Thought For Today -September 1 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

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

What Did Jesus Say About Prayer?

 
  Thought For Today -August 31
  What Did Jesus Say About Prayer?
  By: Robert A. Searles

    "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." Luke 18: 1.

    As the children of our heavenly Father we ought always be in communication with him through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

    "Pray without ceasing" 1 Thessalonians 5: 17.

    What is prayer? Prayer is not just a sentimental poem, memorized or read with an amen attached at the end. Prayer is not just some ritual performed in a ceremonial format at some public occasion. Prayer in its' true essence is the spirit and soul of man reaching out to contact and commune with the spirit of God, the creator and Father.

Jesus taught that when we pray, we should call to our Father which is in heaven, and our Father which is in heaven will hear our prayers and answer us; but we must come to him and enter into his presence with clean hands and a pure heart which can only be made clean by the shed blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

    Jesus taught that there are those who only pretend to know God as Father, and like to stand in the streets and public places and pray so as to be seen and commended by men. They read prayers addressed to some unknown God only to be heard by those standing around and ready to salute them for their piety.

    Real prayer, real communication between a child of God and his Father in heaven is a personal matter between the two communicators. Jesus advised us to go into the closet where no one can see us and close the door and have a one on one conversation with God.

    Jesus said: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him." Matthew 6: 5-8.

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Run With Patience the Race That is Eet Before Us.

 Thought For today - August 30
 Run With Patience the Race That is Eet Before Us.
By: Robert A. Searles

    "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12: 1,2.

    Let us as Christians run the race so that we might receive the crown. We are called to be saved, and called to lose  our life in our Savior so that we might gain eternal, everlasting life, but we must be willing to walk as he walked, and endure afflictions as he did, and be a partaker of his reproach and his suffering in this present world.

    Seeing that we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, we as Christians are in the arena of life and all the host of heaven, the host of hell, all the saints that have gone on to glory, and those who are yet alive are in the grandstands to see how we will run the race of life and to cheer us on.

    We need to put aside everything in this life, whether it be spiritual or material, which would tend to weigh us down and hinder us from doing the will of God. We know that we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and receive for the things we have done in our bodies in this life; therefore, we ought to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and like him, for the joy that is set before us, endure the trials and afflictions and minor annoyances of this life with full assurance that one day when the race is run, we shall share in his inheritance, behold his glory, and be as he is.

    It is better to suffer afflictions with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a moment. We must be diligent lest that for one tiny bit of advantage or comfort in this life, we do not dishonor God and sell our birthright and lose our reward and inheritance.

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What Did Jesus Say ? - About Good Works and Giving?

Thought For Today - August 28
What Did Jesus Say ? - About Good Works and Giving?
By: Robert A Searles

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

Jesus taught about the hypocrites who love to stand in prominent places and pray so as to be seen of men, and to be known for their so called spirituality.

Sad to say that there are some do gooders and givers in churches today that want to be known by what they do and be recognized, and have their names displayed in prominent places.

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

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

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

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What Did Jesus Say? - About Loving Our enemies?

Thought For Today - August 27
What Did Jesus Say?  - About Loving Our enemies?
By: Robert A Searles
 
It is natural, according to our sinful human nature, that we love those who love us, but hate those who are our enemies and do us wrong.

When someone abuses us or causes us pain or loss, the natural thing for us is that we get back at them with revenge and like treatment. It seems to do us good to get even.

Jesus taught that even if someone causes us a great deal of anguish and pain, we are, by the grace of God, to love them and forgive them and help them. This requires a great deal more godliness on our part, and if we do as Jesus taught,we will reflect God's presence living in us. God has promised to greatly reward all those who do this.

It is not much of a problem to love those who are loveable - our friends, those who love us and help us; but it requires God's grace to love our enemies, those who would seek our harm.
Jesus’s teaching was one hundred and eighty degrees out of phase with the thinking of his time, and it is so with the thinking of our time today.
 
Jesus said: "Ye have heard it said, thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you: that ye may be the children of your father which is in heaven: for he marketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the Publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the Publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5: 43-48

Let us pray that God will, by his grace, instill within us his attribute of loving our enemies as well as our friends and neighbors so that his light may shine through us.

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What Did Jesus Say ? - About Adultery?

Thought For Today - August 26
 What Did Jesus Say ? - About Adultery?
By: Robert A. Searles

One man, one woman, joined together in marriage for life: This is God's perfect plan for the home, and the propagation of children. The marriage relationship between man and wife here on earth is a picture of a child of God's relationship with Christ. The redeemed church is considered to be the bride of Christ.

If a man or woman strays from the one to whom he or she has pledged themselves for life, and has intercourse with another, this is considered adultery in the mind of God. One of the ten commandments says: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."

Jesus taught his hearers that not only was it possible that one might commit physical adultery, but more importantly, one is in danger of committing adultery in one's mind as well. 

How many of us can feast our eyes on sexually explicit videos and movies without committing adultery in our minds? That which the mind conceives, the flesh achieves. We are all guilty and need to confess so that we might be forgiven.

Is there a redeemed child of God anywhere who has never looked upon the things of the world in his mind and lusted after them, and been tempted to fall away from the things of Christ and follow after them? We have all been guilty at times and need to confess so that we might be forgiven.

The actions of the flesh begin with the thoughts of the mind. We need to keep our mind on Christ and his word so that we will not be tempted to commit physical or spiritual adultery. That which the world sees in our marital relationship with our spouse, is a reflection of our relationship and marriage to Christ. We need to be careful what kind of a picture we present.

Jesus said: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matthew 5: 27,28. 

"And I say unto you, whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commiteth adultery, and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." Matthew 19: 9.

It is indeed sad to behold so many broken homes and families who have strayed from their marriage vows, and because of the lust of the flesh, have committed adultery. It is equally sad to behold one who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ, and has become part of the bride of Christ, to fall back into the sins of the world and be guilty of committing adultery with the world.

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What Did Jesus Say? - About Killing?

Thought For Today - August 25
What Did Jesus Say? - About Killing?
By: Robert A. Searles

Only God can create life, therefore only God has the right to place a value on a life and to terminate a life.

One of the ten commandments says: "Thou shalt not kill". Jesus reminded the multitude of this commandment, but went beyond the commandment to show that there are many ways to disobey this commandment and to kill. He pointed out that if we harbor anger in our hearts against another without cause, we are effectively disobeying this commandment not to kill, for we are destroying him in our own thoughts. If we through gossip or false witness say evil things to demean another we are killing his reputation and esteem.

God will not accept our worship of him so long as we have hatred, resentments, and bitter envying against our fellowmen. Before we can effectively worship God and be pleasing to him, we must be in right relationship with others.

Jesus said: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say , thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift before the altar and there rememberest that thy brother have ought against thee, leave there thy thy gift before the altar, and go thy way. First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Let us take heed to what Jesus has taught us about obeying the commandment not to kill - not to bring physical harm to another and not to be guilty of destroying him or causing him harm in any other way.

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What Did Jesus Say ? - Concerning the Law?

Thought For Today - August 24
What Did Jesus Say ? -  Concerning the Law?
By: Robert  A. Searles

When almighty God created the universe and all things therein, he established certain laws by which it would function and continue. He established all the laws of physics, mathematics, and astronomy, which he has by grace revealed to mankind; likewise, he established spiritual laws by which mankind was to relate to him and enjoy his fellowship. He delivered to Moses the ten commandments and other instructions that were required to be obeyed if one was to have fellowship with him and inherit his eternal glory.

No one can see God and inherit his glory unless they kept the whole law. If they failed in one point of the law, all was lost. God knew from the very beginning, because of the nature of man, what was in man, and the frailty of man, so he made provision for mankind by sending Jesus Christ into the world, the one and only person and member of the human race who is one hundred percent man and at the same time one hundred percent God, who alone was able to obey the whole law in its' entirety.

God stills holds all mankind responsible for obeying his laws, but warns us that no one is capable of obeying the law perfectly, therefore unless someone else who is capable does for us that which we cannot do for ourselves, we are without hope and lost. But the good news is that Christ Jesus came into the world to save us from the curse of the law and set us free and place us under the grace or unmerited favor of God.

Jesus said: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. for verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittles shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5: 17-20.

Some people may think that because Christians are under grace and not under law, that the laws and commandments of God no longer apply, but this is not so. Jesus taught otherwise. The requirements of the law are in effect today as much as they ever were, but none of us can meet those requirements no matter how hard we try. Our only hope is to flee to Jesus for forgiveness and ask him to impute his righteousness to us. Then sin no longer abounds but grace does much more abound, and we are set free from the curse of breaking God's laws.


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What did Jesus say? - About light?

Thought For Today - August 23
What did Jesus say? - About light?
By: Robert A. Searles

Up until the time that Jesus was born, the world was in a state of deep spiritual darkness. There had been no communication from God for four hundred years since the prophesies of Malachi, silent years in which every man seemed to do that which was right in his own eyes without any regard for the things of God, much as it is in the world today.

Isaiah had prophesied that there would come a time that the light would be turned on through the coming of the Messiah.

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shinned." Isaiah 9: 2.

Jesus Christ, the light of the world had come to seek and to save that which was lost and give light unto the world, but even after his coming into the world, the world was in such gross darkness that even though the light was shinning, it was necessary for God to send John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness, to declare that the light had been turned on, and to tell the multitudes to "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world."

"In him  (Jesus Christ) was life; and the life was the light of men." John 1: 4.

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

We who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and born into his family, have the light of Christ dwelling in us. We ought to keep our gaze upon him so that we will reflect his light to the world around us, even as the moon reflects the light of the sun.

Jesus said: "Ye are the light of the world. a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5: 14-16
 
Let us pray that each of us who are his will reflect the light of Christ and his salvation to give light and hope to a lost and dying world.

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What Did Jesus Say? - About the Christian's Influence in the World?

Thought For Today - August 22
What Did Jesus Say? - About the Christian's Influence in the World?
By: Robert A Searles

What is the role of the Christian in the midst of an ungodly world culture? Jesus likened the Christian's influence to that of salt. 

Salt is an important substance which adds flavor to our food, and acts as a preservative and an antiseptic healer of wounds. If salt looses its' saltiness, it no longer adds flavor, and no longer preserves, and no longer heals. It is no better than the earth on which we walk.

Jesus said: "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men." Matthew 5: 13.

When a Christian comes in contact with those around him who have no knowledge or relationship with God, and know little or nothing of God's saving grace, the ungodly person ought to be able to taste the difference between the holy and unholy lifestyle. The Christian should be a living testimony to the saving grace of God, and the ungodly should taste and see what may be missing in their lives. The Christian ought to act as a preserver of righteousness and right living in his own family circle, his community, and his nation. The tragedy is that many so called Christians have lost their saltiness, so to speak, and though they may be saved and retain a form of godliness, yet, they are no longer the salty influence in their family, community, and nation as they ought to be. Therefore their influence is at a minimum, and the world disregards them, and pays little attention to what they say they believe.
How can this ungodly world system be seasoned so as to have a flavor of godliness and righteousness?

"Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another." Mark 9:50.

How does one maintain his saltiness? The answer is: by abiding in Christ; By having his words constantly flowing through our mind; and by keeping short accounts with God, confessing our sins daily so that we maintain a continuous walk in the spirit; and by prayer and meditation.

Let us pray as Christians that we do not loose our spiritual saltiness and continue to make a difference in the world.

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Come, Worship the Lord With Me.

Thought For Today - August 21

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 the first order of our 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 which 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 and 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, love, adore, 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 lf 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.

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What Did Jesus Say? - How Should We React to Persecution?

Thought For Today - August 20
What Did Jesus Say? - How Should We React to Persecution?
By: Robert A. Searles

No one can out give God.

    Jesus said: :Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Matthew 5: 11,12.

    If, for the cause of Christ we make ourselves vulnerable to be reviled, ridiculed, spit upon, abused, neglected, and abandoned by even our own familiar family and friends -  even if we suffer physical pain and death, even as the martyrs of old have done, we should count it all joy because God has great rewards for all those who endure such things.

    If we must face persecution for Christ, we should never be ashamed of him, for we will be more than conquerors with him in the end. Consider the suffering and persecution that he suffered for our salvation, and see how God has rewarded him for his obedience by giving him a name above every name to whom every knee shall eventually bow.

    When we are being persecuted for righteousness sake, we are in good company with all the prophets which went before us.

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What Did Jesus Say? - About Persecution?

 Thought For Today -August 19
 What Did Jesus Say? - About Persecution?
By: Robert A. Searles

    Many people, down through the centuries, have suffered persecutions for the cause of Christ, and for the preaching of his gospel.  Jesus warned his disciples, and us, that to follow him would mean persecution and suffering.

    The bible says that Satan is a liar, and cannot tolerate truth, so wherever truth is lived and preached, Satan will be at work to stop it.

    We live in a relatively free country here in America. We have not yet known religious persecution as some in other countries have; but there are many today in our country who would suppress any mention of God in public places, particularly, the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bible reading and prayer is being banned from the public school system and sporting events. If we remain steadfast and remain true to the teaching of the word of God, we stand in line for persecution from the ungodly world. Who knows to where it might lead? It might lead perhaps to martyrdom and death.

    Only as we derive our strength from a one on one personal relationship with Jesus Christ can we find the grace and strength to endure such persecution.

    Jesus said: "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5: 10.

    If we are being persecuted for the cause of Christ and his righteousness, and bear it patiently to the end, Jesus said we would be blessed and inherit the kingdom of heaven.

    We must, however, be sure that if we are persecuted, it is not for any misdeeds of our own, for then we would deserve persecution; but for the cause of Christ, let us be steadfast and unmovable, trusting him to bring us through trials and difficulties for his name's sake.

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What Did Jesus Say? - About Peacemakers?

 Thought For Today - August 18, 2022
 What Did Jesus Say? - About Peacemakers?
By: Robert A. Searles

    To be at peace with God and with one's self is a great blessing; and to be at peace with our fellowmen is also a great blessing.

"Peace ! Peace ! wonderful peace that cometh down from the Father above!"

    Peace, that sense of calm and contentment, knowing all is well between us and God; that sense of assurance that there is nothing to fear, because God, our loving heavenly Father is in control.
    How wonderful it would be if all men everywhere could be at peace with God through Jesus Christ, for then, and only then, can they be at peace with one another throughout the world.

    Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Mathew 5: 9.
    To be a promoter of peace with God, and peace among men is a calling of God to all his children. 

To point men and women and boys and girls to the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins and salvation is our duty.

    "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." Romans 14:19.

    May we who are the redeemed children of God, strive to be peacemakers so that we may be blessed of God.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

                                          Psalm 26:7

 

What Did Jesus Say? - About the Condition of the Heart?

 Thought For Today - August 17
 What Did Jesus Say? - About the Condition of the Heart?
By: Robert A. Searles

    In its natural state, the heart of man is desperately wicked. Who can know it?
    When the bible speaks of the heart, it is not referring to the physical heart, the pump that circulates the blood through our bodies, but is speaking of the innermost personality, the mind and the soul.

    In the depths of our subconscious mind there are impurities which have been inherited from our ancestors down through the ages. Until we are changed by being born again, as it were, by receiving Christ as our savior and allowing the Holy Spirit to descend into the basement of our mind and soul, and dig out those evil thoughts and imaginations, and rebellion against God, we cannot expect the Holy Spirit to feel at home there.

    There is no cleaning detergent on earth that can purify our innermost being, our heart, and soul, except the shed blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

    When we have believed, and received him by faith, and allowed him to apply his blood to our account, his blood washes us and makes us whiter than snow.

    When our hearts are pure because of what Christ has accomplished for us, then we are considered pure in heart, and we can sense the presence of God in our lives, and we can see God as he wants us to see him. 

    Jesus said: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8.
Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

                                             Psalm 26: 7

What Did Jesus Say? - About Mercy?

 Thought For Today -August 16
 What Did Jesus Say? - About Mercy?
By: Robert A Searles

    The definition of mercy is: a quality of compassion, clemency, a refraining from the infliction of suffering by one who has the right or power to inflict.

    One of the attributes of God is his mercy. God has compassion on all of his creatures, and is not willing that any should perish. He certainly has the right and power to inflict suffering to punish evil doers, but God is long suffering and withholds his wrath from falling upon those of us who deserve it. Instead he pours out his grace, unmerited favor, favor that we have not earned, and do not deserve.

Jesus said: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7

    In the likeness of God, as his dear children, he expects us also to be like him in showing mercy. We ought to be concerned for the eternal welfare of those around us. We ought to love and show mercy to the unlovable. We ought to be more ready to forgive and pardon than to seek revenge.

    God looks upon us as we are merciful to others, and pours out his mercy upon us accordingly. "Blessed are the merciful for they shalt receive mercy." Math 5:7

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

                                      Psalm 26: 7

What did Jesus say? - About Hunger?

 Thought For Today - August 15
 What did Jesus say? - About Hunger?
By: Robert A Searles

    Jesus said: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6.

    Those of us who have been "born again" into the family of God by the grace of God, through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, still live in a heathen world full of sin and corruption. We are in the world, but not of the world. The banqueting table of this sinful world no longer nourishes us and we suffer from spiritual malnutrition, because the substance of the world cannot meet our spiritual needs. 

Once we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, the sweetmeats of the world become bitter to us, and does not satisfy. We hunger, and long, and desire for something better than that which the world has to offer. We hunger and thirst for the table that God has promised to spread for us in the wilderness.

    Jesus told us that when we truly desire and hunger for the things of God and thirst for his righteousness we will be blessed and he will fill us. God our father will not allow his children to suffer.hunger, either spiritual or physic

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What Did Jesus Say? - "Follow Me"

Thought For Today -August 13
 What Did Jesus Say? - "Follow Me"
By: Robert A. Searles

    Jesus came into the world to pay the debt owed to God the Father for all the individual sins of mankind. He offered himself as a sacrifice and a free gift of life to all who will receive him by faith. Jesus came to lead mankind to God the Father, and to lead them to Heaven. He came to give us life and that more abundantly. He came to be the master teacher of all, he who has all knowledge and wisdom, the way, the truth, and the light. He came to be the light of the world. To dispel the darkness of ignorance and sin.

    Jesus said: "Follow me, and I will make you fisher of men." Matthew 4:19.

Jesus was a fisher of men. He went after the lost souls of the human race. He promised his disciples, and through them he promised us that if they listened to and kept his teaching, and follow in his footsteps, that they too would become fishers of men. They would draw men and women, boys and girls to him through their lifestyle and testimony, and many would be saved.

    When Jesus left this world to return to the Father in Heaven, he left us with the great commission to go into the world and preach the gospel to all creatures. He wants his redeemed people to be fishers of men so that as many as will receive him can enjoy the blessings of salvation and eternal life.

Follow him faithfully and he will make you to become fishers of men and soul winners.

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What did Jesus say? - About tempting God, to Prove him?

 
Thought For Today - August 10
 What did Jesus say? - About tempting God, to Prove him?

    What did Jesus say about tempting or trying to prove God?
While Jesus was fasting in the wilderness, he was tempted by the devil to prove whether or not he was truly the son of God. If he was, in fact God, then it seemed reasonable to him that he could throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple and he would not be harmed, thus proving God's word and promise that God would keep him from all harm.

    Jesus said: "It is written again, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." Matthew 4: 7.

That which God has told us in his word is true and to be believed, and must be accepted and taken by faith. We are not to tempt God by trying to prove him. God cannot be proved by any human effort.

    Many times in our daily lives and activities, we have a tendency to want to prove God and his love for us. We sometimes challenge his authority, and when we do, we get into deep trouble. God has given to us certain laws which must be obeyed, both physical and spiritual. When we disobey these laws we must suffer the consequences.

    Let us always remember what Jesus said, that it is written in the word of God that we are not to tempt or try to prove the Lord our God.

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What did Jesus Say?-About Food?

Thought For Today - August 9
What did Jesus Say?-About Food?
By: Robert A. Searles

    What did Jesus say about mankind's need for food?
Jesus said - "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

    Jesus had been in the wilderness and had fasted for forty days and forty nights, and he knew what it was like to be hungry and physically in need of food. He could have commanded the stones to produce bread for his physical needs, but knew if he did, he would be using his divine power selfishly amiss. As the obedient son of God, he considered it more important to wait upon God and trust his word and promises.

    Mankind needs more than physical food, clothing, and shelter for survival. He needs to absorb every word of God into his heart and mind. Every word of God is true and pure, and if obeyed, will bring health, well being, and salvation to both body and soul.

    Let us take Jesus 's advice and esteem the word of God more highly than our necessary food

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Bless the Lord at All Times!

Thought For Today - August  7
 Bless the Lord at All Times!
By: Robert A Searles

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name." Psalm 103: 1

    We who are Christians and know of the mercies of God ought to spend the remainder of our lives blessing and praising the Lord for all his goodness to us. How wonderful to know that he has forgiven us all our iniquities, past, present, and future, and we will never again come unto condemnation. How wonderful to know that our once sin sick soul has been healed from the plague of the dominion and power of sin, and sin has no more power and dominion over us to keep us in its' prison.

    The loving kindness and tender mercies of God has redeemed our life from destruction. As the mother bird feeds its' young, God daily fills our lives with good things. All things work together for good to them that love God. I am so glad that God hath not dealt with me after my sin, nor rewarded me according to my iniquities, but he sent his only begotten son to die in my place and take my sin upon himself and pay the penalty for me, and as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgression from us.

    My friend, if you are not yet a Christian if you have not yet believed in the only begotten son of God whom God sent to earth to manifest himself to sinful man, and offer himself a sacrifice for the sin of the world, I admonish you to receive him by faith, and ask him to forgive your sin, and come live in your heart and give you eternal life. Then as millions of others will testify along with the Psalmist, you wilt have gladness and joy in your heart, and you will have reason to bless the Lord all the day long with all that is within you.

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Who Shall Abide in Thy Tabernacle?

 

 Thought For Today - August 6
 Who Shall Abide in Thy Tabernacle?
By: Robert A. Searles

    "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is condemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved." Psalm 15.

    God cannot fellowship with sin, therefore if we have any vestige of  sin in our lives, we cannot expect to enjoy the full fellowship of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, even though we may be the children of God. We ought to examine ourselves daily and keep short accounts with God so that we will be able to abide with God and dwell in his holy hill.

 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

    Lets daily ask ourselves these questions, and if we find ourselves guilty, let us judge ourselves that we be not judged, and ask God's forgiveness: Do I walk uprightly? Do I the works of righteousness? Do I speak truth in my heart? Do I back bite with my tongue? Do I do evil to my neighbor? Do I take a reproach against my neighbor? Do I keep my word even to my own hurt? Do I fear the Lord and do I honor all them that do fear the Lord?
    "He that doeth these things shall never be moved."

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Who Shall Abide in Thy Tabernacle?

 

 Thought For Today - August 6
 Who Shall Abide in Thy Tabernacle?
By: Robert A. Searles

    "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is condemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved." Psalm 15.

    God cannot fellowship with sin, therefore if we have any vestige of  sin in our lives, we cannot expect to enjoy the full fellowship of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, even though we may be the children of God. We ought to examine ourselves daily and keep short accounts with God so that we will be able to abide with God and dwell in his holy hill.

 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

    Lets daily ask ourselves these questions, and if we find ourselves guilty, let us judge ourselves that we be not judged, and ask God's forgiveness: Do I walk uprightly? Do I the works of righteousness? Do I speak truth in my heart? Do I back bite with my tongue? Do I do evil to my neighbor? Do I take a reproach against my neighbor? Do I keep my word even to my own hurt? Do I fear the Lord and do I honor all them that do fear the Lord?
    "He that doeth these things shall never be moved."

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Who Shall Abide in Thy Tabernacle?

 

 Thought For Today - August 6
 Who Shall Abide in Thy Tabernacle?
By: Robert A. Searles

    "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is condemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved." Psalm 15.

    God cannot fellowship with sin, therefore if we have any vestige of  sin in our lives, we cannot expect to enjoy the full fellowship of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, even though we may be the children of God. We ought to examine ourselves daily and keep short accounts with God so that we will be able to abide with God and dwell in his holy hill.

 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

    Lets daily ask ourselves these questions, and if we find ourselves guilty, let us judge ourselves that we be not judged, and ask God's forgiveness: Do I walk uprightly? Do I the works of righteousness? Do I speak truth in my heart? Do I back bite with my tongue? Do I do evil to my neighbor? Do I take a reproach against my neighbor? Do I keep my word even to my own hurt? Do I fear the Lord and do I honor all them that do fear the Lord?
    "He that doeth these things shall never be moved."

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Run With Patience the Race That Is Set Before Us.

Thought For Today -August 5
 Run With Patience the Race That Is Set Before Us.
By: Robert A. Searles

    "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12: 1,2.

    Let us as Christians run the race so that we might receive the crown. We are called to be saved, and called to lose our life in our Savior so that we might gain eternal, everlasting life, but we must be willing to walk as he walked, and endure afflictions as he did, and be a partaker of his reproach and his suffering in this present world.

    Seeing that we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, we as Christians are in the arena of life and all the host of heaven, the host of hell, all the saints that have gone on to glory, and those who are yet alive are in the grandstands to see how we will run the race of life and to cheer us on.

    We need to put aside everything in this life, whether it be spiritual or material, which would tend to weigh us down and hinder us from doing the will of God. We know that we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and receive for the things we have done in our bodies in this life; therefore, we ought to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and like him, for the joy that is set before us, endure the trials and afflictions and minor annoyances of this life with full assurance that one day when the race is run, we shall share in his inheritance, behold his glory, and be as he is.

    It is better to suffer afflictions with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a moment. We must be diligent lest that for one tiny bit of advantage or comfort in this life, we do not dishonor God and sell our birthright and lose our reward and inheritance.

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My Soul Cries out for God!

Thought For Today - August 4
 My Soul Cries out for God!
By: Robert A Searles

    My soul cries out for God! I need thee, Oh ! how I need thee, every hour I need thee. When I do not hear from God, I sink in the mire of despair and am despondent. God has promised that he will never leave me, nor forsake me, so that I may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

    If I am cut off from God's fellowship it may be that there is  sin in my life which I have not confessed. I may be neglecting to eat the bread of life, the word of God. I may have bitter envying and strife in my heart. I may have ought against my brother that needs to be reconciled. Perhaps I had opportunity to do good, and did it not. I may be insulting God by being anxious and worrisome and not trusting God for my daily needs. Whatever the sin may be, greater is the remedy , for "where sin abounds, grace does much more abound," and "if we will confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 

    Can I doubt the care of God for me for today and tomorrow when he has kept me and provided for me through all these years? If God has given his best, the Lord Jesus Christ to be my savior, will he not with him also give me all things freely to enjoy?

    Yes! he will! and he does, and what he will and has done for me, my Christian brother or sister, he will do for you also if you will trust him.

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- Hear Counsel And Receive Instruction !

  Thought For Today  - August 3
- Hear Counsel And Receive Instruction !
By: Robert A. Searles

Hear counsel and receive instruction!

    The word of God tells us to:” Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end." Proverbs  19: 20

    Foolish is the person who will not open his ears and his heart to the instruction of God, and likewise, foolish is the person who does open his ears and his heart to the counsel and instruction of the foolish. We ought to be very discerning, and try the spirits, and test any counsel that is given to us by comparison to the word of God. The fool hath said in his heart there is no God. To follow the wisdom and counsel of this person is folly and dangerous.

    The world is full of worldly wisdom, and there are ways that seem right unto a man but the end thereof is destruction, but the wisdom that cometh from above is Godly, and there is safety in walking therein.

    "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor siteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish." Psalm 1

    A wise philosopher once said: "I cannot tell who is the most blessed of men, or the most successful of men until I can see the end of man." 

    The word of God guarantees that in thy latter end you will be most blessed and successful if you hear counsel and receive instruction.

    "Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death." Proverbs 8: 33-36.

    "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

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No True Atheists!

 Thought For Today - August 2
 No True Atheists! 
By: Robert A Searles

    There are no true atheist -  for all people everywhere believe in something and trust in something, but they that know not our Christ, and the one true God which he reveals himself to be are like the gods to which they bow down . They are dumb and stupid. 

    "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not ;noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that made them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them." Psalm 115:4-8 

    It is dumb and stupid to trust in things, or ourselves, or other people, or houses and lands, or riches, yet the world worships at the altar of materialism, and the religion of secular humanism is the faith of the masses of unsaved heathen. The heathen is not limited to remote primitive peoples as we have sometimes stereotyped them to be, but in spite of its' beginning, America today is a heathen nation for the most part ,for the majority of the people in this country are idol worshipers, worshippers of false Gods. We have departed from the faith of our fathers and put our faith in man and man's so called achievements. Men and women are living together in adultery and whoredom contrary to the teaching of God, and new born babies are being slaughtered by the millions and few people lift a finger to stop the massacre.

    Heathen Americans point their bony, self righteous finger in the face of God and mock him; but you self proclaimed atheist, who are not really atheist, but worshippers of false Gods better be aware of the fact that the true God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the keeper of Israel, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will bring judgment on all evil doers.

    "Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heaven: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased." Psalm 115:2,3.

    You who have a mind with which to think, and not yet completely sold out to be a puppet on Satan's rope: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool,. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat he good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Isaiah 1: 18-20

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