Keeping Clean

Thought For Today - February 24 - -
Keeping Clean
By: Robert A. Searles

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." Psalm 51: 1,2.

 We would not want to eat from dirty dishes, would we? And we would not want to wear soiled clothing from day to day. Neither does God desire for us to do so, nor can he dwell in a habitation that is untidy ,and use vessels that are dirty and soiled. Therefore, as the habitation of God, we need to wash every new day in the word of God ,so that we might be acceptable unto God for his habitation and use. - -

Wait for God

Thought For Today - February 23
Wait For God 
By: Robert A. Searles

We must learn to wait for God in all things. Our time schedule is not necessarily God's time schedule. In fact, God exists outside of time, because he created it, and time, as we know it, means nothing to God. Eternity past, present, and future, is all combined in the now with God.


Man exists in time and space. Everything that man does or experiences is controlled by time and space. This is not so with God. God knows the beginning and the ending all at the same time. He sees our down sitting and our uprising all at the same time. He is the Alpha, and Omega, the beginning and ending. Therefore, after all is said and done, no evil can befall a child of God, because all things work together for good to those who love God, according to Romans 8:28.

Jesus taught us that we are to be anxious for nothing. God's time is not our time, and God's ways are not our ways; his thoughts are not our thoughts. Jesus said that we are not to be anxious, but to trust God and wait for him. "And which of you by being anxious can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then, be not able to do that which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?" Luke 12: 25,26

. "But I would have you without carefulness ." 1 Cor 7:32. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God." Philippians 4:6.

 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7.

 "Therefore, take no thought, saying what shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or where withal shall we be clothed? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness ;and all these things shall be added unto you." Math 6: 31,33.

We must learn to always be seeking first the will of God; the glorification of God; and the kingdom of God; and to trust God and wait for God.

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock." Math 7: 24.

Wait for God. "My soul wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him." Psalm 62:5. 

"Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress: so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us." Psalm 123: 2.

 "Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee." Proverbs 20: 22.

Let us learn to wait for God.- -

Pray Without Ceasing

Thought For Today - February 22 - -
Pray Without Ceasing
By: Robert A. Searles

Before God can truly work in us and through us, we must confess and depart from every known sin. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin, but before the blood can cleanse us from all sin, all our sins must be brought before him and laid at his feet We may have already put every sin under the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we may think that we are justified, and sanctified in the sight of God, and fit for the master's use, and we may very well be except for one besetting sin which keeps us from having the power of God in our lives, and being effective for God. That is, the sin of neglecting to pray.

Jesus said, I will know if you love me if you keep my commandments. He gave the commandment that men ought always to pray without ceasing. Without ceasing means without ever stopping. Always means always. So, the command from Jesus is that if we love him we will never stop talking with him night or day. 

It is a very definite sin to cease praying ,or to let there ever be a moment in our lives when we are not in direct communication with God. Samuel, considered it sinning against God when he ceased to pray. He said: "Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and right way....." 1 Samuel 12: 23.

If anything enters our mind that obstructs or hinders our communication with God, that thing has become an idol, and should not be there. When our minds are cluttered with things rather than thoughts of God, our mind is at work on these things, and we are really praying to a god that cannot save.

 "Assemble yourselves and come, draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save." Isaiah 45: 20.

Jesus said: "watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation" Math 26:41 Watching in prayer and constant communication with God keeps us from falling into temptation. In Luke chapter 11:1 the disciples did not ask Jesus to teach them how to pray: they asked him to teach them to pray. Jesus said: "men ought always to pray." Luke 18:1. "Pray without ceasing" 1 Thes 5:17. "I will that men pray everywhere." 1 Tim 2: 8.

Praying without ceasing is having God a part of everything we do. Always talking with God in our innermost being while carrying on whatever activity we have to do in our practical lives.
If you were talking with your friend on the telephone, it would not be too difficult to hold the receiver to your ear with one hand while stirring the soup, as it were, with the other. We must do the same with God if we want his power and blessing. Let us ask for cleansing from neglecting to pray. - -

A Tree o Life

Thought For Today - February 21
A Tree of Life 
By Robert A. Searles

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." Proverbs 11:30.

We see a tree growing in the midst of other trees, and we can usually determine what kind of a tree it is by examining the fruit which it bears. How refreshing, and restoring it would be if we were travelers in the wilderness, and suddenly came upon a tree with fruit which we could eat.

The verse says: "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life." Are we like a tree planted in the vineyard of our God? Are we one of those that be planted in the house of the Lord, and are we flourishing in the courts of our God? Are we a tree called "righteous"?

 Psalm 92: 12-14 says: "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tee: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing."

 Righteous trees that are flourishing in the courts of God shall still bring forth fruit in old age. Is the fruit that we are bearing, life giving, and life sustaining to travelers who pass our way? The scripture says that the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. Will someone live and be sustained, and grow because they have eaten of our fruit today? Are we truly a tree of life? Are we truly soul winners? He that winneth souls is wise.

Let us examine ourselves and see if we are indeed righteous, not that we are righteous in our selves, but ,that we have been made righteous by the finished work of Christ. And, let us examine ourselves and see if we are indeed planted and flourishing in the courts of our God. We cannot abide long as a branch unless our roots are firmly attached to the true vine, the Lord Jesus Christ. What kind of fruit are we bearing? Is it eatable to a hungry soul that may come our way today? Jesus said that a branch that bears no fruit is good for nothing and is cut off and thrown away, but even the branch that does bear fruit, the husbandman purgeth and pruneth it so that it might bear more fruit.

May it be said of us that we are righteous trees, growing in the courts of God, and that our fruit is a tree of life, and pray that we will still bring forth fruit in old age. - -

The Strange Woman

Thought For Today - February 20
The Strange Woman
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 edged 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 foundation 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  sin 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 broken vow? Could it be that there is some person, husband, wife, son or daughter, mother, father , or friend, that we desire their admiration, respect, and esteem so much that we would turn aside from God for 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 standing 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 flattereth 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 shalt thou keep his commandments and live."

Why Do I Love Jesus

Thought For Today - February 19
Why do I love Jesus? 
By: Robert A. Searles

Recently I was asked - "Why do you love Jesus?"
Many good men and women of the past have told us why they loved Jesus, the psalmist being one of them, he said under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit -  "I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. the Lord preserved the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted: I said in my haste, all men are liars. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. In the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord." Psalm 116 

I can tell you that I, too, love Jesus for all the same reasons: but to be more specific as to my own personal testimony, let me say that I love the Lord Jesus Christ because he had chosen me before the foundation of the world, to give me faith to believe his word and be saved. I did not choose him, he chose me. According to Ephesians: 1: 3-5 which tells us -  "Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will."

Unsaved friends, God has chosen for you to read these words and bring you within hearing of his gospel message. All whom God has allowed to hear the gospel message have been chosen to believe and be saved. 

Without faith it is impossible to please God and be saved. Faith is a gift from God. Ephesians 2: 8-9 tells us - ” 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."

I love Jesus because he gave me faith to believe. Once I was dead to God in trespasses and sin, a natural man who could not understand the things of God according to 1 Cor 2:14 -  "The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned." 

 Jesus awakened me from my natural state and gave me new life according to Ephesians 2: 1-3 - "And you hath he quickened ( or made alive ) who were dead in trespasses and sin: wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worked in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”

 Therefore, I love Jesus because he chose me. I love Jesus because he gave me faith to believe. I love Jesus because once I was blind, but now I see: Once I was lost but now I am found. I love Jesus because he paid with his own blood all the debts I owe God. I love Jesus because he will keep me secure forever according to his promise of 1 John 5: 11-13.

"And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life. And this life is in his son. He that hath the son hath life and he that hath not the son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the son of God." 

Will the Lord Cast Off forever?

Thought For Today - February 17
Will The Lord Cast Off Forever?
By: Robert A. Searles

     "I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice;and he gave ear unto me.  In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: My sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.  I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.  Thou holdest mine eyes waking; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.  I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.  I call to remembrance my song in the night; I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.  Will the Lord cast off forever? And will he be favorable no more?  Is his mercy clean gone forever? Doth his  promise fail for evermore?  Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah  And I said, this is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most high.  I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.  I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings." Psalm 77: 1-12.
 
     The psalmist seemed to be going through a time of physical suffering as well as a time when it seemed to him that God may have forgotten him and was far off - "Will The Lord Cast off forever?" - "Will he be favorable no more?" -  Every time we find ourselves in a similar situation which seems hopeless and we become fearful we have a tendency  to ask the same questions.  Where is God?  Has he forgotten us?  These are the times when we need to remember, as the psalmist did, the former times when it seemed that God was pouring out an abundance of blessings upon us and meeting our every need. 

 God never leaves us nor forsakes us.  He always keeps his promises to save us and to provide for our daily requirements.  It is we who backslide and fall away from fellowship with him and become faithless.  We need to cry out to God and ask forgiveness for our backsliding and lack of faith,  We need to count all our past blessings and remember the things that Jesus told us - That if we  will confess our sins he will forgive our sins and restore our fellowship with God the Father, and the Holy Spirit.  God hears and answers our prayers.  We need only to believe.

Who is in Authority?

Thought For Today - February 16 - -
Who is in authority? 
By: Robert A. Searles

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." Proverbs 29:2
.
When we listen to the news each day,it is very disturbing and disgusting to hear of all the alleged corruption and dishonesty going on in high places. We had better pray diligently for all of our government leaders. When it comes time to elect new leaders, if we want to keep our country free, with happy, prosperous people, we had better make sure that we ascertain whether the elected leaders are righteous or wicked. Our standard for righteousness and wickedness ought to be the inspired word of God.

"He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Proverbs 29: 1

 When God tells us over and over again to do something or not to do something, and we do not take heed, then there comes a time when God cuts us off without hope.

"In the transgression of an evil man there is snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath." Proverbs 29: 6-8

. Are we righteous? Do we sing unto the Lord and rejoice? Do we consider the cause of the poor and try to do something about it? Do we elect leaders whose standards for leadership are the laws and commandments of God? Who is in authority?

Psalm 41: 1,2,3, & 13

Thought For Today - February 15
Psalm 41: 1,2,3 & 13 
By: Robert A Searles

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen." Psalm 41: 1,2,3, & 13.

If we wish for God to answer our prayers and deliver us in the time of trouble, then we need to cease from complaining and being covetous, and realize that there are others who are far more needy than we, and we need to be willing to share our abundance with them that they might be helped.

When we meet the needs of others, we are investing in God's help for ourselves. He will preserve us and keep us alive and protect us from all our enemies. He will lengthen the span of our life, and strengthen us in our infirmities. - -

Psalm 45: 2, 3 & 6

Thought For Today - February 14
Psalm 45: 2,3, & 6 
By: Robert A. Searles

"Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee forever. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: the scepter of thy kingdom is a right scepter." Psalm 45: 2,3,6

Christ is the fairest of all mankind. He is the Man of men. He is the King of kings, and Lord of lords; he is the almighty God, revealed in human flesh, the incarnate Word of God. He speaks truth, grace, and mercy. He is the only source of salvation and life everlasting. His throne is forever. Let us worship and praise him and exalt his name above every name.

Forever Free from Condemnation

Thought For Today - February 1
Forever free from condemnation
By: Robert A. Searles

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1. 

 Those of us who have put on Christ Jesus are no longer condemned, before God as we once were, . If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away, and all things have become new. Before we were saved, we walked according to the dictates and desires of the flesh, obeying the lusts of the flesh, we were carnally minded. But, when we were "born again" as the children of God by God's grace, through faith in the shed blood, the death burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we had a change of personality within us if, indeed, we were truly born again. This personality change within us is the result of the Holy Spirit moving in and taking control of our bodies when we invited him; therefore, we are changed from the vile person that we were by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to become the sons of God, and as sons and daughters of God, we cannot be condemned or cast out because we are sealed by the power of the Holy Spirit. We have passed once for all from death unto life.

Once we were carnally minded all the time, and we were dead completely in trespasses and sins; but, when we were born again, the Holy Spirit began his work in us and we began to live eternally. This does not mean that we do not still have the old sin nature still abiding in us, but now, if we will allow , we have the Holy Spirit warring against the evil within to give us victory over the old nature. 

"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8: 6.

Now as the redeemed children of God, we ought to be Holy Spirit controlled beings. 

For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Romans 8 14.

 If the flesh controls us, we shall die; but, if the Spirit controls us, we shall live.

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." Romans 8:13

We ought to be careful as Christians, just what power we allow to control us, whether it is our own fleshly lust, or the spirit of anti Christ - the devil, or the Holy Spirit. It is our obligation as the children of God to seek such fellowship with the Lord that we Know that we are being led by the Holy Spirit. 

Te;lehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

https://telehelppublicationsbookshelf.blogspot.comhttps://telehelpstoressc.com

 

 

 

Psalm 36: 1-4 & 9

Thought For Today - February 12 - -
Psalm 36: 1-4,9 
By: Robert A. Searles

“The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise and to do good: he deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil." Psalm 36: 1-4.

Christians who are truly born again and sold out unto the Lord are commanded to come out from among the ungodly, and be wholly separated from them. When we, as Christians strive to obey God in this matter, we are often accused of being judgmental and unfair.
Can we rightly judge whether a person is saved and truly loves and fears God, and desires to serve him? How can we make fair and righteous judgments? This psalm tells us that we can, by observing his actions; by observing his consistent lifestyle; by what he says; by his likes and dislikes and desires.

Psalm 36: 9 "For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light." - -

Wait Patiently for the Lord

Thought For Today - February 10
Wait Patiently for the Lord 
By: Robert A. Searles

“I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." Psalm 40: 1-3

When we wait patiently for the Lord he does not disappoint us. He is faithful in keeping his promises. When I cried unto him and waited, he pulled me up out of the miry pit and set my feet upon the rock, and taught me songs of praise to sing to the ungodly that they might hear and know that he exists and loves them ,and offers salvation to all who will believe. I pray that my song of praise shall be heard and bring glory to my Lord.

"Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, the Lord be magnified." Psalm: 40:16

Where is Jesus Today?

Thought For Today - February 9 - -
Where is Jesus Today? 
By: Robert A. Searles

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is no longer in Jerusalem, no longer walks the shores of Galilee, no longer in the fisherman's boat, no longer hangs on a cross, and no longer in the tomb.
Our Lord and Savior has risen and ascended into heaven as our great high priest, our advocate with the father, our lawyer in heaven, as it were, interceding for us, and preparing a place for us in heaven. He is preparing his kingdom and calling his people.

One day we shall hear the trumpet sound and we who know him as our own personal savior will be drawn away to meet the King of kings, and dwell and reign with him forever.
It is a good thing to study history and remember our beginning and consider our roots. It is good to remember and never forget the miracles and sinless holy unspotted life of our Lord; it is good to remember that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, taking our sins upon himself and bearing all our iniquities, shedding his blood as the only cleanser of our guilt and sin. It is good to reflect and remember, but we must not stay in the past. We must consider where we are today in our relationship with him. We must be constantly in communication with him today to know his will and get instructions for our daily activities.

He has promised us that from heaven he will hear our prayers, accept our praise, and provide for all our spiritual and physical needs. Let us learn to keep our minds and our hearts stayed and focused on him and walk in the spirit and grow in wisdom and grace. He has promised to keep us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on him. - -

Where is Our Boasting?

Thought For Today - February 8 - -
Where is our boasting? 
By: Robert A. Searles

"Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." Jeremiah 9: 23,24.

What are we boasting in this morning, my friends? Are we glorying in our high degree of intelligence; our great worldly wisdom; education, college degrees, or our position in life? Are we boasting in our youth, or in our physical beauty, or our health?

You may be saying within yourself, I am young yet, in perfect health, I have the world by the tail, but do you? Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Take heed therefore and consider - "I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them." Ecclesiastes 9:11,12

Each of us need to stop and consider that all that we are, all that we have, all that we ever can hope to become has been bestowed upon us by our creator and heavenly father. Every good and perfect gift comes down from our father above, whether it be our eternal salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, or the gift of intelligence, or health, beauty, position in life, or great riches. It is God who gives us the power to get wealth.

  "That according as it is written, he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:31.

 "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." 2 Corinthians 10: 17,18

Friends, lets turn our eyes away from ourselves, and fix them upon our wonderful God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and let all our boasting and glorying be in him.

"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depth of the sea." Micah 7:18,19.


WHEN WE HAVE ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST AS OUR PERSONAL SAVIOUR WE ARE INDEED THE RICHEST PERSON IN THIS WORLD SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO WORLDLY STANDARDS WE MAY SEEM VERY POOR

My Daily Bread

Thought For Today - February 7
My Daily Bread 
By: Robert A. Searles

Give me this day my daily bread so that my soul might find nourishment in thee, O God of my salvation, and that I might have to give to others, that they too might be fed. Except thou dost break the bread to me, I cannot feed the hungry. A person can receive nothing except it be given him from God. You have told us, dear Lord in your word, that as our days are, so shall our strength be. Each day the manna falls from Heaven upon your beloved own, and provision is made for our well being; therefore, dear Lord, we ask for strength that we might gather that which you have already provided for us.

Your word O God is a banqueting table to which all who will hear your voice have been invited to come and dine. A banqueting table filled with the finest cuisine of heaven; the bread of life; the lamb of God; the heavenly mana, the Lord Jesus Christ who said that if we eat of his flesh and drink his blood we shall never hunger and never thirst. He is at the head of the table with his arms outstretched and calling to the multitudes, come and dine. Sinner, will you believe and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior today and partake of the bread of Life.?

Christian friend and brother and sister, will you leave the scraps of the world to the hogs and come to your father's table and eat like a king's son. God has promised that he will supply us with daily bread, but our daily bread is found within the pages of his holy word. We must gather and eat by reading and prayer and meditation in a disciplined time and manner. Then the Holy Spirit will feed us. Then we will have enough for ourselves and others, and baskets full left over.

Flourish Like the Palm Tree

Thought For Today - February 6 - -
Flourish like the Palm Tree 
By: Robert A. Searles

"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him." Psalm 92: 12-15.

When we have cast off our filthy rags of self righteousness and put on the righteousness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are declared righteous before God and this promise holds true for us: that we who have had the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed to us shall flourish like the palm tree, and we are planted in the house of the Lord, and no man is able to pluck us out of his hand. We sit together in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, and we are joint heirs of the inheritance of God's kingdom with Christ.

You may have the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed to you simply for the asking. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Confess and agree with God that you are a sinner and believe in your heart that Christ shed his blood to pay your sin debt. He died and was buried according to the scripture, and the third day he was raised from the dead according to the scripture for our justification. By faith receive this free gift of God and you too shall flourish like the palm tree, and grow like the cedars of Lebanon, and flourish in the courts of our God.

Abundance -versus - Want

Thought For Today - February 5 - -
Abundance - versus - Want 
By: Robert A. Searles

According to our English dictionary, the definition of abundance is: - a plentiful supply; a great quantity or number; copiousness; plenty.

God our father in heaven, and creator of all that is, is infinitely rich, and it is his desire that his children on earth be well cared for and share in the fatness and riches of his house. He offers to all who will hear the call, to partake of his abundance. He saw our lack and wretchedness as poor lost sinners, and took upon himself the likeness of our humanity and lived among us in the person of Jesus Christ. He offered himself for us to redeem us back to himself, and declared that he came to give us life, and that more abundantly. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.

Christ, the eternal source of all life, not willing that any should perish, left the glories of his eternal home, temporarily laid aside his divine power, became a man and took upon himself the sins of the whole world. He who knew no sin became sin for us in order that we might be the partakers of his divine nature and enjoy with him the fatness of his father’s house. This he has made available to all of us who will believe him; confess our sins; and receive him into our hearts as our saviour.

When we have a personal relationship with Christ as our saviour, he gives to us abundant joys. There are joys and a sense of accomplishments and fullfillments in serving Christ that cannot be experienced in anything else that we do. Joy is independent of our happiness, or circumstances of life. The abundant joy that we know as the result of our relationship and service to Christ, is that which rises up out of the depth of our soul when we know that we are pleasing to God; and cannot be extinguished by anything this carnal world has to offer. “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasure.” Psalm 36:8.

God’s grace is abundant, more than enough, over flowing for every situation. By grace we are saved; by grace we are kept; by grace we are able to overcome all obstacles and difficulties. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, nothing that we deserve, but is available to all who will believe and receive. By God’s grace we have all sufficiency for all things. By God’s grace we will get to heaven. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 2 Cor 9:8.

Through Christ we have abundant power to be more than conquerors and gain the victory over our chief enemy and adversary, Satan. He goes about seeking whom he may trap and devour; but the Holy Spirit working in us abundantly supplies the power we need to be over comers. We need not become the slaves of Satan. We who know Christ as our savior are the children of God, and he gives us the resources and power we need to be victorious. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen!”” Ephes 3:20,21.

God supplies all our needs abundantly. Sometimes we think that we need more than we actually do, but in reality all we need is the essentials of life to stay alive, remain healthy, and survive, and have all the resources we need to serve God.

We find, for the most part, at the end of the day when we look back, we can see that all that we have needed has been supplied to us, and many times, much more than we thought we needed. When we are faithful in our service to God, he gives us not only the things that we need, but also some of our wants and things that we would like to have to make our lives more enjoyable while we are serving him. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Ph 4:19

God also has provided for his children an abundant entrance into his presence. The curtain in the temple was split asunder when Christ was crucified, and the doors were swung wide open and a universal invitation was given to all to come and dine at the father’s table. Whosoever will may come to the throne of grace in the name of Jesus Christ and receive pardon and entrance into his presence. “For so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:11.

Abundant Salvation

Thought For Today - February 2 - -
ABUNDANT SALVATION 
By: Robert A. Searles

They that abound in the salvation of God through Christ are the light of the world. They bring the light of hope into a dark and dying world which is filled with sin and darkness. The faithful become radiant as stars. 

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3.

They who abound in salvation and faithfully serve the Lord out of love and gratitude for him will receive a royal welcome in heaven.

“Then shall the king say unto them on the right hand, come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Math 25:34.

They who abound in salvation may be afflicted and have to suffer trials and tribulations for a season, but our light afflictions add to the final glory.

“For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 2 Cor 4:17

Our abundant salvation through Christ assures for us a triumphant entrance into heaven.
“For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:11

The precious blood of Christ which was spilled for us to give us our abundant salvation, guarantees us a place near to the heart of God, and we are given a place near the throne of God.

“ And one of the elders answered saying unto me, what are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they? And I said unto him, sir thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” Rev 7:13-15

Why Do the Ungodly Seem to Prosper?

Thought For Today - February 1 - -
Why do the ungodly seem to prosper? 
By: Robert A. Searles
Read Psalm 73 - -

" Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heartBut as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wickedFor there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart vain, and washed my hands in innocency.For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terror As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works." Psalm 73
The ungodly seem to prosper in the world - - why? Why does it seem that those who have acknowledged the sovereignty of God, and have accepted Christ as savior, having had their hearts cleansed, and having had their hands washed in innocence in the blood of Christ, seem to be plagued and chastened every morning. ?

The psalmist was complaining of this, and was tempted to envy the wicked because, on the surface, it seems that everything always went well with them, while those who were faithful and steadfast before God were being persecuted, laughed at, and suffered want.

Many so called wise men and women today, who call themselves learned scholars, deny the existence of God, and scoff at any idea of an ine who deny God, in spite of their prosperity, are set in slippery places, and will be eventually telligent deity who is responsible for the creation and maintenance of the universe, while the poor, faithful, steadfast widow, with her widow’s mite offers her all on the altar of faith, and gives glory to God for all things. Is the poor widow wiser, after all, than these learned scholars? 

 The psalmist concluded after all that the scoffers and thoscast down to destruction, and will be utterly consumed with terrors

. “Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.” Psalm 73: 18-19.

Truly wise man and women still seek Jesus, whereas, the worldly wise with their arrogance, wealth, and education reject him; but in the end, this we know, as the psalmist has proclaimed -  “For lo, they that are far from thee shall perish; thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all his works.” Psalm 73: 27,28.

“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them, for their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. Through wisdom is an house builded, and by understanding it is established: and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24: 1-4.

We must not envy the worldly wise and those who seem to prosper in their wickedness, nor should we covet his goods. We who love God and want to live by his precepts have the sure promises of God that the palaces of a wicked king will crumble and fall, but the hut, the tent, or the tabernacle of the righteous shall flourish.

“The house of the wicked shall be overthrown; but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:11-12.