The Reproof of Life

Thought for Today - April 29
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
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     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 teaches 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 which 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 reward 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 for 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 overcomers 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.

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Greatly to be Praised

Thought for Today - April 28
Greatly To Be Praised
By: Robert A. Searles

     Our God is a great God and greatly to be praised.  Sometimes we do not give God enough praise for who he is, and what he is.  We do not really worship God enough.  We ought to spend more time in prayer and meditation, not necessarily asking God for things, although he has told us to ask and we will receive, but because he has already given us salvation and eternal life, and given us an inheritance in his kingdom.  He supplies our daily needs and gives us sufficient grace to meet every emergency. 

We ought to spend much time in prayer, just loving God, telling him that we love him and thank him for his great love for us.  We can see God's love for us all around us in the things which he has made and given to us for our comfort and  enjoyment.  Even among people who cannot read or write, or who have never heard the word of God, they can look around them and experience the love of God.

     It is very presumptuous for us to enjoy all the benefits and joys and pleasures that God has given us without praising him for them.  Did you ever think of how presumptuous it is for us to sink our teeth   into a beautiful apple that God has made and given to us for our welfare and use, and just take this for granted without any thought of God?  Did you ever stop to think how many of God's creatures have been destroyed and have had to die to support our life here on earth?

     Psalm 19 verse 12 says:  “Who can understand his errors?  Cleanse thou me from secret faults.”  We begin to have secret faults when our minds wander away from God to things of ourselves and things of the world.  We cannot sin while our minds are stayed on Jesus.  It is when our minds are  not focused on Jesus that we are drawn away into temptation and sin.  No matter what we are doing, or  where we are, Jesus can always be found stranding in the shadow of our thoughts and mind if we choose to have him there.  He has promised to keep us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on him.

     Psalm 19 verse 14 tells us:  “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight,  O Lord my strength, and my redeemer.”  If our heart is constantly and continually meditating on the Lord Jesus Christ twenty four hours a day, every day, seven days a week, and if we are in a continual attitude of prayer and praise, and if our love is constantly and continually flowing out to him, and his love is flowing back to us and being received by us, then the meditation of our heart will be right, and as a result the words of our mouth will be right and acceptable to him, because out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

     Jesus said:  “That men ought always to pray and not to faint".  “Take note of the word “always” “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with  all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6: 18. “Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5: 17. God is greatly to be praised!

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.bibles-books-gifts.com
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

Rest in the Lord

Thought for Today - April 27
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 foundations 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
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How Long Wilt Thou Forget Me, O Lord?

Thought for Today - April 26
How Long Wilt Thou Forget Me, O Lord?
By: Robert A. Searles

      “How long wilt thou forget me,  O Lord?  Forever?  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 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, and 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 message 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 not 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
www.bibles-books-gifts.com
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

Study to Show Thyself Approved

Thought for Today - November 15
Study To Show Thyself Approved
By: Robert A. Searles

     “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2: 15.

     This is one area where many of us who are Christians are disobedient, and of course, all disobedience is sin.  The bible commands the believer to search and study the scriptures daily to see if the things we hear are really true lest we be led astray and deceived by false doctrine.  God has given us the written word to be a compass for our lives, to lead us through uncharted seas.

  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a guide unto my path.” Psalm 119: 105.

     Many times we wander out of the will of God because we do not meditate on the Word of God to know what his will is  for us.  If we search the scriptures, we shall find, if we knock, it shall be opened unto us, if we ask in faith, we shall receive
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  “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

     If any of us have been negligent in this area of our lives and are not actively engaged in the study of the scriptures, we ought to confess this to God that we might be forgiven of this sin and get back into the perfect will of God as he instructs us from his word.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
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Go About Doing Good

Thought for Today - April 20
Go About Doing Good  -  By: Robert A. Searles
     As Christ our Lord went about doing good, we Christians ought  to be continuing the work and ministry of our Lord by going about doing good.  Christ was in the world offering salvation to all who would believe and receive him.  He gave rest to the weary and comforted the lonely; he healed the sick and raised the dead, and brought new hope to the hopeless.  We ought to continue doing all that God will give us the power to do so that Christ's work and ministry might continue through us.  God may not give us the power to heal the sick or raise the dead (he could if it was his purpose), but he has commissioned us to offer salvation to the lost through his name and to bear each other's  burdens, and to share each other's sorrows and joys, and to make life easier for those around us.  We ought to be so secure in our own salvation and the love of God that we can forget ourselves and concentrate on the needs of others.
     “With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not o men; knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6: 7, 8
.  God will be no man's debtor, we cannot out give or out serve the Lord. When we go about doing good in the service of the Lord, we will find ourselves in a  combat zone with all the forces of the devil against us.  We must put on the armor and use all the defenses that God has provided for us.
     “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the  wiles of the  devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore  take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the  evil  day, and having done all to stand.” Ephesians 6: 10-13
Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

May God Be Pleased

Thought For Today - April 22
May God Be Pleased
By: Robert A. Searles

     Oh! That we might live in such a way that God would be pleased with us!  If God could say of us: “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” as he said of Jesus our Lord.  How wonderful it would be, if everywhere we went and in everything we do, we could glorify God, how wonderful it would be!  God is so good to us and his loving kindness and tender mercies are so great toward us

    “ Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the most high: and call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” Psalm 50: 14, 15.  “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his  conversation aright will I shew the  salvation of God” Psalm 50: 23.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.bibles-books-gifts.com
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Danger Signals

Thought for Today - April 21
Danger Signals
By: Robert A. Searles

     The human body is equipped with danger signals which serve to alert the senses when it is in trouble or in danger.  For example – If we have an infection or a disease in our bodies that could cause us to  be in danger, the nervous system sends signals to the brain, in the form of pain or discomfort, to warn us  that all is not right within.  When all is safe and secure within our bodies, as a rule, we are without pain or discomfort, and we are at peace within our bodies.

     Likewise, our soul has danger signals which alert our senses to the fact when all is not well and healthy with our soul.  What are some of the symptoms of an unhealthy soul and spirit? The answer – Lack of peace, uneasiness, frustration, uneasy or uncomfortable when in the presence of sincere, enthusiastic servantsof God; uncomfortable when in the presence of those who are praising God, or testifying or praying.  If we  would prefer to think of more practical things, rather than to think of the spiritual; if we cannot  get interested in the things of the Lord; if we  get bored easily when spiritual matters are discussed; and if the talk of heaven seems morbid; and the fear of bad health or death is always present, then it is time, if  we profess to be Christians, to check up on the well being of our soul.  When we are afraid to pray or talk to God for fear of his condemnation, or afraid to speak the name of the lord Jesus Christ publicly, these  and many others are the danger signals of an unhealthy soul.  When we have any or all these symptoms we ought  to hasten to the great physician and lover of our souls, the Lord Jesus Christ, and seek healing, pardon and forgiveness, so that we might be found prospering and in good health.

     Generally speaking, the characteristics of a healthy soul is to be always rejoicing in the Lord, offering continuous praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. A healthy soul is afraid of nothing, and is careful for nothing, but is trusting the Lord for all things.  The healthy soul is filled with the peace of God which passes all understanding.  Thoughts of heaven are a delight, and death is thought of as another stage of life.  If we  posses a healthy soul we can sing with the songwriter -  “It is well with my soul”, and we will love  to be with God's people.  We will love to talk to  God in prayer.  We will love to praise God. We will not be afraid of God's judgment because we know that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all guilt.  A healthy soul has an appetite for the things of God, we will like to eat the meat of the Word and feed upon the heavenly manna of God.

     “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again  I say rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men, the Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”
Philippians 4: 4-7.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.bibles-books-gifts.com
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Above Every Name

Thought for Today - April 15
Above Every Name  -  By: Robert A. Searles
     Who is the person that is most talked about in the world today?  Everywhere you go, you cannot escape it, where ever you go today you will hear everyone from all walks of life talking about this person, yet they speak of him in blasphemous, and dishonoring terms, and use his name in vain, and drag his name through the mud, and trample his love gift under foot.  This person is the Lord Jesus Christ.
     Yet, we Christians, who claim to be the born again, the  re-created children of God, shy away from talking directly about the Lord Jesus Christ.  In our daily conversation with other Christians, and the outside world, how often are we actually talking about the Lord Jesus Christ, and sharing with our friends how wonderful he is?  We talk about our church, and our pastors.  We talk about our Sunday school class.  We talk about all kinds of activities, and programs and service, but it seems to me that the person of the Lord Jesus Christ himself is terribly neglected.
     Jesus never intended for us to separate the sacred from the secular.  He wants to be involved in everything we do.  Sometimes we tend to put the Lord Jesus Christ in a glass case and put him on the shelf and talk about things that pertain to him, but this is not his proper place.  He does not want to be an object of conversation only, he wants to be involved in it.
    When we are sitting in our living rooms the name of the Lord Jesus Christ should be as common in our conversation as anyone else there.  He wants to be part of our family group,  He wants to be our guest for dinner every day.   Oh! How we ought to really love the Lord Jesus Christ after all he has done for us!  We ought to praise his name and exalt him in all our doings.
 Even when we are eating an apple we can love Jesus because he made all things and sustains all things and freely gives us all things to enjoy.
     So often the church, the activities, and the service programs in which we are involved take the place of our actual, personal relationship with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.  All these programs are good and should not be neglected, but these should come about and be  the result of our deep love and gratitude, and personal relationship with the Lord, not as a substitute for it.    What a wonderful person the Lord Jesus Christ is! How he loves us and how we ought to love him in return!  “For God so loved the world that he gave  his only begotten son that whosoever  believeth on him should not perish but have everlalsting life.” John 3: 16. 
God did not send the church to die for us. He did not send angels, he did not send pastors, he did not send activities and he did not ordain services to be the propitiations for our sins.  No, he sent the person of the Lord Jesus Christ to die for us and to be raised again for our justification.  He alone is worthy of our praise and worship.  He alone is the object of our love.  He ought to be the center of our life and conversation.
       Dont't just say – I am happy, but rather say  - The Lord Jesus Christ  makes me happy.”  Don't just say: “this is a good day”, but rather say:  “The Lord has given us another beautiful day”.  Don't say: “I have a new dress, or a new car, or a beautiful house, or things”, but rather  say: “The Lord has showered me with all these blessings to enjoy.” Don't avoid calling him by name by just saying in a vague way, “Lord, “ “The Lord, “ or “God,” or “the man upstairs,”or “the creator”, or “the divcinity”.  These are all proper names for him to be sure, but he wants to be known in a familiar way and known and proclaimed as the Lord Jesus Christ whom we know and love as our own personal Savior.
     We sing, O, how I love Jesus, but many times he is grossly neglected and ignored from our conversation and activities, and from actual involvement in our lives.
     None can proclaim, with honesty, The Lord Jesus Christ as his own personal Savior and Lord, and acquaintance, and object of love unless he has been born again.  Jesus said: “except a man be born again he cannot see the kindgom of God.” John 3: 3.  “Not everyone that  saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7: 21.
  And what is the will of our Father?  It is to love the Lord Jesus Christ with all our heart, all our
mind, and all our soul.  No man calleth Jesus Lord except he be led  and taught of the Holy Spirit.
Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

Psalm 26:7

Sing Unto the Lord

Thought for Today - April 14
Sing Unto The Lord  -  By: Robert A. Searles
     “O come let us sing unto the Lord: Let us make a joyful noise unto the rock of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.  For the Lord is a great God, and great king above all gods.” Psalm 95: 1-3.
     O Lord my God, my Savior, I want you to see my heart and know that as I read these inspired words of the psalmist, I agree wholeheartedly that I ought to indeed sing unto you, and make a joyful noise unto you, the rock of my salvation, because you have been so good to me, and blessed  me with so much.  Your own blood has paid  the price of my iniquity.  Thou hast forgiven all my sins from the foundation of the universe.  Thou has pulled my feet from the miry clay and set my feet upon a solid rock and by your grace, you have caused me to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus     I want to come before your presence with singing and with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto you with psalms and songs of praise.
     I confess with the psalmist that thou art the God of all gods, King of all kings, and Lord Of all lords.  All things are yours, for you have made all  things, and sustain all things.  You alone are worthy of my worship and praise. Therefore, I want to bow down and kneel before you, and worship you with my whole heart.  You are my God, and  I am a  sheep in your pasture.  Holy Spirit, lead me in the paths of  righteousness for Christ's sake, and give me peace in mind, body, and soul.
Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Minitry 

Psalm 26:7

Created and Saved To Serve

Thought for Today - April 18
Created  And Saved To Serve
By: Robert A. Searles

     We were created and saved so that we might serve God and bring honor and glory to his name.  As we begin this new day, let us ask ourselves, how can I best serve God today and bring the most honor and glory to his Holy name.

     First, we must acknowledge him as God, the sovereign authority in the universe.  “He that would come to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek him.”  We must realize that he is the Holy God and cannot look upon sin.

     We are all sinners by nature and estranged from God, but God in his mercy provided us with a Savior, our Lord and  Savior Jesus Christ, to take our sins upon himself, and to as many as would believe on him, and receive him, forgive us and justify us before God the Father.

     Having been given so great  salvation, let us love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our mind, and with  all our soul. Let us seek first the kingdom of God in all areas of our lives.  Let us have a heart filled with gratitude for all the blessings and good things that God has bestowed upon us.  Let us confess all our known sins, and claim the blood of our  Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the propitiation for our sins.  As someone has said, we ought to keep short accounts with God, and having confessed our sins, let us present our bodies as living  sacrifices to God if perchance he  might see fit to use  us as channels of his blessings to someone else or for some noble cause.  Let us not blush to name the name of Jesus our Lord among our comrades while others are blaspheming that  worthy name.  Let us be ready always with an answer for those who would  inquire of the hope that we have in Christ.  Let us open wide our lips and praise the lord with our whole heart.

     “I will praise thee  with my whole  heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness and  for thy truth for thou has magnified thy word above thy name.” Psalm 138: 1,2.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.bibles-books-gifts.com
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

Disobedient Children

Thought for Today - April 17
Disobedient Children
By: Robert A. Searles

Parents, how does it feel to go through the pain and anxiety of child bearing to bring children into the world, to nurture them through babyhood and adolescence, only to have them rebel against you and be disobedient and disrespectful?

     Think of how it must grieve God when he has gone through the great pain and expense of saving us and redeeming us, and causing us to be born into his family, only to see us disrespect him and rebel against his laws and commandments, how he must be hurt when we ignore him!

     It hurts tremendously when the one you love with all your heart slaps you in the face, as it were, and turns against you.  God loves his children with a love that far surpasses all human  understanding; Oh ! How he must be hurt when we ignore him!

     “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth;: for the Lord hath spoken.  I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.  The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people do not consider.” Isaiah 1: 2 ,3.

  These words spoken primarily to Israel, are applicable to us today as well, for we are all guilty of rebelling and disobeying God our Father.  Even dumb animals do not treat their masters the way that we sometimes treat God.

     We attempt to honor God with lip service, so to speak, and with offerings of good works, but much of the time our hearts are far from him, and he does not receive from us the love, honor and respect that he deserves.

    ”To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? Saith the Lord:  I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of  he -goats.  When ye come to appear before me..  Who hath required this at your hand to tread my courts?”  Isaiah 1: 11, 12.

     God is not interested in our good works and good deeds, not even in our going to church or our tithes and offerings and service until our heart is in love and in tune with him.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.bibles-books-gifts.com
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

Wait On The Lord

Thought for Today - April 12
Wait On The Lord  -  By: Robert A. Searles
     “I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait on the Lord: be of good  courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27: 13, 14     Oh! the sloughs of despond that we as Christians so often  and so eaily fall into when  we are anxious for our lives, and have not the faith and  patience we need to be calm, and to wait on God.  Oh! how difficult it is to believe that which we cannot see and touch.  This is part of our old carnal nature, but the gift of God is faith.  Faith even  as the size of a grain of mustard seed to believe the promises of God's word, If we exercise it properly, will be as a light in a dark tunnel that will direct our thoughts and actions toward God,  and allow us to perceive the goodness and providence of God.
     Believe God, trust his  word, stagger not at the promises of  God,  even as Abraham of old, believed God implicitly and God will not fail those who put their trust in him.   Believe to see the goodness of God in the land of the living, and you will not faint.  Many times throughout the scriptures we see that God does not seem to be in any hurry to do all that he has planned to do for our good     We honor  God when we determine in our heart to wait for the promise of God's infallible word.  If God has spoken, it shall be done as he has said.  Therefore, “wait on the lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine  heart: wait I say on the Lord.” Psalm 27: 14 Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

God Does Not Lie

Thought for Today - Apri l2

God Does Not Lie  -   By Robert A. Searles
     Calling God a liar is a grievous and dangerous sin.  God has manifested his word in the person of his son the Lord Jesus Christ, and he has made known his word through  the printed  page and through the foolishness of preaching.  He has given us the prophets and the apostles.   More importantly, he has given us the witness of the Holy Spirit.
     When  we worry we are doubting the word of God, which if we examine it carefully, we find gives us full assurance of God's love and care and protection for us.  Doubting the word of God is akin to calling God a liar.  This is a grievous sin and keeps us from enjoying the peace  and comfort and the entering in to God's rest that he has prepared for all who will believe.
     Before we can enjoy the peace and rest of God, we must take the testimony of the prophets and the apostles, and the witness of the holy Spirit, and the teaching and example of our Lord and Savior, and allow the word of God to dwell in our hearts and be mixed with faith that God gives us to believe, and we need to encourage ourselves and others in the promise that God said it, I believe it, and that settles it forever.
     “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: 1-3.
     "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 burdened through the deceitfulness of sin.  For we are made partakers of Christ.  If we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.  While it is said today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Hebrews 3: 12-15
Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
Psalm  26: 7

Bodily Exercise Profiteth Lttle

Thought for Today - April 12
Bodily Exercise Profiteth Little
By Robert A. Searles

     “Bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto  all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8
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     There will not be too much overall profit gained from the attention we  give to our physical bodies, for these bodies are earthly, carnal and soon to be returned to the dust from which they came; but with our soul and inner man it is very profitable to be Godly and grow and mature in him, that  we might be the reflection of him, and that we might attain unto that place of maturity and perfection whereby we might truly be called the children of God.

     Godliness has the promise of an abundant life now, and a great future forever in the presence of God.  To be carnally minded is death,  but to be spiritually minded is life, joy, and peace.

     Oh, Lord, help us to have the right and proper balance between the care of our  bodies and the attention we give to them, and the attention that we give to becoming God-like by yielding our complete being to him and by allowing  the Holy Spirit to fashion us into his divine image.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.bibles-books-gifts.com
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

Our Greatest Asset

Thought for Today - April 9
Our Greatest Asset  -  By Robert A. Searles
     If you were asked what you considered to be your most valuable asset, no doubt you would look about you and think for a moment, then you would probably list your property, savings, home, health and family.  These are indeed, great assets to everyone, but wait, there  is something that made all these things possible, that something is  freedom – freedom to work, to accumulate savings; to build your home, and live happily with your family.  Without this freedom we would be denied the right to speak or write our thoughts and express our opinions on important issues of the day     Our freedom which was fought for by the early American colonist, and which men have fought and died to preserve is one of our most cherished heritages.  It is something which we must never  lose sight of, for if we do, then the nation  is doomed to totalitarianism like so many countries  of Europe.
     We must grasp this freedom and keep hold of it like a mother might grasp a small infant to keep it from falling from her arms     When we are going about our  daily routine of living, we sometimes take freedom for granted and fail to see any possibility of losing it,; but remember, it could be suddenly taken from us as easily as a piece of candy could be taken from a small child; therefore, we must all join hands and work hard to preserve that freedom.  We must guard it with our lives, and if necessary , fight for  it.     How can we ever hope to preserve our freedom when there are people that hate their neighbors because they have a different colored skin or a different accent in their voice from theirs, or perhaps they may go to a different church?
     When the colonist fought for freedom, they not only considered it a thing for men of the same color skin and nationality, but for all men, regardless of their  race, creed, or color.  If we foster prejudice and racial discrimination, then we have no freedom.  If we refuse to have anything to do with a person just because he happens to be different from us, we are doing the same thing that the Nazis or the so called “master race” did.  When we do this, we are gradually building up hatred in our own country.  In a country where there is hatred there can be no freedom, and without freedom we cannot expect peace and the  many comforts which we take for granted every day; therefore, we must get rid of intolerance and racial discrimination.  Not until we do this can we ever hope for world peace and the end of dictators.
     Remember that our great country was discovered by foreigners and built by foreigners.  If we eliminate men and women of different races, colors, and religions from our country, then we shall  have little left.
     If we want peace we must strive to keep our freedom.  The first step in keeping our freedom is to recognize the author of all freedom, he who created all men to be equal and to have equal rights, and honor him and give  him thanks, he who is the great lawgiver of the universe. Without  law  there can be no real freedom, yet there are those who would bar from public view, those fundamental laws upon which our common laws are founded, namely the ten commandments handed down by almighty God to Moses.
     If there be no God whose commandments are to be respected and obeyed, why are the so called atheist who want to keep the laws of God out of public view, so afraid  to have them seen?   It seems to  be quite ridiculous to be afraid of something non existent.  Prayer and bible reading is being forbidden in our schools and public places, and we expect to preserve our freedom?  No! My friends, whether we like it or not, the infallible word of God tells us that:  “The wicked shall be  turned into hell and all nation that forget God.”  Psalm 9: 17
     A much quoted scripture which is very true says:  “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,  and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will  heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7: 14.
Every day it seems that we are losing more and more of our freedoms, We are being told what we can and cannot do in the very privacy of our own homes.  Even our foods are being laid out for us and we are being told what we should or should not eat.  A call goes out to the children of God to come out of your closets and be identified as lovers of God, and lovers of freedom for all men.  Humble yourselves and pray and seek the face of God and abide by his laws.
     If we want peace and freedom we must strive to keep freedom, and in order to  keep freedom we must join hands with our neighbors whether they be  black , white, yellow or red, and realize the fact that we are one nation under God, and under God's laws, and that a separated people are doomed.
Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

Psalm 26:7

An Instrument of Praise

Thought for Today - April 8
An Instrument Of Praise  -  By: Robert A. Searles
     If God would cause my pen to fly swiftly across the pages of a book, I would want it to be an instrument of his praise: for who can tell of the majesty and power, and the glory of God our Father?  Oh Holy Spirit who dwells within me, I pray that thou will glorify our risen  Christ with the words that I think, and speak, and write, and that out of my belly will flow rivers of living waters that might overflow into the lives of others through the way I live and by the way I speak.
     Create in me, oh  God, a clean heart and a pure mind, and let my meditation be ever of thee.  “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to thee, O God my Savior.”  Whosoever you may be who reads these lines, be it known unto you that: “The Lord, he is God.” “It is he who hath made us and not we ourselves.”  It is God who has saved us by the shedding of his blood, and - “There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4: 12.
 “At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of  God the Father.” Philippians 2:10- 11
     Pen, fly swiftly and tell the world of the glory of my God so that he might be glorified and  pleased with me, and receive me into everlasting habitations.
                                             Telehelp Publications Christian Literature  Ministry 

                                                                                          Psalm 26:7

Something for Which to Look Forward

Thought for Today - April 7
Something for Which to Look Forward   -  By: Robert A. Searles
     What are we Christians looking forward to today?  As we begin this new day which God has given to us, do we have something to hope for, something that has been promised to us to which  we can with assurance look forward ?
     We all ought to be looking for Jesus to come.  What a glorious morning that will be when: “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God , and the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with  the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4: 16, 17.
     We ought to be diligently scanning the heavens, “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2: 13, 14.
     Meanwhile, as we wait and watch, and long for his coming, we ought to occupy as 
good soldiers and ambassadors until he comes.  “Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we  should live soberly, righteously, and Godly in this present world.” Titus 2:12.
     Let us rejoice and be glad.  There is a great  day coming when we  shall enjoy  the fruits of our labor, but rejoice today for this  is the day that the Lord hath made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it because this is the day that we  still have opportunity to labor for the Master  so that when the bridegroom comes we will have oil in our lamps, trimmed and ready to meet him.
Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

Ambassadors For Christ

Thought for Today - April 6
Ambassadors For Christ  -  By: Robert A. Searles
     Life on planet earth is preparatory for the real life in heaven.  It is  a back porch, or mud room, as it were, where we learn how to behave and cleanse ourselves before we are allowed into the parlor.  It is here that we hear and learn of God.  It is here that God's grace is freely offered to us, and we either receive it or reject it  It is here that we are saved.
     We who  are saved have been allowed to remain on planet earth after we were saved so that we might perform the work and ministry of ambassadors for Christ so that others might hear the good news of the gospel and be saved.  We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ some day and give an account of how we have performed this ministry.
     We have all been given the tools with which to work and we have been given instruction in the use of these  tools.
 “If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him.” James 1: 5
     We have all been given talents and abilities, all differing according to the will of God.  Some day we will be asked, where is the talent and ability that was given to you?  According to what we have done, and how we have trusted and obeyed, and according to our faithfulness or unfaithfulness we will have to answer to our Lord.
     How wonderful on that day would it be for our Lord to put his hand on our shoulder and say to us, well done thou good and faithful servant, but how ashamed we will be if we are found empty handed at that day with no crowns to place at our Savior's feet.
     Let each of us, therefore: “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.” Colossians 4: 17.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

My Defense is of God

Thought for Today - November 13
My Defense Is Of God
By: Robert A. Searles

     My defense is of God which saves the upright in heart.  I am glad that God looks on the heart of man.  God knows our hearts, he knows if there has ever been a time when we, from our hearts have cried out to him in sorrowful repentance of our sins  and believed on  the Lord Jesus Christ and received him into our hearts as Lord and Savior.

 We can judge no man, for we cannot know what is deep in the heart of any man, only God can know that, but if we believe that our own heart is right with God, then we can rightly say that our  defense is of God, and knowing that God's word is sure and steadfast, we can agree with God that he is angry at the wicked every day.

     We ought to be good evangelists and sound forth the warning that all may hear what God has proclaimed to all: “That God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.  If  he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it  ready.  He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth   his arrows  against the persecutors.” Psalm 7: 11-13 

The arrows of God's judgment, aimed at the wicked, are already set and under the pressure of a bent bow.  Only God's mercy and long suffering prevents  the release of God's arrows of judgment.

     God is merciful and kind, not willing to pour out wrath, but to bathe us in love.  We all ought to examine our own heart very carefully to see if we are among the wicked in heart, or If our hearts are right toward God so that we may say, my defense is of God.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.bibles-books-gifts.com
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

The Likeness of Christ

Thought For Today - April 2
The Likeness Of Christ  -  By: Robert A. Searles
     As Jesus our Savior was  the image of the  invisible God when he was on earth, so we as Christians ought to bear the image of Christ in our bodies while our Lord is now back in heaven with the Father.  We are to be witnesses of him even as he was a revelation and a witness of the  Father. A  witness is one who shows forth or proclaims to be true that which is, and that which is true.
      Someone has said that  we  tend to become like that which we behold, and affix our thoughts upon; then if this is indeed true, we need to be  constantly beholding the lamb  of God that taketh away the sins of the world, and by steadfastly fixing our gaze upon him, let his image be formed in us that the world in which we live and have to do will see a reflection of the living Christ in us.  And by our yielding  our mortal bodies to  him they might truly  be his holy  temple wherein dwelleth the presence of the  Holly Spirit and righteous God, established in the faith  and resting securely upon the word of God.
  If we are to be witnesses, then: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him, Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after  Christ.  For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2: 6-10.
Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

Have You Heard From God This Morning?

Thought for Today - April 1
Have You Heard From God This morning?
By: Robert A. Searles

     Have you heard from God our Father this morning?  Have you spoken to him, and has he communicated to you his love?  Have you stretched forth your hands unto him?  Does your soul thirst after him as a thirsty land?

     Draw near unto God and he will draw near Unto you.  “Call unto me and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

     In the morning, as soon as we open our eyes from sleep, we ought to automatically stretch forth our whole being to Jesus our Lord.  Our prayer ought to be like the psalmist who said: “I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land, Selah.  Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be  like unto them that go down into the pit.  Cause me to hear thy loving  kindness in  the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.  Deliver me, O Lord from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.  Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.  Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name's sake; for thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble.  And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies and destroy all them that  afflict my soul for I am thy servant.” Psalm 143: 6-12

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
www.bibles-books-gifts.com
www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com