Have Faith

Thought For Today - September 30
 Have Faith!
By: Robert A. Searles

Faith, which is a gift from God, is the ability to believe the seemingly impossible things which God has promised and is able to do for us. Our faith is not strong enough to accomplish much for God. Faith comes by praying, fasting, and hearing the word of God.

God grants the power and faith to expect great things from him and do great things for his glory when we sincerely draw near unto him, and seek his face and fellowship.

If we could have genuine faith, even as small as a grain of mustard seed, and if we are in partnership with God, nothing shall be impossible to us.

"And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, saying, Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.“ Matthew 17:14-21

O Lord, please grant to me faith, even as small as a grain of mustard seed, to believe that you can and will  rebuke the devil and do for me and my family, that which you did for that  "certain  man"  when you walked on earth over two thousand years ago. Jesus Christ, , the same -  yesterday, today, and forever -  alive in heaven -  seated beside  God the Father, making intercession for us. Time, distance and space, have no bearing on what you can and will do if it is your will to do it to bring honor and glory to yourself.  This is my prayer  for this day, and I thank you for your answer.
Your will shall always prevail in every situation. and rightly so..

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

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Crumbs From the Table

Thought For Today - September 23
Crumbs From The Table
By: Robert A. Searles

The spiritual riches of the Gentiles came from the crumbs that fell from the table of Israel. Christ was sent to teach and to save his people, Israel. 

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not, but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1: 11-13. 

If Israel had not rejected his teaching, and accepted him as their promised Messiah, confessing to him their sins and receiving his forgiveness, his kingdom would have been established on earth at that time; but God also had in mind the Gentile nations , that they also should be gathered into his kingdom, so it was in his divine plan to save all kindreds and nations who would believe and call upon him for salvation. A Gentile woman approached Jesus and cried out to him for mercy to deliver her daughter from the power of darkness. He reminded her that his mission was for the lost sheep of Israel, but she replied that she would be satisfied with just the crumbs that would fall from her master's table. Jesus commended her for her faith and rewarded her accordingly.

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." They that have faith to believe and receive Christ as savior and Messiah will have an inheritance in his kingdom.

"Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying: have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples, came and besought him, saying, send her away; for she crieth after us, But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshiped him, saying Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." Matthew 15: 21-28.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 
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From the Depths of the Heart

Thought For Today - September 22
From the Depths of the Heart!
By Robert A. Searles

"The heart is deceitful  above all things  and  desperately wicked, who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9 Out of the depths of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, and every evil thing.

The scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of transgressing the tradition of the elders by not washing his hands before eating. These hypocrites, as Jesus called them, were zealous of outward appearances and the attending to rituals in a pretense of seeming to be Holy before God; but Jesus was swift to remind them that they were transgressing the laws of God by their tradition.

Like many people today, they drew near to God with their mouth, but their heart was far from him, they were careful to give a vane show of worship of God by following the doctrine of good works of men.

Jesus who examines the heart of all men, and knows our thoughts afar off, and knows the motives behind every deed, emphasized that it is not what we do, or what we put into our mouths that matters so much to God, but the thoughts and intents of the heart that produce either evil or good. If the thoughts and meditations of our heart are pure and pleasing to God, Then will follow obedience and good works that will be pleasing and honoring to God. Only God can purify our hearts by the constant indwelling of his Holy Spirit.

"Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, why do ye also transgress the commandments of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, honor thy father and mother: and , he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, it is a gift, by whatsoever thou might be profited by me; and honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, this people draweth nigh unto me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments  of men." Matthew 15: 1-9

. "And he called the multitude, and said unto them, hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15: 10-11.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
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Almost Persuaded

Thought For Today - September 21
Almost Persuaded !
By: Robeert A. Searles

If perchance someone may be reading these lines who is not a Christian, and does not know what it means to be saved, and you do not have the joys of fellowship with our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you ought to stop right where you are and consider the alternatives.

It is possible to have a pearl of great price slip through your fingers and be lost to you forever, and it is possible to be so close to much treasure, and yet to lose or neglect it all
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Perhaps a wife or husband; a mother or father; or a son or a daughter has been praying for your salvation. Perhaps they have very lovingly told you of Jesus and his power to save. Perhaps they have very patiently and kindly explained to you God's simple plan of salvation. It may be that at times the Holy Spirit has tugged at your heart and you have been almost persuaded, almost but not yet, another time, when I am older, after I have exhausted all the pleasures of a worldly lifestyle; almost persuaded to believe and trust Jesus , almost, but still lost
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You, no doubt, have heard the gospel preached at church, or on the radio, or television, or from literature such as you are now reading, and yet you continue to neglect your salvation.
My dear friend or relative, whoever you may be, millions throughout the ages have tried and tested the Word of God and have found it to be sure and steadfast and trustworthy. The Word of God teaches us that it is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment. All must stand before God and give an account for what he did with God's greatest gift to man, his only begotten son, the Lord Jesus Christ: That whosoever should believe on him and call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

My friend, the only alternative to being saved is to be lost, and to be lost does not mean cessation of existence or annihilation, but it means to spend eternity in an eternal hell, separated from God forever. 

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" Hebrews 2: 3,4.

If you have neglected your salvation, won't you reconsider before it is eternally too late?

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
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Keep on Sowing

Thought For Today - September 20
Keep on sowing!
By: Robert A. Searles

When we go forth to sow the seed of the word of God, we must expect that not every single seed that we sow will take root and grow and bring forth fruit for the glory of God.

Just as when the farmer sows seeds of grain, some seed will fall by the wayside and be lost, or the birds will devour them. Some seeds fall into rocky places where there is not much to nurture them ,and they are left for the sun to wither them away. Some seeds fall among thorns which choke them up and hinder their growth.

When the word of God falls upon an unsaved person's ears for the first time, If God has not prepared that person's heart to receive the seed of the word, even as the farmer has prepared the soil to receive the grain seed, then the seed fall upon dry ground, and Satan is ever around and ready to snatch away the seed of the word of God.

Some people have had their hearts stirred by God and are ready to receive God's truth, and for a little while the seeds spring forth, but before long the heart is dried up and hardened by trials and tribulations, and no fruit is produced. Then, there is the seed that has fallen among the thorns. The thorns represent those who at one time , with joy and gladness , have received the word of God , and for a time it sprang up in them to produce healthy plants for the Lord and for a season bore fruit; but because of associations with the wrong kind of people, or associations with worldly things, the cares and riches of the world, have choked them and now they no longer grow and bear fruit.

But there is always that small percentage of seed which is sown and falls into good ground. The good ground is the person who hears the word and understands it, and in him the word grows and bears fruit.

We who are sowers of the word of God must not become discouraged when some of our seed falls by the wayside, or upon dry ground, or among thorns, because some will always fall upon good ground. That which falls upon good ground will bring forth abundantly for the Lord.

"And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched: and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them. But other fell unto good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixty fold, some thirty fold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 13: 3-9

"Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while : for when tribulations or persecutions ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word: and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it, which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Matthew 13: 18-23

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We Are What We Speak

Thought For Today - September18
-We Are What We Speak!
By: Robert A. Searles

The words that proceed from our mouth echo the thoughts and intentions of our heart. The heart, or our innermost being, is the place where the Spirit of God dwells, or the spirit of the devil and evil.
When the spirit of evil dominates the heart, no good thing can come from our lips, but when the Spirit of God dominates the heart, the words of our mouth bring forth good things.

As a cesspool when open to the air gives forth foul odors, so the corrupt evil heart of man sends forth a stench from the mouth which speaks blasphemy, and dishonors God and pollutes men. Only after the heart of man is cleansed and purified , and purged of all evil, and the Holy Spirit enters in, by having received Christ as Savior, will the words of our mouth have a sweet fragrance and be pleasing to God and edify man.

Be careful little tongue what you speak, for God hold us accountable for every word that proceeds from our lips.

"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 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 shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Matthew 12: 34-37

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
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Lord of the Sabbath

Thought For Today - September 17
Lord of the Sabbath!
By: Robert A. Searles

Jesus and his disciples were accused by the Pharisees of breaking the law by picking corn on the Sabbath day. The Pharisees, who were strict keepers of the law, would condemn anyone for working on the Sabbath day, which according to law was to be kept holy with no work being done.

`Jesus pointed out to them that sometimes necessity requires that God in his mercy allows us to do certain things that we would not normally do under different circumstances, as in the case of David when he and his men ate the shewbread in the temple which was lawful for only the priest to eat. God poured out his mercy on David and his men by making the shewbread available to them to satisfy their hunger. In the case of Jesus and his disciples, God showed mercy upon them by allowing them to pick the corn and eat on the Sabbath.

Here in the cornfield with his disciples was one greater than the temple and the law, the divine Son of God Himself in human flesh. He who was Lord of the Sabbath wanted all men to know that God is merciful and would rather pour out his mercy on his creatures than to require sacrifice.

"At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, behold thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day. But he said unto them, have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him; how he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the Sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, that in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day." Matthew 12:1-8.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
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Bring your burdens to the Lord

Thought For Today - September16
Bring Your Burdens to the Lord.
By: Robert A. Searles

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

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

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

What burdens lay heavy on our souls today? Is it the burden of sin? Is it the burden of doubts and fears, or the burden of sickness and immanent death? Do we grieve today over the loss of family, friends, or loved ones? Are we perplexed, not knowing where to turn or what road to take to solve our problems? Are we overly concerned about how we will meet the challenges of the future?

Jesus stands ready to make an exchange of burdens. If we are willing to lay all our cares and burdens upon him, he will bear them for us, but we in exchange must be willing to put his yoke upon our shoulders and be busy for him. When we are yoked together with him, he is bearing the heavier part of the load and our burdens become lighter. We are told to take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there. Burdens are lifted at Calvary.

Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-3

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 
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Do We Look For Another?

Thought For Today - September15
Do we look for another?
By: Robert A. Searles

John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness and baptizing in the Jordan river, pointed to Jesus and proclaimed: "Behold the lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world". Now John, being in prison, has doubts within himself. John sent two of his disciples to Jesus to ask him plainly: Are you the one or should we look for another? 

Today, we Christians, though we live by faith and believe the word of God, yet, in trying times it is possible that doubts and fears may creep into our lives, especially if we are not as close to the Lord as we ought to be, and faithful in studying God's word and praying. If we are completely honest, we must admit that down in our hearts we have all asked the question: Is it true? Is the bible relevant for us today? Is Christ alive? Will he return as he said he would? Is there life after death? Will God forgive and forget our sins?

John, being in prison and about to be executed, probably was wondering in his heart: If Jesus was the one, the Lamb of God, the mighty God in human flesh, why would he allow him to be imprisoned and executed?

We ask very similar questions today: Why am I going through such troubling times? Why am I sick and afflicted with a terrible disease? Why am I lonely? Why am I going through financial difficulties? Why am I so afraid?

Jesus’s reply to John's disciples was that he examine the evidence: Consider all that came to Jesus for help. The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, even the dead are raised.

When Satan whispers in our ears and tries to get us to question as to whether or not Jesus is real and our faith genuine, then we need to stop and remember the goodness of God in our lives in times past. Remember when the burden of guilt was lifted off our shoulders when we first believed. Remember all of our childhood prayers that were answered. Remember the times that we were afraid when the Holy Spirit of God was there to calm our fears. Remember when the Lord healed us when we were sick and came to our assistance when we were experiencing financial difficulties. Let us carefully examine the scriptures and hear again the testimony of all the eye witnesses of Christ's resurrection and ascension into heaven. Let us once again examine all the fulfilled prophecies of where and when Christ should be born, and the validity of all his miraculous works.

"Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me." Matthew 11:2-6.

Telehelp Publications Chriwstian Literature Ministry
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Prince of Peace

Thought For Today - September 14.
Prince of Peace!
By: Robert A. Searles

Jesus Christ is known as the Prince of Peace. His mission on earth was to make peace between God and man. At his birth, the angels proclaimed: "peace on earth, good will toward men", meaning that God was willing to sacrifice his son, so that mankind could receive pardon for their sins, and be at peace with God.

Since Adam 's and eve's disobedience to God's word in the garden, mankind had been cast out of God's paradise, and all people became enemies of God, and there was war between men and God.
Christ Jesus came into the world as the Prince of Peace to be a mediator between God and man, and to pay the price for man's sin, which is death or separation from God forever. Individuals who will acknowledge him as God, and accept him as their sin sacrifice, will receive pardon and forgiveness, and be reconciled to God the Father and be at peace with him
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Contrary to popular opinion, Christ did not come into the world to make peace among nations. In fact, he prophesied that there would be wars and rumors of wars before his final return and reign on earth. He prophesied that because some would receive him as Savior and some would not, tension and strife would increase, and brother would be at war with brother, and the members of one's own household would be his foes. Family ties are strong and blood is thicker than water, and we tend to defend our own, but Jesus taught that where God's word and truth are concerned, if we are truly servants of God, we must love God more than any others and take our stand for truth and combat falsehood and evil wherever it may be found.

There is a price to be paid for being a servant of the Lord, if we are to stand on his truth and righteousness. If we are to find and enjoy life eternal, we must be willing to lose our life here for his cause.

Jesus said: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 10:34-39.

Telehelp Publicationws Christian Literature Ministry
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Ripe Unto Harvest

Thought For Today - September 12
Ripe Unto Harvest!
By: Robert A.Searles

"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion on them because they fainted, and were scattered abroad having no shepherd.” Matthew 9: 35,36.

Jesus sees the multitudes that are in the world today who are fainting and scattered abroad , and have no shepherd, and are spiritually starving for words of compassion and comfort. When Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave his disciples the great commission to go into all the world and preach his gospel of salvation; and to heal the sick; to comfort the weary; and to bring hope of eternal life to the lost. They, through the word of God, have passed this great commission down to us today. All who call themselves Christians have been given this great responsibility to continue the ministry of Jesus here on earth. until he returns for his church.

One only has to look upon the world conditions today to see the multitudes in need of teaching and spiritual leadership. The harvest is truly white and ready, but who will answer the call, who will go? The call for laborers has been issued, the need is great, but few are those who answer the call.
Some one has wisely said: "None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something, and what we can do we ought to do" all for the glory of God to draw all men and women, boys and girls to a saving knowledge of Christ.

"Then saith he unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few, pray ye therefore, the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest." Matthew 9: 37,38

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
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Come Worship the Lord With Me

Thought For Today - September 10
Come, Worship the Lord With Me.
By: Robert A. Searles

Come, worship the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Worshiping the Lord ought to be our first order of business each and every day. Let us begin our day by reverencing, adoring, loving, and admiring him with our whole heart. Let us be grateful for his loving kindness and tender mercies that he bestows upon us momentarily.

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." 1 Chronicles 16: 29

 "O come let us worship and bow down , let us kneel before the Lord our maker." Psalm 95:6

True worship of the Lord is not to be found in rituals or ceremonies, but is an act of the will, and the heart. We must worship in spirit and in truth.. True worship of our Lord is to reverence, adore, love and admire, and be grateful from the depths of our heart.

"God is spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4: 24.

Before we can expect God to answer our prayers we must first worship him.
"While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshiped him saying, my daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her and she shall live. And Jesus arose and followed him , and so did his disciples." Matthew 9: 18,19.

 This man, before he asked Jesus to raise his daughter, came and worshiped him.

"And behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: for she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment I shall be whole." Matthew 9: 20,21.

 The very thought that this woman had in her mind that if she could just touch his garment she would be healed was an act of worship in her spirit. Jesus rewarded her for her faith.

 "But Jesus turned him about and when he saw her he said: daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee whole. and the woman was made whole from that hour." Matthew 9: 22.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

                            Psalm 26: 7

Not to Call the Righteus

Thought For Today - September 9
Not to Call the Righteous!
By Robert A. Searles

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. When God the Father saw the lost condition of the human race, he did not want to pour out his righteous wrath upon us to punish, but he had compassion and revealed his great love for mankind by giving himself in the person of Jesus Christ as a ransom for our redemption. 

While here on earth, Jesus purposely drew near and associated himself with the lowest of the low, so that he might save us and lift us up and plant our feet on higher ground. Jesus, the great physician, realized that a healthy person does not need a physician, but the sick for whom he came to minister. God who is the God of love and mercy does not require sacrifice and penance, but rather, offers as a free gift to all who will receive it, grace and mercy. Jesus did not come to call the righteous, or those who thought that they were righteous, instead he came to call the lost, the weak, the sick, the homeless; those who were poor in spirit and were well aware that they were sinners and needed salvation.

The self righteous scribes and Pharisees could not understand why, if he were God, Jesus would want to associate and sit down and eat and have fellowship with such people.

Jesus did not wait until we became righteous through our own good works before he gave himself for us to save us: but, "while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior that being justified by his grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:5-7.
While sitting at the table with the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus discerned their thoughts: "And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, why eateth your master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, they that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth. I will have mercy and not sacrifice; for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Matthew 9: 10-13.

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Sins Forgiven! Health Restored!!

Thought For Today - September 8
Sins Forgiven! Health Restored!
By: Robert A Searles

A man who was sick of the palsy, being carried on a bed, was brought to Jesus.

. His family and friends, no doubt, had such confidence in Jesus that he could help and heal him, that they were willing to carry him a great distance to get to Jesus.

"And behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, laying on a bed; and Jesus seeing their faith, said unto the sick of the palsy. son be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." Matthew 9:2.

Many sickness and diseases in our physical bodies may be the result of sins in which we have indulged without regard for the laws and commandments of God. The first step to a healthy mind and healthy body is to have our sins forgiven and to have a clean conscience with God.

The shed blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ washes away all our sins if we will ask him for cleansing. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9.

When the sick man, laying on the bed, received confidence that his sins were forgiven and he could have a clean conscience with God -  he arose from his bed and walked. Jesus said unto him: "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." Matthew 9: 1.

God rewards our faith and confidence in him. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." When we know that our sins are forgiven, and we are accepted by God through Christ, we can be of good cheer and this tends towards good health for both soul and body.

In spite of what the scribes said, Jesus Christ, the mighty powerful God, "The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever",has power to forgive sins and heal our.sick souls and bodies,

"And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, this man blasphemeth. and Jesus knowing their thoughts said, 'wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier to say, thy sins be forgiven thee or to say, arise and walk? But that ye may know that the son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,(then sayeth he to the sick of the palsy,) arise, take up thy bed and go into thine house. And he arose and departed to his house." Matthew 9: 3-6.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
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What Manner of Man is This?

Thought For Today - September  7
What Manner of Man is This?
By: Robert A. Searles

After Jesus had taught the multitudes on the mountain and they heard his sayings, now he came down from the mountain and they had opportunity to observe his power, the mighty power of God.
First, he cleansed the leper of his leprosy, then he healed the centurion's servant by merely speaking the word.

"And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever, and he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose and ministered unto them. 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 night be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses." Matthew 8: 14-17.

Jesus had a very busy day, and some of those who witnessed his power wanted to share in his glory, but Jesus warned them that to follow him would mean self sacrifice and sometimes hardships.

Jesus said: "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the son of man hath not where to lay his head." Matthew 8: 20.

 Jesus warned that to follow in his footsteps while here on earth would often times bring persecution and suffering and even death; but the rewards would be great in heaven.

Jesus was in a ship with his disciples and a storm arose, he was asleep and his disciples became fearful that they would all be lost. "And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying Lord, save us, we perish. And he saith unto them, why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm, but the men marveled saying, what manner of man is this that even the winds and sea obey him!" Matthew 8: 25-27.

Many times we in our own life's experience have witnessed the power of God to heal, protect, and to save, yet, at the same time, our faith seems to fail and we become afraid of the present storm. Jesus would say to us: "Why are ye fearful O ye of little faith?" We must answer back: "What manner of man is this that even the wind and sea obey him? This is the person that I want to be my friend, companion, and Savior. How about you?

What Do We Believe Concerning the Sayings of Jesus?

Thought For Today - September 6
What do we believe concerning the sayings of Jesus? 
By: Robert A. Searles
 
After hearing all these sayings of Jesus great multitudes followed him when he came down from the mountain. We have listened to his sayings, how do we believe?

A leper approached Jesus and begged him to heal his leprosy. He believed that if Jesus wanted to, he had the power to heal him and restore him to health. “And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him, saying, I will be thou clean, and immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew 8: 3. A centurion came to Jesus entreating him for his sick servant, that he might come and heal him. “And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.” Matthew 8: 7.

The centurion indicated his faith in the power of Jesus by saying that he need not come to his house, but that he speak the word only and it would be accomplished. Jesus commended him for his faith. And said:

 “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and west and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8: 10-12
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We have heard Jesus say to us that before we can enter in to the kingdom of heaven we must be born again and become new creatures in Christ. He said that he would accomplish this for us if we would believe .him. We heard him say that he was the way, the truth, and the light, and that he was the narrow gate by which all men would enter into heaven. He told us that we all are sinners and cannot save ourselves; that we need to be forgiven and receive pardon from God. He told us that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin, and that the divine blood of the Lamb of God,( himself), was the only acceptable sacrifice given freely to all who will ask. He told us that we can ask and receive, to knock and it shall be opened unto us, to seek and we shall find. He promised to forgive our sins and heal our diseases. All that we receive from the Lord depends upon what we believe.

“And Jesus said unto the centurion, go thy way: and as thou hast believed so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.” Matthew 8:13.

What Did Jesus Say About Building Our House?

Thought For Today - September 5
What did Jesus say about building our house?
By: Robert A. Searles

If a house is to withstand all the storms and natural disasters that may come upon it , it must have a solid foundation, otherwise, it will crumble and fall with the slightest wind of adversity.
A wise builder will dig down deep into the earth until he comes to the bedrock upon which he can begin to build. Likewise, unless our spiritual lives are firmly fixed upon a solid foundation, we will fall into ruin and despair when the winds blow and the hardships come in to our lives. A wise person will seek to build his spiritual life and house upon the solid rock. The foolish person will build his spiritual life and his house on shifting sand, and when the floods come he will be swept away.

There is one solid rock for all ages and all people upon which we are advised to begin building our house. That rock is Jesus Christ, he is the solid rock. When we take heed to the word of God and pay close attention to the teaching of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and with his help follow his instructions for our lives, we are building our house upon him, and as the psalmist has said: "He is my rock and my fortress." "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Psalm 127: 1.

Unbelievers who will not acknowledge the authority of the Word of God have no spiritual rock upon which they can build their lives and houses. Consequently, when trouble comes, they fall into ruin because they have built their house upon the sand.

Jesus said: "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; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. and every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand, and the rain descended, and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Matthew 7: 24-27.
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What Did Jesus Say About Those Who Call Him Lord?

Thought For Today - September 8
What did Jesus say about those who call him Lord?
By: Robert A. Searles

How sad and horrifying it would be to come to the end of our days and meet with God only to hear him say unto us, depart from me for I never knew you!

Many have taught and preached about Jesus Christ, but have never experienced a personal relationship with him. Many have adhered to his philosophy of good works and charity and morality, thinking that this is all that is required to enter heaven. There are many who believe that going through the ritual of baptism and church membership and sacrificial giving will guarantee their entrance into heaven. Jesus explained that more is required than all this, yet nothing that we have or can do will give us access to God's heaven.

Jesus said that they that do the will of God shall enter into heaven. What is the will of God? The will of God for all people is that they be saved - that they acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as God in human flesh, and acknowledge that the only way to God is through him. The will of God for each of us is to admit that we are sinful, helpless creatures, doomed to eternal hell unless God pours out his grace and mercy upon us. Jesus said that we must be born again, that is, become new creatures in Christ, having a personal, one on one, relationship with him as our Lord and Savior 

God has promised that he will save us and apply the blood of Jesus Christ to our account and make us his children and grant that personal relationship with him if we will approach him by faith and ask him to save us.

Jesus warned: "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter in to the kingdom of heaven : but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7: 21-23.

What Did Jesus Say About Preachers and Prophets?

Thought For Today -September 7
What did Jesus say about preachers and prophets?
By: Robert A. Searles

We are constantly being bombarded with the words of the philosophers of the world and the so called preachers of religion. Many voices are heard in the streets. We do not have to go far on the radio or television dial or even the Internet to come across the teaching of some cult or organization posing itself as a ministry for Christ. How are we to respond to these voices? We ought to be very discerning concerning them and their teaching. Even in some of our churches there are hypocrites in the pulpits with white collars and black robes appearing to be shepherds of their flock, but inwardly they are ravening wolves seeking only to exploit the people whom they pretend to be serving.

Jesus taught that we need to be aware of false prophets. How can we know which is true and which is false? We cannot make proper judgments of the heart of any, but we can look to see what kind of fruit they bear. A good tree will bring forth good fruit, and a corrupt tree will bring forth evil fruit. We need to listen intently to what they preach and then search the Holy Scriptures diligently to see if what they preach is true according to the Word of God.

The Holy Bible is our compass to guide us through our life and to bring us to our desired destination. The Holy Bible is the true Word of God and teaches that there is only one way of salvation and entrance into heaven, that being by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The good news of the gospel is: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners". He who is God in human flesh, took upon himself the punishment for the sins of all individuals who will believe him and turn to him in repentance and ask for forgiveness of sin.

"Christ died for our sins according to the scripture. He was buried and rose again the third day according to the scripture, and he ever liveth to intercede for us in heaven as our great high priest." This is the good news of the gospel. There is no other hope for mankind.

"But though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8

Jesus said: "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they re ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistle? Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit. But a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7: 15-20.

What Did Jesus Say About Entering into Fellowship With Our Heavenly Father?

Thought For Today -September 1 What did Jesus Say ? - About Entering into Fellowship with Our Heavenly Father?
By: Robert A. Searles

We have heard that it has been said that there are many ways to approach God and worship him. There are numerous religious denominations in the world that believe this concept. Some would try to approach and worship God through ritual and ceremonial sacrifices. Some believe that their good works will secure for them God's favor. Some would try to approach God by praying, using different names, other than his true name which he has revealed to us through the scriptures.

We are told that we are to be tolerant of other cultures and religions, and respect and accept their method of worship as being as valid as that which has been revealed to us in the holy bible. 

Jesus Christ taught otherwise. Jesus taught that the only way to approach the one and only true God almighty is a very narrow path that leads through a very narrow gate, and only a few walk that pathway and pass through that gate. 

Many have chosen to walk a very wide road and pass through a very wide gate which leads to destruction. This pathway and gate seems easy and convenient to the masses who like to believe that there is no absolute authority in the universe; truth is only relevant to those who perceive it to be truth. This is a road where many have tried to invent their own gods who will agree with their own code of behavior, not having to give an account to anyone higher than themselves.

Some refer to God as "the man upstairs" or just plain "God" without giving him a specific name or title. There are many so called "gods", every culture seems to have its" own set of gods.
The holy bible which is the revealed word of God tells us that there is only one true God who has a name, and that there is only one way to approach unto God.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men." John 1:1-4.

 Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father but by me John 14: 6  
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Jesus Christ is the narrow way and the narrow door, the only way that one may enter into fellowship with God the Father. Jesus said: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be that go in thereat: because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it." Mathew 7: 13, 14

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