Recognizing Our Enemy

Thought for Today - May 31
Recognizing Our Enemy
By: Robert A. Searles

     Who is the enemy  of our soul?  Who is it that tries to rob us of our peace, our joy, and our happiness?  Who is it that searches us out to find a weak spot in our faith and character, so that he can take advantage of us and weaken us still further?  Who is it that constantly tries to hold our sins and our faults before us, and accuse us before God and all the Holy angels? Who is it that goes about like a roaring lion seeking  whom he may devour?

     Our enemy is none other than God's enemy, Satan.  Our true enemies are not those who can destroy the body, but those who can destroy the mind and soul as well as the body.  We must beware of our enemy and be acquainted with his tactics.  Satan will accuse God's children before him.  He will show us our past sins, mistakes, and failures, and try to convince us that nothing has changed, that we are the same persons that we ever were before we were saved.  He will  try to persuade us that God is not concerned with us.  He will try to divide husband and wife, son and daughter, and every family member.   If Satan can divide families, he has gained an important foothold, because family unity is the foundation of strength and a fortress against infidelity.

     Satan does not want us to be happy while serving God, so he causes depression, he brings morbid thoughts to the mind, and he wants us to believe that  serving God is a drag, and that we are missing out on the joys of living.  He would like for us to believe that the only way we can be truly happy is if we are pursuing the things of the world. So, he tries to get our minds off God and focused on the things of the world.  As children of God, we must be aware of him and his tactics, and put our trust in God.

  As the psalmist said in psalm 7: 1-2 “O Lord my God in thee do I put my trust, save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me.  Lest  he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none  to deliver.”

  Who is it that persecutes us and tears our soul like a lion other than the emissaries of  darkness?  When we know that Satan is afflicting us we can call out to the Lord as the psalmist did

“Arise O Lord, in thine anger; lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies; and awake for me to the  judgment that thou hast commanded.”Psalm 7: 6

: “The Lord shall judge the peoples: judge me O Lord according to my righteousness, and  according to mine integrity that is in me.” Psalm 7: 8

     Our defense against Satan and his demons is in the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I claim none of my own righteousness because I have none, except that which I have received from Christ by his grace.

“Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just, for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.,”:  “My defense is with God which saveth the upright in heart.”Psalm 7: 9, 10

     Other scripture says:  “resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  Whenever Satan tries to plague us and destroy us,  let us sing praises in our heart to God, and remind ourselves that we are a child of God, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, ask the Lord to rebuke Satan and cause him to flee away from us.  Then we will have victory, and peace and joy and happiness will return to us.

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

Fear Not Man

Thought for Today - May 30
Fear Not Man
By: Robert A. Searles

     “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.  Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment cometh from the Lord.” Proverbs 29: 25, 26.

     Some of us have more fear and regard for man than we do for God.  This is what hinders us as Christians from taking the stand that we ought to take for godliness and  morality in our home, our communities, and our nation.

     Some of us are more concerned that we will be “politically correct” and appealing to men than that we will be grieving the Holy Spirit when we do not speak up against all that we know to be contrary to the laws and commandments of God. Some of us have more regard for the creature than we have  for the creator.  Some of us would not do some of the things that we know is contrary to the perfect will of God if it were not for the fact that we don't want people to think that we have gone off the “deep end” and have  become fanatics and “odd balls”.

     The fear of man is bondage and slavery.  Obedience to God and trust in him is true freedom.  Why should we care what men do to us, or think about us if we have the assurance that we can stand alone in our closet and be justified before God?  The fear of man keeps us from giving our all to God, or becoming fanatics, if you prefer.  The fear of man keeps us from taking a firm stand against immorality, and prevents us from publicly declaring that this is wrong, and that is right, according to the word of God.  The fear of man keeps us from putting God first in all our thoughts and deeds.

     “The fear of man bringeth a snare, but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe” Proverbs 29,25

     Peter said by inspiration of the Holy Spirit: “We must obey God rather than men.”
     Jesus said: “Fear not him who can destroy the body, but fear him who has the power to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

     “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22.

     We Christians ought to covenant with God and with each other that we will not fear men, but we will fear God  and obey him in all things regardless of what ungodly men may say or think. Lets  preserve ourselves, our homes, our communities, our churches, and our nation from the so called “politically correct” philosophies of ungodly men, and be more “Godly” correct”.

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

Pollish the Silver

Thought for Today - May 29
Polish The Silver
By: Robert A. Searles

     “Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the  finer.  Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.” Proverb 25: 4, 5.(KJV)

       Fine silver, if it is not polished and cleaned up, has the appearance of worthless junk; but when polished, it shines forth, and manifests its' true value.  The same is true with those around us who have never been washed in the blood of the lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, and have been saved and polished in his righteousness. How wonderful it would be if all our  government leaders and their councilors were saved, and  washed in the blood of the lamb of God and polished in his righteousness.  Our beloved country would then be established in righteousness and shine forth as fine silver.

      God wants all of us, who have been washed and polished, to do all that he empowers us to do to witness to them that  they might by faith, receive his pardon and forgiveness, and be washed in the blood of the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, and go forth leaping and praising him, and being a vessel for the finer.

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

Acceptable Sacrifice

Thought for Today - May 27
Acceptable Sacrifice
By Robert A. Searles

     “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” psalm 107: 21, 22.  “I will praise the name of God with a song, and  will magnify him with thanksgiving.  This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.” Psalm 69: 30-31.

        An ox or a bullock offered upon the altar as a sacrifice to God is something that can be seen and touched, and  something that seems to  be real in the earthly sphere of things, and  it is probably quite costly to the owner or the person offering it; however God has said that  he values more highly than the ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs, the praise and gratitude of the  heart.

     God said that love  is the more perfect way.  Good works, good deeds, good morals, sacrifices, all these things  that man can offer up to God are abominations, and a stench  in God's nostrils unless they are genuinely motivated by love and praise, and thanksgiving.

     Just to be talking about God, and to be doing  things that pertain to God, and to be all wrapped up in some service for him in  the name  of God is not enough  by itself.  Martha was busy about many things.  She was so  wrapped up in doing things, that she had  little  time for the Lord himself.  Jesus did not say that  Martha was completely wrong in doing, but he  did say that Mary had chosen the better part.  What was the better part?  The better part was to  sit at his feet and worship him, and listen to his teaching,  and love him and show her gratitrude, praise, and thanksgiving, by washing his feet  with her hair.

     The acceptable sacrifice to God is love  and gratitude  to God.   Jesus said: “thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and all thy mind and all thy soul.”  Our love of God will cause us to  put everything else  aside and make the Lord truly the Lord of our lives, and seek him   first in all things,  and trust him  for all our needs.

     God will not  fail us if we truly trust and believe his  word.  If we  will be preoccupied with God – God has  promised that  all our needs will be met and that our barns will burst with new wine.  Let us  pray that God will help us individually and together to offer the  right kind of sacrifices to him, which is -the best of our time, the best  of our life, the first fruits of all our  increase, the first part of every new day, and live in such  a way that we will be a testimony to all people that  we depend wholly on God and not our own efforts  nor our  own wisdom.

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

So Send I You

Thought for Today - May 26

So Send I You

By: Robert A. Searles

 

“Then said Jesus to them again, peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

John 20:21 (KJV)

 

Jesus gave his disciples the commission to continue his ministry on earth after he had ascended into heaven.., He gave them the Holy Spirit to help them. We who are the children of God, have been given the same commission from him. We are told to go into all the world and preach the gospel to  every creature.

 

 As God sent Jesus to reconcile the world to himself, so Jesus sends us into the world among sinners, to tell them of his love and redeeming power. There is no purpose for living on earth other than for service to God. 

 

 The unsaved person from the time he is old enough to think for himself is constantly searching for something that will fulfill his purpose in life. It is called the pursuit of happiness. It is the common thought that happiness is something which we can run after, and some day catch, and when it has been caught, hang onto it and never let it go. No wonder there are so many frustrated people in the world. They go from one thing to another, without ever finding any real satisfaction in life, and no purpose for living.

 

 Education won't satisfy, houses and property and wealth won't satisfy, even good health won't satisfy, and the reason being, that we were designed to be satisfied only from within when we have found the perfect will of God and are doing it.The most miserable people of all are those who have become the sons of God, if they have never yielded themselves to serve God and win souls to Christ.The greatest joy and satisfaction that any of us can ever experience is to know that we are doing the very thing that we were sent to do after we were saved, that is, to magnify and exalt the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; to win souls; and to continue the ministry of love and compassion, and reconciliation to God through Christ, and help those in need.

 

When a person has no purpose in life other than to satisfy his own flesh, then life itself becomes nothing but a continual state of boredom and depression, and can become a living hell. We have been sent by Jesus to do a job, to work in his vineyard, to bring in the harvest. There is much joy in laboring for the Lord. 

 

 We are told that: “they that sow in tears, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them.”I want to be one of the sent ones. I don't want to be just sitting around feeling miserable because I have reached a certain age, and feeling sorry for myself that all my yesterdays could not continue until today. I pray that the Lord will fill me to overflowing with the Holy Spirit and give me a ministry and service for him that will keep me busy magnifying and exalting his name forever. 

 

 I want to keep my eyes on the future, not on the past. That which is ahead is greater and more exciting than anything we have ever known in the past. I want to keep pressing forward to the prize of the high calling of God, as Paul said, and to keep my eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. I want to seek first the kingdom of God, and accept with thanksgiving any blessing that God wants to shower upon me.

 

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

www.bibles-books-gifts.com

www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com

 

What Did Jesus Say - About Good Works And Giving?

Thought for Today - May 24
What Did Jesus Say- About Good Works And Giving?
By: Robert A. Searles

     Men and women love to be recognized and praised and win medals for their generosity and good works.  To be seen and glorified by their fellowman is the only motivation of many for their benevolence and charity, even though their heart is not really in it.

     Jesus taught about the hypocrites who love to stand in prominent places and pray so as to be seen of men, and to be known for their so called spirituality.  Sad to say that there are some do- gooders and givers in churches today that want to be known by what they do and be recognized, and have their names displayed in prominent places.

     God knows all about our hypocrisy and the motives of our heart.  If we truly love God and love our fellowman, all our good works and giving ought to be motivated by a heart in tune with God, not caring whether anyone knows about it, and not seeking rewards.

     We ought to gladly serve God with our good works and giving out of pure gratitude for what Christ has done for us by saving us from eternal separation from God.  We could never earn God's favor by anything we could give or do.  All the blessings that we receive from God are free gifts of God's grace,- unmerited favor.

     Jesus said: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them: Othewise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.  Wherefore when thou doest thine alms do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men.  Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.  But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6: 1`-4.

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

Did You Go To The Garden This Morning?

Thought for Today - May 23
Did You Go To The Garden This Morning?
By: Robert A. Searles

Did you go to the garden this morning where Jesus was waiting for you?
Did he greet you there, with your burdens and cares, did he bid you to give them to him?
When you met with the Lord in the garden, did he tell you that all would be well,
if you only believe, and his love receive, and that no one could take you from him?

When you walked in the garden with Jesus this morn  in the cool of the day,
did he tell  you of heaven, his home up above?
Did he tell you that he was the way?

If you did not go to the garden, this morn at  the breaking of day;
to meet with the Lord who was waiting for you, to take all your burdens away -
then you have missed a great blessing that could have been yours
had you worshiped at his throne of grace.
He wanted to comfort and give you sweet rest,
and wipe all the tears from your face.

Had you met in the garden with Jesus,
this morn at the breaking of day,
great peace would be yours, after hearing his  voice,
saying child you have nothing to fear:
For all  will be well if with me you will dwell, and walk in the garden with me.

I went to the garden this morning, where Jesus was waiting for me.
We walked and we talked and we had fellowship there.
He showed me his plan for today.
One day at a time, each moment I'll find
his guidance sufficient for me.
If I will but trust in his holy word,
And be led by his spirit you see.

Oh friend won't you come to the garden,
each morn at the breaking of day,
where the roses are fresh with the dew of the morn,
and the birds sing so sweetly of love,
to walk with him there, and so to prepare
to live in his presence above?

Oh who then will come to the garden to pray,
where Jesus is waiting for you?
He waits for you there to show you the way, 
and show you the depths of his love.

For you see, he's not willing for you to be lost
and be cast into eternal hell.
All your sin debt was paid when he died on the cross.
He carried your guilt all away.

And when he arose on that first Easter morn,
how fresh was the breaking of day !
The dew on the rose, and the song of the birds,
in the garden they met Jesus there.
Sin debts were paid, death was destroyed
when Jesus came out of the tomb.
Forever there will be, for you and for me,
 a place by his sanctified throne.

So, why don't you come this morning with me
to the beautiful garden of prayer?
To tell him how thankful we are for his love,
And that we have a home over there.

With these morning thoughts still fresh in our hearts,
let us walk with him all through the day.
As he guides us along and shows us the way,
let us but  trust and obey.

Then when the shadows of night come along,
and we come to the end of our day,
we can rejoice and lay down to sleep
with assurance of eternal day.

R. A. Searles – all rights reserved

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

Safe In The Arms of Jesus

Thought for Today - May 22
Safe In The Arms Of Jesus
By: Robert A. Searles

     Because I am a child of God; because I have been forgiven, and purchased with  the precious blood of  Christ from the realm of the evil one, Satan,  I can be sure that “though I walk in the midst of trouble thou  will revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me, the Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O lord, endureth forever; forsake not the works of thine hands.”  Psalm 138: 7, 8.  The Lord will never forsake the works of his  own  hand, and those whom  he has redeemed.

     No one is beyond the sight and knowledge of God. No one can hide from God.  No one can  keep a secret from  God.  He knows everything we do, every thought we think, and every motive of our heart.  We may be able to deceive our fellowman, but not so with God.  He knows who has genuine faith and confidence in him, and who is a hypocrite.  The knowledge of God is wonderful, beyond any human comprehension, but he is willing to impart his knowledge and  wisdom to us  if we  will seek him and ask him for wisdom.

     “O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.  Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising.  Thou understandest my thoughts afar off.  Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.  For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.  Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon  me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto  it.  Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither  shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there.  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139: 1-10

I am safe in the arms of Jesus forever.

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

God's Promise tpo Us When - We Are Confused

Thought for Today - May 20
God's Promises To Us When -  We Are Confused
By: Robert A. Searles

Many people in the world today are walking in spiritual darkness, and living in a state of gross confusion, even though, seemingly, they may be quite confident that all is well  with their soul, and eventually the land of milk and honey will be reached, although they don't know how. So by desperately striving, and searching for truth wherever it may be found, they hope to attain  peace on earth, and a place called heaven at last.

     People of the world have heard, and listened  to many voices – politicians; preachers; evangelists; educators; scientists; philosophers; and even fools like me, yet, who or what is to be believed?  Who is telling the truth? Who really knows the truth?  There are politicians, serving in positions of leadership and authority,  who promise great things for the people whom they are supposed to represent, yet, in many cases, they are discovered to be liars,  crooks, and self seekers.

There are  preachers, and evangelists occupying pulpits throughout the  world who  are preaching a good works – social gospel, and teaching about a God that they know only by name, and by the theology which they have studied  at some secular university, or so called Christian seminary. These, are those who have never truly been “born again”,  and do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is God, manifested in human flesh.  How can these prophets of God, so called, lead their flock into God's light and green pastures, when they themselves  have never quenched their thirst from the still waters of God's truth, -  from that fountain that never runs dry?

     There are educators, and philosophers teaching in our schools and universities, and even in some, so called, Christian seminaries, who dissect the word of God, piece by piece, word by word, to see if they can disqualify the infallible word of God from being the absolute, universal truth for all mankind.

Scientists present their hypothesis and try to prove the non-existence of an intelligent creator of all things.  Is it any wonder that we find our world today in such spiritual chaos and confusion?

It is easy to become confused by all the ideas that are presented to us, especially if one is not securely grounded in the word of God; however, God has  promised us a remedy for the darkness and  confusion that tend to enslave so many.

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace as in all churches of the saints.” 1Corinthians 14:33.

“In thee O Lord, do I put my trust, let me never be put to confusion.” Psalm 71:1.

“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.

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.  I will guide thee  with mine eye.”
Psalm 32:8.

“And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; I will lead  them in paths that they have not  known.  I will make darkness light  before them, and  crooked things straight.   These things will I do unto them and not forsake them .” Isaiah 42: 16.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, I am the light of the world.  He that followeth me shalt not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” John 8:12.

It is needless for men and women, boys and girls, to be engrossed in darkness and live a life of confusion when we have a Father who loves us, cares for us, and imparts his salvation to us through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Let the word of God be your spiritual compass, and it will lead you safely home.

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

Thought For Today - May 19
Wise Children Maketh A Glad Father
By: Robert A. Searles

     “A wise son maketh a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. Proverbs 10:1.

  God compares our relationship to him as a father and son relationship.   When we do wisely as his children, we please him, and make him glad.  Walking in our own ways, and doing our own thing, and storing up treasures for the pleasure of the flesh  will profit us nothing; but giving ourselves completely to God and living righteously delivereth from death. 

     When we give God less than our best, whether it be our time, or our money, or our abilities, or our very  selves, we become poor.  Proverbs 10:4 says: “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand, but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”

     If we want to make our heavenly father glad, as verse one says that a wise son should do, and if we our selves want to be enriched, then we ought to be willing to go to work in our father's vineyard while it is yet summer, and we have the opportunity to do so. Verse 5 says: “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son, but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.”  “The labor of the righteous tendeth to life; the  fruit of the wicked is sin.” Proverbs 10: 16

     Jesus said in John 4: 35-38 “Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest?  Behold I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they  are white already to harvest.  And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal, that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.  And here is that saying true, one soweth, and another reapeth.  I sent you to reap that on which ye bestowed no labor; other men labored and ye are  entered into their labors.”

     Babies cannot work in the fields, they must remain behind in the nurseries and be breast fed, and nursed with the milk of the word; but we are grown children, and no longer feed on milk alone, but we ought to be able to eat and digest meat of the word and gain the strength we need to  go to work in the fields.  If not, we are retarded children

 “For when for the time ye ought  to be teachers, ye  have need that one teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk  and not  of strong meat.  For everyone that useth milk is  unskillful in the word of righteousness: for  he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5: 12-14

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

God's Promise to Us - When We Are sick

Thought For Today - May 18
God's Promise To Us -  When We Are Sick
By: Robert A. Searles

     Once there was a place called Eden, according to the Holy word of God, wherein was planted the tree of life.  God created a man, made in God's own image, whose name was Adam, and from Adam's rib he made woman whose name was Eve, and God gave them Eden for their paradise home, wherein life, health, and happiness did prevail – no death, no sickness, no hard times. No evil was present there while God walked among them.

     “And the Lord God formed man of  the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there he put the man whom he had formed.  And out of the ground made the Lord to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food, .  The tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” Genesis 2: 7,  8, 9.

     “And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it, and the Lord commanded the man, saying – of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Gen 2: 15, 16. 17.

     “And the  Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh instead thereof, and the rib which the Lord God had taken from man made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” Genesis 2: 21,22.

There was not known to Adam and Eve in Eden, death, sickness, sorrow, or hard times, and lack of fellowship with God until, the fall of man, when Eve chose to follow the advice of  the serpent, who beguiled her, and she ate of the tree which God had forbidden, resulting in  the penalty of death for disobedience.

     “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made, and he said unto the woman, yea, hath God said, ye shalt not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3: 1.

 “And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall not surely die, for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.  And when the woman saw that the tree was  good for food,  and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a  tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit  thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat.” Genesis 3: 4,5,6.

     “And the Lord God said unto the serpent, because  thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field.  Upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all  the days of thy life, and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and  her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.  Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception, in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children, and thy desire shalt be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.  And unto Adam he said, because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, thou shalt not eat of it, cursed is the ground for thy sake, in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shalt it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.  In the  sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return to the ground, for out of it wast thou taken, for dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt return.” Genesis 3: 14-19.

Thus entered into the world of men and women, that  which they had never known before -  sickness, followed eventually by death, and condemnation, and separation from fellowship with God who is the very source of life and health.  Henceforth we are all subject to sickness, and eventually death, of our body while on earth, and eternal separation of our soul from God unless we are born again by receiving The Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior.

What are God's promises to us when we are sick? As a result of Adam's and Eve's disobedience, the whole human race, past, present, and future became infected with a terrible disease known as sin. The outcome of sin is sickness and death, and eternal seperation  from God in Hell, unless a cure is found and applied

The great physcian, the lord Jesus Christ has the cure for the disease of sin, his own blood shed on the cross, and freely offers it to all, who by faith will receive it.  “Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you”.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Bless the Lord , O my soul,  and forget not all his benefits   Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases ; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Psalm 103 1-5. 

     Whatever the nature of our sickness, whether it be a physical problem or a spiritual one, we can call upon the great physcian for help, and  he has promised to help us.

     “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils, and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: himself took our infirmities, and bare our sickness. “ Matthew 8: 16, 17. 

     “Is any sick among you?  :Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him.  Anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” James 5: 14, 15. 

It is always God's will to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness if we call upon him in faith, claiming his mercy, and confess our sins, and ask his forgiveness in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and give us the assurance of eternal life, and a home in heaven. 

God is able to heal all our physical aliments as well, if it be his perfect will to do so in each individual's situation.  However, sometimes God has his reasons for not granting healing to a paticular individual, his reasons being known only to himself.  In that case we have an even more precious promise from God.

     “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou  art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23: 4.

    Let each of us today, when we are beset with sin, or sick with  a physical disease, seek out the great physician, the Lord Jesus Christ, and ask that his will be  accomplished in our lives.    

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

God's Promises When We Are Anxious

Thought For Today - May 17
God's Promise When – We Are Anxious
By: Robert A. Searles

To be anxious is to be overly concerned and troubled about issues and events in our lives over which we may have very little control.  We tend to be anxious about many things, including our health; our money and finances; our jobs; our family; friends, and loved ones.  We worry about things that we have no power to change.  It is very difficult, at times, not to be anxious while waiting for a phone call from the physician’s office or laboratory, to be told the results of a medical test or procedure for ourselves, or for someone in our family whom we love.

How shall we meet next month's budget for our home, or business?  How shall we feed our family on such a meager income?  How shall we prepare for our family's future?  How shall we pay for our children's education?  How! How! How! Shall we accomplish all these things?  We beat our heads against the wall, so to speak, searching for answers to these and many other questions.  We are anxious, and if this anxiety gets out of control, it can destroy our physical and mental health, and cause us to lose our Christian testimony, and sin against God.

We sin against God when we allow ourselves to worry.  Someone has said: “when we are worrying and are anxious, we are not trusting God, and if we are truly trusting God, we do not worry”.

We are told to give all our burdens and anxieties to the Lord.  “Cast thy burdens  upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee, he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55: 22 

“But I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not, I will help thee.” Isaiah 41; 13.

God has promised to supply all our needs, and to deliver us from trouble. Why should we be fearful and anxious when we have such a benevalent heavenly father?

“Therefore, I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what ye shall put on.  Is not the life more than meat, and the body than ramient?"  Matthew 6: 25

" Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest for your soul.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11: 28, 29, 30.

“Be careful for nothing, but in every thing with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request 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: 6, 7

Therefore, when we find ourselves becoming over anxious, let us: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and  lean not unto our own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3: 5, 6.

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

Our Special Day

Tuesday, May 16, 2017
 Our Special Day!
By: Robert A. Searles

One Day in May, a long time ago, on this day, Friday, May 16, 1952, sixty five  years ago today, God blessed me with the gift of a virtuous woman “whose price is far above rubies”.  On that day, Joanne and I  pledged our love, honor, and  life to each other under God for as long as we both should live.  On that day we set out together in our “barque” to sail the ocean of life, and from that day forward, we have encountered many rough seas with treacherous waves and high winds - ( sicknesses,
discouragements,  uncertainties, sometimes disagreements, even deaths in both our families), but he who stilled the waves and walked on the water, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, has piloted our ship safely and has brought us thus far on our journey together.

  We have been sailing the seas together these past sixty five years , having decided from the very beginning to build our house upon the solid rock which is Christ.  We know not how long it will be before we sight the promised shores of glory, but as the songwriter  has put it - “We are nearer our home today,- today, than we have been before ” .

On this our 65th anniversary, I want to thank  God for his keeping power, and for keeping  our love and devotion to one another even stronger now, than it was from the beginning.  Thank you Joanne for being my faithful partner for all these years. I love you truly!

My advice to young people who are contemplating  marriage – from the beginning, build your house upon the solid rock which is Jesus Christ, and allow him to pilot your vessel through the rough seas of life which you are sure to encounter.

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

God's Promises to Us When - We are Filled With Longings

Thought For Today - May 15
 God's Promises To Us When – We Are filled with Longings
By: Robert A. Searles

     What are the longings and desires of your heart today?  Is it for improved health; long life; for more friends; for a more secure future; for prosperity; for a better job; to find your life's companion; to get married and have a family; To complete your education; are these and perhaps many more the major longings of your heart today?

These are the most common kinds of longings and desires which we all share, and if put into the right perspective, they are all good longings and desires in themselves.  But there is something that we all ought to crave and long for more than anything else, and that is – our eternally secure relationship with God our heavenly Father. For the truth of the whole matter is, if all of our carnal desires were to be fulfilled, they are temporal, and can satisfy for only a short time, for what is our life but a vapor which soon passes away and is eventually gone?

We ought to be longing to know God in the fullest sense of the word through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We ought to delight ourselves in the Lord, and share with him those things that we most earnestly desire and long for.

The Lord has promised to plant in our  heart the right kinds of longings and desires, and to bring them to fruition if we will delight ourselves in him.

 “Delight thyself also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37: 4.

 God has promised not to withhold any good thing from those that walk uprightly.  “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”  Psalm 84: 11.

God promises to satisfy our mouth with good things and to renew our youth.  “Who satsifieth thy mouth with good things, and reneweth thy youth like ther eagle.” Psalm 103: 5

God already  knows the things that are most needful to us, and he has promissed to supply all of our needs, and give us the grace we need for every situation, if we will seek him first, all these things shall be added to us.

  “And seek ye not what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of a doubtful mind.  For all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and you Father knoweth ye have need of those things, but rather seek ye the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Luke 12: 29-31.

     For he satisfieth the longing soul and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:9

We have a very rich heavenly Father who is more than willing to share his bounty with us if we will approach him in faith through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Let us go to him today with all our longings and desires, and trust that he will grant to us all that will be good for us and bring glory to him.

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

God's Promise of Salvation

Thought For Today - May 18, 2024
God's Promise of Salvation
By: Robert A. Searles

     A cry for help is heard from a lost and dying world.  A world  engrossed in sin and evil, shrouded in darkness, and seemingly without hope, clamors for answers, and gropes at the nearest floating straw which has no anchor.

     For centuries, since the beginning of time, and when disobedience to God entered the scene, evil has had dominion over the lives of men and women, causing them to murder, steal, lie, and commit all manner of cruelty and atrocities toward one another, and to blaspheme the Holy God who is their creator, and their source of life and well being, although wicked men and women may not recognize him as such.  God's laws are ignored, his Holy word desecrated, and his appeal to the lost to accept his mercy and loving kindness ridiculed, yet a lost world cries for help, but refuses to recognize it when it is offered.

     Whenever we have a physical emergency, or a life threatening situation, we send a call to the nearest aid station, such as to 911, the coast guard, the police, the firemen, the national guard.  We welcome the sound of the siren, and the first responders when they arrived on the scene.

     The inner soul of all mankind  is in a life threatening state called sin, a state which we are all  aware of because we have been given inherent awareness of our state of affairs.  God has declared all to have sinned and come short of his glory, and consequently, all are lost and without hope in the world,  being separated from God, and trying, by our own efforts to save ourselves.  The world while sinking deeper in the mire of sin, cries peace! peace! when there is no peace, help! help! when there is no help but that from God.

     The desperate man cries for help -”From whence cometh my help? The wise man who has discovered his source of help answers - “My help cometh from the Lord who has made heaven and earth.”  God has promised to help and save the lost if they will call upon him in truth and by faith, believing his promises.  God is not willing that any should be lost, but that as many as will call and trust him, he will snatch from the pits of hell and the miry clay, renew a right spirit  within them, clothe them with the garment of Christ's righteousness, and guarantee them a place in his kingdom, and give them eternal life.

     When the first responders come to save our physical possessions, and our physical lives, many times they risk and lose their own lives for the sake of those whom they are trying to rescue.  Jesus said: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man should give up his own life for his friend.”

     When a loving heavenly Father responds to the call of a lost sinner, he responds immediately to the call.  Rescue from sin and damnation is sure to the lost, and it is free to the one who receives it, but it was truly expensive to God who gave his only begotten son to leave his riches and  glory in  heaven to come to a sin cursed world to save  the lost. No one need to be lost forever and spend eternity in hell.  God has promised salvation to all who will believe and receive.

     Christ is the answer.  He is the first responder to the cry of our soul for salvation.  “Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that  come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession  for them.:” Hebrews 7: 25.

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

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

  “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and broken down the middle wall between us.” Ephesians 2:14

     “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2: 8.9

     God has promised salvation to a lost and dying world, but how shall we  be  saved?  “And they said: believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16: 31

God's Promises When We - Feel Despair

Thought for Today - May 12
God's Promises When We – Feel Despair
By: Robert A. Searles

     When we find ourselves in a seemingly hopeless situation with no foreseeable remedy, whether it be  because of our ill health, or financial difficulties, or personal, family, or moral issues, we tend to fall into an abyss of dark discouragement from which there seems to be no escape.  This is where Satan would like to have us imprisoned where he can taunt us with morbid thoughts, and cause us to doubt the love and protection of our heavenly Father.  When we allow ourselves to be confined to this prison of despair, we tend to  accuse God for mistreating us, and blame those around us for our adverse circumstances.

     When we allow ourselves to fall into a state of despair, we are turning our back on God and contradicting his covenant with his children, to supply all our needs according to his riches in glory.  When we see discouragements approaching which could drag us down deep into the pits of despair, we need to remind ourselves, and ask ourselves this question – If God so loved us that he gave his son to die for us to save us from hell, will he not also give us freely and provide for all our need as we ask, believe, and receive, whether it be for our health, finances, the salvation of love ones or for other  problems?

     God has promised to meet our every need.  He admonishes us to ask, believe, and receive his blessings, and continue to  walk in his light, as he is the light of the world.  We never need to be ashamed of our hope, as long as we are hiding ourselves in God.  God's law is our hiding place.

     “Uphold me according to thy word that I may live and not be ashamed of my hope.” Psalm 119: 116.

God promises to revive the spirit of the humble, and revive the heart of the contrite ones.  “For thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy.  I dwell in the high  and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of  the contrite ones.”Isaiah 57: 15.

     God tells us not to cast away our confidence in him.  “Cast not away, therefore, your confidence which  hath great recompense of  reward.  For ye have need of patience, that after you have done the will of God ye shall receive the promise.  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10: 35, 36, 37

     We have a treasure within us – the Holy Spirit, who provides the power for us to accomplish all that God asks us to accomplish.  We may be troubled, but with God in us, we cannot be destroyed.  “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not in us. We are troubled on every side, yet not destroyed; we are perplexed, but not in despair. 2 Cor 4: 7,8

With God with us we need not succumb to despair, for with God we can overcome and accomplish great things.  Nothing is impossible with God.


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

God's Promise When We Feel Guilty

Thought for Today - May 11
God's Promise When We - Feel Guilty
By: Robert A. Searles

     Appearing before the judgment seat of God - how do you plead – guilty, or not guilty of sinning and breaking the laws of God?  The prosecuting attorney, our accuser, which is, by the way, our own guilty conscience, if you will, bears witness, and makes stunning accusations against us before the throne of God.

     Whether we want to admit it or not, we know that the witness of our own conscience is true – that we are indeed guilty of disobeying and sinning against God.  If we plead not guilty, we make God out to be a liar, because the Holy omniscient God has already declared that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

     When we try to hide our guilty conscience from God and others, and try to justify ourselves by our own good works, we fail miserably, and we end up bearing a heavy burden of guilty feelings on our shoulders.  Living with this heavy burden of guilty feelings on our shoulders day by day, not only effects us, and makes us miserable, but it also effects the lives of those around us as well.

     Why not plead guilty before God.  Confess our sins, rely on God's mercy, and claim his promises for the remedy of a guilty conscience.  God has given to us precious promises to relieve our soul of guilt, and restore fellowship with himself.

     Sin not confessed, causes us to be banished from God and from his fellowship, but God has made adequate provision  for us to be restored. 

     “For we must needs die, and are as water spilt upon the ground, which cannot be gathered up again, neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means that his banished be not expelled from him.” 2 Samuel 14:14.

     God in his mercy and love, has from the foundation of the earth, devised means whereby he can forgive sins and set the guilty free, and draw them back to himself.  “If thou Lord should mark iniquity, O Lord, who shall stand, but there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” Psalm 130: 3,4.

     God offered his son, who knew no sin, to suffer the penalty of our guilt by his death on the cross, and by his resurrection, justified all who will believe and receive him as Savior.  “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.  For the law of the spirit of the life  in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” Romans 8: 1,2.

     “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inhereit the kingdom of God?  Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminite, nor abusers with themselves with mankind, nor theives nor coveteous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you:  But you are washed, but you are sanctifed, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11.

     If any one who may be reading these lines is plagued and cast down with a heavy guilty concience, please believe and accept the promise of God.  “If we will confess our sins, he is just and able to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1: 9.

     O Sinner, please accept Christ today.  Drop the heavy burden of guilt from your shoulders and go free.  Oh! Sinner, go free!

Telehelp Publictions Christian Literature Ministry
Psalm 26:7

The Strange Woman

Thought for Today - May 10
The Strange Women
By: Robert A. Searles

     As well as warning us to beware of the folly of the lust of the flesh as it pertains to falling into the sin of adultery, the mention of the strange woman in scripture typifies, and speaks of anything that would draw us away from God.  Adultery in scripture also has a twofold meaning, in that, not only  does it pertain to the actual act of physical adultery, but it  also typifies and speaks of the act of turning away from our first love, who, for the Christian and child of God, is our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

     The command given to us that we should not commit adultery is a twofold command to warn  us not   to leave our physical mates for another, but also, it is a warning to the bride of Christ for us not to become involved in any affair that would constitute our committing spiritual adultery against our first love.  So, the mention of  the strange woman in the scriptures speaks of any thing, or any one, that would draw us away from God and his perfect will for us.  Speaking of the strange woman, Proverbs 5: 4 says: “Her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp  as a two edge sword.”

     What are the results of yielding to those things that draw us away from God?  When we are drawn away from God and commit adultery with other gods we are cast about by every wind or doctrine.  We are like the chaff that is blown about by the wind, according to Proverbs 5:6 . an unstable life without foundations , where it says: “Lest thou shouldest ponder the paths of life, her ways  are moveable, that thou canst not know them.”

     What are some of the strange women in our lives  with whom we commit adultery?  Could it be a sin that we have not confessed that draws us  out of fellowship with God? Could it be a grievance of the Holy Spirit because of something that we  have not made  right, perhaps a broken promise, or a vow that we have not kept?  Could it be that there is some  person -  husband, wife, son or daughtrer, mother, father, or friend, that we desire their admiration, respect, and esteem so much that we would turn aside from God to them?  Is the strange woman in our lives our material possessions, our house, our car, our business, bank accounts, our Job?  Is it our education?  Is it  our stanbding in the community?

    Whatever it is that draws us away from God and causes us not to put God at the very pinnacle of our lives, and the seat of our conscious worship, is nothing but an  adulterous whore, and we are warned to  seek wisdom  that  we may be kept away from the strange woman which flatereth with  her words.  Following the strange woman means ultimate destruction.  God                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 admonishes us not to be a wanderer away from God.   Be true to your first love. Be true to the wife of your youth.  Bride of Christ, be true to the one who has bought you and married you.

     Thou  shalt have no other gods before thee. Thou shalt love  the Lord thy  God with   all thy heart and with all thy soul.  So shall thou keep his commandments and live.

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

Hunger And Thirst For Righteousness

Thought for Today - May 9
Hunger And Thirst For Righteousness
By: Robert A Searles

     We as Christians ought to hunger and thirst after righteousness.  “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5: 6.

     Christ has imputed his righteousness to us if we are saved.  He made the first step toward us by offering his righteousness to all who will receive it.  Righteousness is simply being right in our actions, and thoughts, and attitudes toward God.  Our Lord and Savior was and still is the only person who could measure up to this requirement.

     Righteousness has its' rewards: “Righteousness delivers from death”-Proverbs 11: 4.
By right thoughts and actions toward God, we are not only delivered from spiritual death, but often we will prolong our life on earth because we will have  avoided those things that can destroy us.

     “The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way.” - Proverbs 11:5.
When our mind and our thoughts are in harmony and agreement with the mind of God, the Holy Spirit will direct our paths so that we follow a lifestyle that is good for us.

     “The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them.” Proverbs 11: 6 . Being right with God assures our escape from the penalty of sin, and guarantees a sure place in heaven because - “Righteousness tendeth to life.” Proverbs 11: 19.

     The seed of the rightreous shall be delivered.” Proverbs 11: 21.
Even our childfren and grandchildren, and future generations will reap the rewards of our righteousness; but on the other hand, they will also reap the penalties of our wickedness if we are wicked.

     “The desire of the righteous is only good.” Proverbs 11: 23
When  we are right with God, when our thoughts and actions toward God are  right; when we seek God with all our heart; then we can trust that the desires of our hearts are from God.  When we delight in the Lord, he gives  us the desires of our heart.

     “The righteous shall flourish as a branch” Ptoberbs 11: 28                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             and - “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise.  Proverbs 11:30.

 A good tree grows tall and spreads its'  leaves and branches and provides shade.  It provides a nesting place for birds and other creatures.  It provides food and offers protection.  May we each live and have our being as a tree of life in thee, oh Lord and win others to thee.

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

God's Promise to Us When - We Are Persecuted

Thought for Today - May - 7
God's Promise To Us When – We Are Persecuted
By: Robert A. Searles
     “Yea, And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus Shall suffer persecution” 2 Timothy 3: 12.
     Whatever comes our way, in the realm of trials, temptations, and persecution, we are assured  from the Holy Scriptures, that God sometimes wills and allows those things for our good, and perhaps for the good of those with whom we have an influence in our daily lives, so that,  perhaps they may witness our testimony of steadfastness for the Lord, and receive Christ and be saved.
     The  spread of the gospel, was greatly expedited by the persecution of the early martyrs,   in the early days of the church after the ascension of the Lord into heaven,
     Joseph was one who suffered persecution at the hands of his brothers when they became envious of him, and sold him into slavery; but this was meant for good for the saving of his family when they were  suffering a time of famine in their own land.  “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.'”  Genesis 50: 20.
     Jesus has promised us that there are great rewards in heaven waiting for those who suffer persecution for the sake of righteousness here on earth.
 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when men shall  revile you, and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. “ Matthew 5: 10-12.
     In the days ahead, some of us Christians may have to suffer some severe persecution, if the Lord does not return soon.  Because of our not being “politically correct”, and  by not denying our faith in Christ; the absolute authority of the word of God;  and the desire for righteous living, -  in the opinion of unbelievers and wicked persons, we who hold to the truth of the Word of God are the wrong doers and deserve to be punished and persecuted for righteousness sake.  Even so, let us, if and when we are called upon to suffer persecution for Christ, remember the promise of God, that the wicked and evil workers of iniquity who bring persecution upon us will soon be cut down, and those who belong to  Christ shall prevail  and be more than conquerors with him
.     “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed,  but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. Always bearing about in the body the dying of he Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live  are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.  So then, death worketh in us, but life in you. “ 2 Corinthians 4: 8-12.
     “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?  But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye, and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled. 1 Peter 3:  13-14
     Let us not be boastful and over confident in our  own strength in the time of  persecution, as Peter did during the trial of Christ when he boasted that  he would never forsake  the Lord, but let us pray for one another that we may find grace in the time of need, and in the power of God remain faithful and steadfast in our faith.

                                      Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
                                                                            Psalm 26:7

The Field of the Slothful

Thought for Today - May 6
The Field Of the Slothful
By: Robert A. Searlesl

     “I went by the field  of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown  over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.  Then I saw, and considered it  well:  I looked upon it, and received instruction.  Yet  a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth; and thy want as an armed man.” Proverb 24: 30-34

     Just as physical laziness will result in poverty and want, so will spiritual laziness and slothfulness result in poverty of the spirit and soul when we are too lazy or indifferent to pray and meet with God, and seek God, and do our duty toward him.  Just as we need to work  for our physical well being, so we must consciously make the effort to be spiritually well nurtured and adjusted by deliberately searching the scriptures, praying, and having communion with God.

     May we not allow ourselves to become negligent and lazy concerning the things of God, when God has opened his store house of blessing to us  and invited us to abide in him and enjoy the abundant life which he has provided for us.

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

First Fruits of Our Increase3

Thought for Today - May 5
First Fruits Of Our Increase
By: Robert A. Searles

     “....But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his rightreousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6: 33.

     “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty,  and  thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3: 9, 10.

     The first fruits of all our increase not only includes our money and material possessions, but it also includes our time, our health, and our youth, and the freshness, and soundness of our minds.  When God awakens us from sleep each new day, he has increased our time upon earth.  If we truly seek first the kingdom of God, then we will give to him the  first fruits of this increase.  The first moments, or first hours of each new day ought to be spent in quiet prayer and meditation, and fellowship with  God.  Often we are content to give to God whatever happens to be left over after we have taken the best of the crop for ourselves.  Then we give to God the gleanings.  After we  have all the sleep we want, after we have  eaten all the breakfast  we want, after  we have done all our work, and taken care of all the necessasry things that have to be done for ourselves, then we will try to find time 
to                                                                                                                                                                                                          fulfill our obligation  to  God.   If it is  an obligation that must be worked in somewhere  in our time schedule, then we ought to forget  it, because God wants our first fruits, brought to him  with a willing heart, with love, and adoration and gratitude.

     “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer  unto thee, and will look up.” Psalm 5: 3.

  Morning implies newness, freshness, first things.  Morning is the first fruits  of each new day. How can any machine which depends upon an  outside  source of power, for its' energy, be expected to function if it is not first connected to its' source of power? How can we, as humans who are dependent upon our creator as our source of power and wisdom, function properly if we are  not connected to our source of life?

     Our first  act when we awake in the morning ought to be to call upon the  name of the Lord.  Whosoever shall call upon the name of  the Lord  shall be saved. If we want to be safe  in the arms of Jesus all day long, then we ought to call upon him the moment we awake from sleep.

     Seeking first the kingdom of God means that we first want to live in God's presence and kingdom more than we want anything on earth.  We ought to seek  the kingdom of God early in the morning with  the freshness of our minds, and our  youth, and our health.

     Don't you think that God is well pleased when his children arise early in the morning and  offer  to him, with sincerity, gratitude, and love, the first fruits of the new day that he has  given to them?  When we honor God by opening our eyes in the morning and calling upon the name of the Lord, and say: Thank you Lord for this new day in my life, I want to walk and talk with you today, and have the fellowship of the Holy Spirit in all that I do this day; this is well pleasing to the Lord.  Each new day the Lord is knocking on the door of our hearts and lives the moment  we awake in the  morning.

    Jesus said: “Behold I stand at the door and knock,  if any man will  hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and sup with  him and he with me.”  The door must be  opened the first thing  in the morning. If we wait until it is convenient for us to open the door, it may be that we will  forget to open the  door  at all and we will have  missed a very important dinner guest.

  “As for me, I will come into thy  house  in the multitude of thy mercy.  And in thy fear will  Iworship toward thy holy temple.” Psalm  5: 7.
 

     “My voice shalt thou hear in the  morning, O Lord; in the morning will Idirect my prayer unto thee,and will look up.” Psalm 5:  3

     “Lead me O  Lord, in thy righteousness because  of mine enemies; make thy way straight before  my face.” Psalm 5:8.

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

Eat Your Words

Thought for Today - December 17
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, or 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 hearts be acceptable to God our Father who hears every word and knows every thought.
       Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

Your Invitation to Attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb of God

Thought for Today - May 3
Your Invitation To Attend The Marriage Supper Of the Lamb Of  God
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 a 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 be transported away from planet earth, being escorted 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 assure 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 accomplishments -  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 written 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 may 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 in your life.

     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 here on earth until our Lord returns to carry us away to begin the festivities at his banqueting table on high.

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  And to her  was granted that she should  be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.  And he saith unto me, write, blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the lamb. And he saith unto me, these are the true sayings of God." Rev 19: 7-9

Signed: Only a sinner saved by the grace of God
Your ambassador for Christ


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

Wher is Safety?

Thought for Today - May 2
Where Is Safety?
By: Robert A. Searles

     The safest place to be is in the center of the will of God; and to dwell  in the secret place of  the most high, and abide under the shadow of the almighty.  There is no greater refuge or fortress than our blessed Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  If we put our trust completely in him, he is faithful and just to forgive all our sins, and to deliver us from all unrighteousness
.
     Our enemy, Satan, is seeking to devour us and ruin our testimony. He sets traps for us, but when we hide beneath the “wings”, as it were, of our heavenly Father, we are protected, and the Word of God is our shield and buckler.

     Many are lost all around us, and many are caught in Satan's traps.  We see destruction all around us, but from the battlements of heaven, as it were, because we are in the high tower of our Lord's habitation. No evil can befall us, and no plague come nigh our dwelling, unless God so wills it for reasons we know nothing about.

     Our body guards are the angels, and they are under the strict orders of our heavenly Father to protect us and watch for our welfare.  One cry or one whimper directed to God from one of God's children in distress is enough to set the whole host of heaven in an  uproar, and set everything in motion for our rescue.

     “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty.  I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress; my God in him will I trust.  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.  A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.  Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.  Because thou has made the lord, which is my refuge, even the most high, thy  habitation, there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.  They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.  Thou shalt tread upon the lion and  adder, the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.  Because he  hath set his love  upon me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” Psalm 91.

     If we want to be sure and confident of God's protection from the evils that are in the world, and all around us, we must change our place of residence from the world, to the secret place of the most high.

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