure peasant child. Wonder of wonders that his birth was announced by a heavenly host of angels, and shepherds were made to fear and gaze in amazement as the announcement was made that this was the promised Messiah, the Christ child whose name would be Jesus, who had come to save his people from their sins

. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2: 8 14.

 The hymn writer has posed the question, "Who is he in yonder stall, at whose feet the shepherds fall?" Then he goes on to answer his own question: "Tis the Lord! oh wondrous story! Tis the Lord the King of glory! At his feet we humbly fall, crown him, crown him Lord of all!" These are the words of the hymn writer, Benjamin R Hanby who lived between 1833-1867.

 Truer words could never be spoken. He is the king of glory. We celebrate today with great joy, the birth of this special child ,"in yonder stall", who though he was the very God of glory, while on earth as a man, he had no place to lay his head. He grew up and became a man, and though he was deity, temporarily laid aside his divinity in order that he might identify with all men in their sufferings and temptation; and take upon himself the sins and condemnation of all men, and die in their place on a cruel Roman cross. Praise God, the cross and the tomb was not the end for Jesus, for when the women came to anoint his body they found the tomb empty because he had risen. 

" The former treatise have I made , O Theophilus,of all that Jesus began to do and teach  until the day in which he was taken up, after that through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." Acts 1:2,3.

 What a great God we have, who loved each of us so much that even while we were yet sinners, he would leave the glories of heaven and condescend to the level of sinful men! Today as we gather with family and friends around our Christmas tree or dinner table and enjoy the gifts, lets just stop and consider what this day is all about. This is the day we celebrate the advent of our Lord, when "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.

 There are not enough words in the English language, or any other language for that matter, to adequately proclaim the majesty and magnificence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you do not personally know this person who was born in the Bethlehem stable so long ago as your Lord and Savior, he is at this moment offering himself to you as your sin sacrifice. He grew up, became a man,( even though he was God), and bled and died and suffered and rose again for your salvation and justification. There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. There is no other means of entrance into heaven except by him. He is the way, the truth and the light. He is the door by which all must enter into heaven and the presence of God the Father. The word of God says that whosoever will may come, and whosoever will come to him he will in no wise cast out. What better time could there be to receive God's unspeakable gift of love, of forgiveness of all sin, past, present, and future, through his son, the Lord Jesus Christ?

 Simply approach him, believing his word with repentant heart, and ask him to forgive your sins and come into your heart and there abide forever, and he will. The shepherds received the glad tidings of Christ's birth with joy and gladness. Why not receive the glad tidings of God's extended grace to you for your salvation with joy and gladness and gratitude on this Christmas day? 

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 
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An Early Diagnosis Could Savef

Thought For Today - December 23
 An early diagnosis could save your life
By Robert A. Searles

 It is a well known fact that leprosy is a lingering disease of the body that causes the body to smell and slowly rot away. Once there was no known cure for this terrible disease, and the victim had to be separated from society, and live a life of exile, and the only thing in his future was death. The disease of leprosy in the body is typical of sin in our lives. If leprosy is allowed to linger in the body, it will spread and spread until the entire body is under its control, and the body will have a terrible stench and eventually rot away and be destroyed. Likewise, if one little bit of sin is allowed to remain in our lives unrecognized and not  confessed, it will fester and spread and cause us to backslide and hide away from God. Then our lives will began to rot away and be destroyed. The leper that came to worship Jesus said to him, "if thou wilt thou canst make me clean." And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him saying, "I will; be thou clean. and immediately his leprosy was cleansed." First of all this man had examined himself and discovered that he had leprosy. He sought out the great physician, namely, Jesus. He recognized that Jesus was able to help him if he was willing. Jesus answered him that it was his will for him to be made clean from leprosy and he healed him.

 Living in this sinful world, we are constantly exposed to the disease of sin. Even as Christians it is not beyond the realm of possibility that sin can hibernate and fester in our lives We have the responsibility as Christians to constantly and continually examine our lives in the light of God's word and prayer daily. If we will judge ourselves we will not be judged. If, in the light of God's word and prayer daily, we find sin festering in our lives like leprosy, we need to seek out someone who can help us - namely, the Lord Jesus Christ The word of God, the bible tells us that : "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father." "If we confess our sins, he is just and faithful to forgive us our sins, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness.” The Lord Jesus Christ is always willing that we be made clean and kept clean from sin. It is important that we recognize sin in our lives in the very early stages of its development before it gets a big foothold. 

An early diagnosis could save our eternal life. The only way we can recognize sin early is to keep ourselves separate and unspoted from the world, and keep our selves constantly in fellowship with the Lord and walk and live by the light of his word. 

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
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Your Invitation to Attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb

  Thought For Today - December 22
  Your Invitation to attend the marriage super of the Lamb  -  By: Robert A. Searles
     You are cordially invited to attend the banquet of the King, and master of the universe, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, to be held in heaven at a time and date known only to God the Father.
      This banquet known as the marriage supper of the Lamb will take place at such time as there will be much suffering and tribulation on planet earth, but those who have responded and accepted the King's invitation to come and dine will have  been transported to the marriage supper of the Lamb of God, away from planet earth, by the King himself, just prior to the beginning of earth's troubles. There will be a time of great rejoicing and feasting, and reunion with loved ones, and best of all, you will be eligible to enjoy the splendor and beauty of God's paradise forever where there is perfect peace and justice - where there is no sickness, no death, no parting. 
    You must respond quickly, ASAP, to insure your reservation because time is short and limited. Today is the accepted time. Tomorrow may be too late. If any man, woman, boy or girl, will hear his voice and accept his invitation there will be a place reserved for them at the Lord's table. This invitation is extended to all races, all clans, all creeds, and all religions; however, this invitation is not extended to good, self righteous, perfect people, who are trusting in their riches, or good deeds, or accomplishment, unless they are willing to acknowledge that they are sinners, imperfect before God, and need a Savior. Such a person will come to God, believing that he is, and believing the bible to be the word of God, he will confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only Lord and Savior, and the perfect sacrifice offered unto God for the forgiveness of sins.
      It is required that you wear a wedding garment when you enter the banquet hall, but this garment which is the righteousness of Christ, is fitted for you and provided for you when you accept by faith his invitation to be saved, and born again as a child of God, and are looking forward to attending this great feast of the Lord.
      The cost of the banquet is extremely high and beyond the means of every mortal being, but it has been paid for in full by the King himself, the Lord Jesus Christ with his own blood. You can confirm your reservation today to attend the marriage supper of the Lamb, and for an eternal mansion in our Father's house by bowing before the Lord and confess that you are undone in yourself, that you are a sinner and need to be saved, and ask him to enter your heart and save you. If you will do this today, your reservation will be guaranteed and confirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
       I look forward to meeting with you in that celestial city, and together with our Lord, walking the streets of Gold, passing through the gates of pearl, and gazing at the walls of Jasper. Until that day arrives, I wish you the best of joy, and peace, and abundant living in your life here on earth until our Lord returns to carry us away to begin the festivities at his banqueting table on high.
      Signed: Only a sinner, saved by grace. Your ambassador for Christ! 
 

                                                  Telehelp Publications Christian Literature 

                                                                        --- Psalm 26:7---

Rest in the Lord

Thought For Today - December 21
 Rest in the Lord.  -  By: Robert A. Searles
      "Take heed, brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. "Hebrews 3: 12, 13.
      Unbelief is evil. It is not of God. When we believe not the word of God it is equivalent to departing from the living God. God has said, "lo I am with you always. I will never leave you nor forsake you." If we refuse this promise, it is the same as turning our back on God. We need to encourage one another daily to believe God. It is so easy, when we are alone in the world to be deceived by Satan to believe his lies rather than the truth of God. Therefore, we need to exhort one another daily lest we be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. If we would only learn to believe and trust God in reality and not just in theory, we would truly experience the peace of God which passes all human understanding. We are made to be partakers of Christ. God wants us to be overwhelmed with peace and joy, but we deprive ourselves, and cheat ourselves when we refuse to believe. To enter into the rest of God for everything from salvation, to our daily needs, is a tranquil harbor in which to winter; but most of us are tossed to and fro on the stormy seas of life because we do not enter into his rest because of unbelief.
       "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, as I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the  foundation of the world." Hebrews 4:1,2,3.
      Rest in the Lord. Trust the everlasting arms of God to hold you up, for underneath are the everlasting arms. Believe the word of God, first of all for salvation, then for all the other things that are needful and desirable. As God has promised to give us freely all things that we have need of: - grace for living; grace for dying; food for the body, as well as food for the soul. He gave us a house (our body) to live in here on earth, and a mansion in which to dwell in heaven. He came to earth that we might enjoy a more abundant life here on earth, and eternal, everlasting life in the world to come. Will not he who first of all gave us his only begotten son to die for us, give us through him all things that are good and wonderful? We have all these precious promises of God given to us, but unless we mix these words with faith to believe, they profit us nothing. Be a believer. Believe not every doctrine that comes along, but believe the word of God, for the word of God has been tried and tested throughout the ages. It has been tried in the fire of controversy and has come forth as pure gold. By mixing the word of God with faith, the word becomes profitable to us, and by faith and believing we enter into God's eternal life and enjoy the wonderful bliss that no other creature can know,- that of complete confidence and rest in the knowledge of the love of God for us. 

            Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

Have You Heard From God This Morning?

-Thought For Today - December 20 
 Have you heard from God this morning? 
By: Roert A. Searles

- - Have you heard from God this morning? Every day we go to the mail box and receive letters and information from our loved ones who are separated from us by time and distance. We rejoice greatly when we have heard from them. How about the lover of our souls? Have we heard from him this morning? If we do not hear from God every new day then we are indeed in trouble. We become dry and barren and unfruitful spiritually. We were so made and designed by God to be as Jesus said, Like branches from a tree that draw their life and sustenance from the vine and its roots. If we have not heard from God today, is it because God has not spoken? No, God has spoken but we have not listened. "And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not...." Jeremiah 7: 13.

 God was up before we were this morning, rising up early and speaking. If we, have not heard from him it is because we are deaf to his voice. God speaks in a still small voice of calm; in the stillness of the night; and the quietness of the morning. "Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10. Psalm 23: 2 says: "He leadeth me beside the still waters." Sheep will not drink where the waters are turbulent. They must drink from still waters. The good shepherd leads his sheep to still waters. The great shepherd of our soul leads us to still waters where he can speak to us and allow us to draw our sustenance from him. If we have not heard from God this morning, perhaps it is because we have not followed our shepherd to a place of still waters where we can hear his still small voice of calm.

 "There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God." Stop whatever you are doing, sit down or lie down. Believe that: " God is, and that he is the rewarder of all them who diligently seek him." Believe that -"God is spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" "Enter his courts with praise and thanksgiving." Come into his courts in the name of his son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Put everything out of your mind except God and the glories of his son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Be quiet before him, recall the promises of his word. God is speaking to you from his written word in the still small voice of calm by the Holy Spirit. Be quiet and listen, you will hear from God and be blessed. 

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 
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Drink From the Well of Salvation

Thought for Today - January 5, 2023
Drink From the Well of Salvation
By: Robert A. Searles

 Come, Drink at the well of Salvation! At the very beginning of our Lord's ministry on earth, John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and cried out, "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." John 1: 29.

 "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" Isaiah 53: 6

 We are invited to come to the well of salvation to wash and be made clean, and to drink of the water of life freely. By the grace of God we can all come to the well of salvation and dip our cup. 

"Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." Isaiah 12; 3.

 When the cup is drawn up, it is filled to over flowing.

 "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Psalm23:5

Anyone can dip his cup in the well of salvation free of charge, its on the house, God's house. 

"And he said unto me, it is done, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." Revelation 21:6. 

"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." Revelation 22: 17. 

We can dip our cup freely and enjoy the benefits of salvation. Access to the well of salvation is expensive, but the admission price has been paid for all of us who have, and those who will receive it. Consider the price of admission to the well of salvation, but also consider the gift that is yours by God's grace to draw water from the well of salvation.

 "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Free to all who will ask, free to all who will take. Free to use but not abuse. Free to have and enjoy, but not to hoard and keep from others. It is our responsibility to advertise the gift, but make known the cost. It cost God our Father his only begotten son, and it cost the son, our savior his life.

 "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

 "Freely ye have received, freely give." 

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 
 

                                   Psalm 26: 7

Eat Your Words

Thought For Today - December 16
Eat Your Words  -  By: Robert A. Searles
      Would you like to eat your words? Are the words and statements which come from our mouths food for thought, and edifying to ourselves and others, or are they poisonous and destructive of ourselves and others? Do the words that proceed from our mouths add health and vitality and strength for those who receive them?
      The words that come from our mouths are only the aroma , as it were, of the smell of that which actually dwells within us. If in our heart there is produced the fruits of the Spirit of God by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, then our words which proceed from our mouths will be a sweet savor, or a sweet smell to the Lord. They will be uplifting to ourselves, positive in nature, and glorifying and pleasing to God. Our conversation, and our words paint a picture of that which we actually are on the inside. The words and statements which come from our mouths, not only feed ourselves, but others around us as well.
      We are and become that which we say we are. We believe that which we say we believe. We can do that which we say we can do. We have that which we say we have. Our statements and words determine our success or failure in life. Our words feed us.
      "A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18: 20,21. "Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?" Job 12: 11. "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Matthew 12: 36,37.
      Let us pray that the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be acceptable to God our Father who hears every word and knows every thought.

                               Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

Christ the King

Thought for Today - December 15
Christ The King
By: Robert A. Searles

"Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee forever." Psalm 45: 2

Christ the King is fairer than all  other men. God's anointing is on  him, and he is blessed forever.  He has poured out his grace upon us who have been redeemed by his blood, and we are forever blessed.

His throne is forever. One day he will reign and subdue all nations and people under him, and we who are his redeemed will have the privilege of reigning with him.  Let us worship him who is the fairest of all men, he who loves righteousness and hates wickedness, he whom God has exalted above all kings and potentates.

Let us, today, rejoice to be identified with him here on earth before our fellowmen, and expect to be one day adorned with his garments of perfect righteousness in the Ivory Palaces of heaven.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
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The Reproof of Life

Thought For Today - December 14
The Reproof of Life
By: Robert A.Searles

"The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise." Proverbs 15: 31.
Reproof is rebuke, censure, or blame directed at a person to chasten him. Reproof may be mild and friendly, rebuke is sharper, censure is more severe. Reprimand is formal reproof, as for carelessness or poor judgment. Reproach expresses personal hurt or displeasure.

God could have made us and put us directly into heaven if he had wanted to, but he didn't. Instead, God created us and placed us on planet earth to receive a course of instruction that would enable us to live successfully in Heaven.

Life on earth is our schoolmaster that shows us the contrast between godliness and ungodliness; righteousness and sin; heaven and hell; truth and falsehood. God has given us a choice of roads to walk - - the broad way that leads to destruction - or the narrow way that leads to life. Life on earth teaches us of the grace and mercy of a loving heavenly Father, and teaches us of the all sufficient grace of God. Life on earth teaches us of the penalties of sin and the rewards of righteousness.

Like any student in any school, we make many mistakes, but one purpose of a school is to teach us how to correct our mistakes and not to repeat them. Life reproves us when we disregard the physical laws of nature. We reap the results, for example: if we disregard the laws of nature which govern our health, we get sick and this ought to be a reproof or a lesson to us. We ought not to have to repeat that same mistake again. Likewise, when we disregard the spiritual laws of life we reap the results, for example: God is teaching us that he is the source of our entire being, and when we neglect to come to him as our source and pray and study his word, we grow weak in faith and power with God, and we lack wisdom for our lives, and we forfeit the peace and joy that could be ours.

We ought to profit from our experiences in life. All through our lives, time after time, God has brought us through perilous times and tribulations, but we have always been over comers through him who loved us. We ought to learn that God will not allow his own children to suffer want or go unattended.
God says that if we will learn these lessons from life, he counts us among the wise.

"The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility." Proverbs 15:31,32,33.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
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No Light in the Window

Thought For Today - December 8
No Light in the window - Reflections of a Visit to my homestead  as a child, now forsaken and forlorn
By: Robert A. Searles
      There is no one at home tonight at the old home place. No light in the window, no fire in the hearth, no friendly voices of welcome as in days gone by. Once there was a mother's prayer, a father's strong arm and the light of love and faith, and the aroma of life, where now only barren and void stands the old homestead,  beat upon by the rain of summer, the winds and storms of winter, and torn by the lashing torrent of the passing of time.
      Abandoned and alone it stands like the cast off shell of something that once was alive, slowly moldering, and decaying, and returning unto the dust, like the shells of those whose voices once caused its' rooms to vibrate and resound with laughter. Where are the former tenants of so forlorn a place? Is there no one to light a fire in the hearth? Is there no one to put a light in the window? Is there no one who cares that I have come home from the wars: - the battle of good and evil; of right and wrong; of righteousness and unrighteousness? Is there no one to welcome me and succor me? No! time was, time has been, time is gone, time waits for no man. One by one I have watched them go down the valley to meet the lover of their souls. It is said that life is forever, and there is no end of love. Ah! what blessed truth! Our Lord and Savior said: "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me , though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." John 11: 25,26.
      They believed and they trusted, and so they occupy stately mansions in a far off country. Jesus said: "In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you." John 14: 2
      I shall turn and go forever from the old home place which is abandoned and alone, and torn by the passing of time. Return to your dust from whence you came. Never again will a light shine from your windows to light my pathway. Never again will a fire burn in your hearth to warm my soul, never again will I hear on earth those voices so dear to me. Fall into your dust ye abandoned and desolate relic of time and space, for these mortals have put on immortality."O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Corinthians 15: 55. Know ye not that on the resurrection morning the trumpet of God shall sound and the dead in Christ shall arise?
      In that far off country, in my Father's house there is a light shinning to guide me home. There is an none extinguishable fire of God's love and mercy burning on the hearth. There are those who are waiting to welcome me home from the wars: the battles of good and evil; right and wrong; righteousness and unrighteousness. When my life's work is over, when I have fought a good fight, when I have run the race, then I too shall make my way down the valley to meet the lover of my soul. I shall walk up the lane to my Father's house and receive the welcome of my Lord. Then, I hope to see the ones I cannot see tonight.
      Father, if you see mother first, tell her that her prayers were not in vain. Tell her that I love her and I will be coming home from the wars one day soon. Mother, if you see dad first, tell him that his labors were not in vain. Jesus, tell those I love that I love you, because you first loved me and gave yourself for me. Tell them that I want to work for you and serve you a while longer here on earth so that I might tell the good news of your amazing grace to save the lost, and bear fruit to your glory, but some day we will meet at the marriage supper of the Lamb and renew old acquaintances and rejoice forever in the presence of our Savior in the eternal mansions on high.
      Dedicated to the memory of my father and mother,Arthur and Annie Searles, at home with the Lord.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministy 

Thirsty for God

Thought for Today - December 12
Thirsty for God
By: Robert A. Searles

Thirsty for God?  In this dry desert place of worldliness and sin in which we find ourselves - dry and parched by the heat of wickedness and corrupion all around us - we sometimes wonder if we will make it through another day.  We long and wait for that refreshing stream of the waters of God's love and mercy.

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee O God.  My soul thirsteth for God , for the living God, when shall I come and appear before God?" Psalm 42: 1, 2.

Satan lies to us, and tries to make us believe that God has forsaken us.  We go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy. When we truly seek after God and trust him, he fills our cup to overflowing with the living water of his love,  mercy, and salvation.  We must ask ourselves - Why should we be cast down and disquieted within our souls when we can look beyond ourselves, and discover the oasis in the middle of the desert, and drink from the fountain of God's love, mercy, and salvation, which shall never run dry, and praise him who is our God forever?

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
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How Long Wilt Thou Forget Me, O Lord?

Thought For Today - December 11
How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord

By: Robert A. Searles

"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy, my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13.

There are times in all our lives when it seems that the Lord has forgotten us and hidden his face from us, and abandoned us to the mercies of the world, the flesh, and the devil. This was true in David's life, a man who was a chosen vessel unto God, and a man after God's own heart, and it is true also in our lives as well.

When we are left without the fellowship and nearness of the Lord we are prone to sorrow, despair, depression, and it seems that the world, the flesh, and the devil presses in upon us. It seems that our enemy, the devil is exalted over us.Sometimes our eyes are blinded to the presence of God by some sin in our lives, or the failure on our part to carry out a vow or a promise that we have made to him. Sometimes it is because we have not read God's messages to us from his word, or have not been in proper communication with him through prayer, and have not been listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts. Sometimes, I believe God is testing us to see if we really believe in him and trust him in times when he obscures himself from us for a little while.

God always honors our faith in his word when we have nothing else but the word of his promise, and we just simply believe for no other reason than just because it is written in God's word. God sees our faith and counts it as righteousness.Though David felt far from God, though he felt that God was hiding his face from him and abandoning him, yet he knew and believed the promises of God's word that his mercy endureth forever, and that he would never leave nor forsake him. So, David kept pounding on God's door, as it were, even though it seemed that God was not at home for a little while.

Even before the joy of David's salvation was returned to him, even before his fellowship with God was restored, David believed and trusted in the mercy of God, and he knew that his heart would once again rejoice in the salvation of the Lord. He said: "I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me."

When we feel that God has forgotten us, and that he is hiding his face from us, and has abandoned us; when we sense that our enemy, the devil is exalted over us; lets remember the written promises of the word of God that his mercy endureth forever, and that he will never leave us nor forsake us. Lets examine ourselves to see if there be any sin in our lives that needs to be confessed. Lets read God's messages to us through his word over and over to see if we have missed any important information from God. Lets stay in constant communication with God through prayer, and lets be constantly on the alert to hear God speak to our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Then, at times when it seems that God is not at home., lets keep pounding on God's door anyway, and even before our fellowship and joy is restored, lets trust in the mercy of God and rejoice in our renewed fellowship with God, even before we have it This is faith. God honors faith and counts our faith as righteousness. Lets lift up our hearts and sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with us no matter how we might feel at the moment.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

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Oh! To Be Forgiven

Thought for Today - December 9
Oh!To Be Forgiven
By: Robert A. Searles

Have you ever had someone come to you and ask you to forgive them for something that they had done to you? Have you ever gone to someone else and asked them to forgive you for something that you have done to them? What does it mean to forgive? What is forgiveness? The dictionary says that the word forgive means to grant pardon for, or remission of something; cease to demand the penalty for; To cease to blame or feel resentment against. Forgiveness is the act of forgiving or being forgiven.

The Lord Jesus Christ, when he was on earth, taught the importance of forgiveness; of forgiving others, and in being forgiven by God and others.

I believe that the definition that Jesus had for forgiveness goes much deeper and beyond what the dictionary says it means to forgive. I believe that to forgive the way Jesus taught involved love, God's kind of love. God's kind of love is to be more concerned about the welfare and comfort of others than of ourselves. Jesus was more concerned about the welfare and comfort of the human race than he was of himself. He proved this when he left the glory and comfort of heaven to come to earth to suffer and die for people - sinners like you and me.

"God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have ever lasting life." John 3:16

Jesus taught that all people are sinners and they need to be forgiven by God. They need to be forgiven by each other, and they need to forgive others. When we know that we have sinned against God, or when we know that we have wronged someone else, we have to carry around in our hearts a heavy load of guilt. To have a load of guilt in our hearts to carry with us wherever we go is a terrible thing. It is like trying to climb a mountain, or trying to swim with a heavy sack of bricks on our back. It tends to drag us down. It clouds our minds so that we can not think clearly. It sometimes keeps us awake at night,. It will destroy our mind and our body, and our health, and can cause an early death. It separates us from God.

God loved us so much with his kind of love that he did not want us to be miserable and loaded down with a load of sin and guilt and be destroyed and be separated from him. God wants us to admit to ourselves and to him that we are sinners and need to be forgiven for sinning against him.

To come to God and ask forgiveness of sins involves faith. God honors our faith. "And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no not so much as about the door; and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, son, thy sins be forgiven thee." Mark 2: 2.-5

When Jesus saw that these people had enough faith in his power to heal that they would go so far as to put a hole in the roof to get in where he was, he honored their faith and forgave the man's sins and healed him.

God is all powerful. He is omnipotent. God is all knowledge - all wisdom-all intelligence- all power. God is the source and beginning of all things. All authority is in his hands. He is every where at all times. He created all things, and all things are held together by him. Only God has the power and authority to forgive sins. "But there were certain of the scribes sitting there and reasoning in their heart, why doth this man speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?" Mark 2: 6,7 We know that Jesus has the power and authority to forgive sins because he is God.

"But that ye might know that the son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins (he saith unto the sick of the palsy) I say unto thee, arise and take up thy bed , and go thy way into thine house." Mark 2: 10,11.

God's word tells us that if we will come to God by faith believing him , and ask him to forgive us of our sins, he will do just that. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1: 8,9.

When God forgives us of our sins, he not only forgives, but he also forgets. He remembers our sin no more. He removes our sin as far as the east is from the west. God loves us so much that he does not want us to carry the burden and the load of our guilt because he knows that it would destroy us. So when we confess and repent of our sins, he takes the burden off our shoulders and he himself pays the penalty of our sins. He who is not to blame for anything, and he who is sinless and has no sin, takes all the blame for our sins and suffered the punishment that we ought to bear. He is willing to do this because he loves us. We ought to be very grateful and receive his forgiveness with thanksgiving and gratitude, and give ourselves right back to him for his service.

"Surely he hath borne our grief's, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53: 4-6.

Has someone done something to hurt you recently? Has that person come to you and asked you to forgive them? Are you willing to forgive and to forget., and to try not to remember the bad things that were done to you? Do you love that person the way that God loved each of us, and even if you are not to blame for the wrong that was done, are you willing to take all the blame and pay the penalty, and let the one who did you the wrong go free from the burden of his guilt which otherwise might destroy him if he has to carry it in his heart and in his mind?

God's word teaches us that if we expect God to forgive us and take the blame for our sins, that we have to be willing to forgive others and take the blame for their sins and bear their burdens. The Lord's prayer says: "Forgive us our debts as we forgive those who trespass against us".

Have you ever borne anyone else's grief? Have you carried their burdens? Have you ever been wounded for someone else's transgressions? Have you ever been bruised for another's iniquities? God's word says that if we will forgive others, he will forgive us. This is what forgiveness means: to pay the cost , take the blame, bear the shame and embarrassment.

Unless we ask for and receive God's forgiveness, we can never enter heaven. Unless we forgive others we will not be forgiven.

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive your trespasses, but if ye do not forgive neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." Mark 11:25, 26

"Judge not and ye shall not be judged: condemn not and ye shall not be condemned; forgive and ye shall be forgiven." Luke 6: 37

Only God can forgive sins against him. Only the children of God can truly know what it means to forgive and be forgiven . If you find it difficult to forgive someone who has asked your forgiveness, perhaps it is because you are not really a child of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps you need to be born again. Perhaps you need to go to God and confess your sins and seek his salvation and forgiveness. If you know that there is something in your life that you ought to ask God to forgive, find a solitary place where you can get alone with God. Believe that he hears you and is more than willing to forgive all manner of sins, Tell him that you believe that Jesus is the Christ sent from God, that he came to pay for our sins with his own blood on the cross, that he died , was buried, and rose again; that he is alive and will come live in our hearts if we will invite him.
If you just can't seem to forgive and forget the wrong that someone has done to you even though they have asked your forgiveness, pray and ask the Lord to give you the grace to forgive and forget.
When you have truly forgiven others, your own burdens will be lifted. You will not be full of bad attitudes, and resentments. You will not be trying to get even. There will be no bitterness in your heart. When your own heart is cleansed of all these things, then you will experience the true peace of God. Forgiveness brings peace of mind to the forgiver as well as to the forgiven.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature ministry 
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Take Care of God's Business

Thought For Today - December 7 - Take Care Of God's Business, and he will take care of ours!

Thought For Today December 7
Take care of God's business and he will take care of ours.
By: Robert  A. Searles


If we will take care of God's business, he will take care of ours. Jesus said: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6: 33.

We who are Christians ought to be so wrapped up in the things of God , and be so busy in our ministry for him that we have no time to be anxious for our food, or clothing, or any of our needs. As Christians we ought to be living in complete reverse to the way that most people in the world live. Most people spend about ninety nine percent of their time seeking for food, clothing, and shelter, and things that they think will make them happy and comfortable, and if they have about one percent of their time left, they offer it to God.

This is why there is so much unhappiness and discontent in the world. God's plan for our lives is for us to spend one hundred percent of our time in loving and serving him, and being so wrapped up in heavenly and godly things that we have very little time to think about our food, clothing and shelter, and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that this is one of the most difficult passages of scripture to believe and obey, and yet it is the secret and key to successful living and power with God.

Someone related to me some time ago, whether or not it is true I do not know, that when Thomas Edison was working on some of his great inventions, he would work in a room without windows and without clocks, and he would be so engrossed in his work that he would lose all consciousness of time and forget to eat and sleep for days. It was said that when he got married, on his wedding day they were missing him during his wedding reception, and finally they found him locked in his work shop working on one of his great inventions. As I said earlier, I do not know if this story is true, but if it is, it is a good illustration as to how we Christians ought to be engrossed in the business of the Lord.

God wants us to seek him first and put him first to the point that we are so engrossed in him and the work he has given us to do that we actually forget about all our needs and lose consciousness of our selves.

When a person becomes a child of God he is baptized with the Holy Spirit and he becomes a member of the body of Christ, and God gives him a special gift to be used in his service to enhance his kingdom. It is our responsibility to find out what that special gift is and develop it and use it, and become engrossed in it for the furtherance of the kingdom of Christ.

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching, or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12: 6-8.

Whatever we do we should do it with all our might and to the glory of God. When we are so busy doing God's work that we forget about the food we need, and the clothes we need, and the comforts that we think we need and would like , then we are really believing and trusting God's word and relying on him that our " heavenly Father knoweth that we have need of all these things". God honors our faith and all our needs will be automatically met without us having to spend too much time worrying about them, when we could be spending this time serving God. If we will diligently take care of God's business, then you can be sure he will take good care of ours.