Happy New Year!

 Thought For Today - December 31
 Happy New Year  -  By: Robert A. Searles
      Tonight, most likely, the wine and liquor will flow like water. For many, the sacred vows of marriage will be desecrated. It is likely that many illegitimate babies will be conceived, only to be aborted later, because they are really the unwanted accidents of a night of pleasure and sinful passion. The highways will be crowded with drunks, carelessly taking the lives of many innocent victims. Satan will have his heyday,   for this is new years eve, the beginning of another year of ungodliness and selfishness for those who know not God, nor do not care to know him. These are the lovers of pleasure. They love pleasure more than they love God, choosing rather to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. How sad it is to look upon the faces of these pleasure seeking revelers on the morning after, when the fun is over! The so called friends have departed, and the filth and confetti in the streets must be cleaned up. Depression in soul and spirit begins to overcome the heart and soul of sinners when they come to the realization that there is only pleasure in sin for a season, but in the end, only sadness and destroyed lives. Yet, more sad is the fact that many so called Christians will be among this flock of revelers, with their horns, and bottles, and banners, and noisemakers, not being distinguishable as Christians from the rest of the ungodly, worldly crowd, forgetting their covenant with God who has sacrificed his son to save them.
       What better thing could there be for the Christian, the redeemed child of God by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, than to begin the new year in fellowship with God's people, in a place of worship, around the Lord's table, remembering the precious blood and sacrifice that was made for them? As Joshua of old has said: "I know not what course others may take, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." To begin the new year we will be thanking God for the past years blessing and provision for us, and looking forward to another year, if God will, to remain in fellowship and communion with him, and be faithful in his service. This kind of new year's celebration far surpasses anything that the ungodly world has to offer with its' noise and tumult, rebellion, and noisemakers. God says: "Be still and know that I am God."
      Begin the new year with respect for God and his word. Be thankful for your salvation. Be ready and willing to serve him wherever he sends and whatever he asks. How about it, brother and sister in Christ, what are you doing tonight? May the Lord be with you during the coming year, and may you abound in his blessing!

                                         Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 
                                                                          Psalm  26: 7

New Year Resolutions

  Thought For Today - December 31
 New Year's Resolutions  -  By; Robert A. Searles
      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." Psalm 1: 1,2,3.
       If we truly covert God's blessing on our lives for the coming year, we ought not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. If we would have God's blessing on our lives we must delight ourselves in the law of the Lord and meditate therein day and night. Our new year's resolution ought to be: Beginning new and fresh today to humble ourselves before God our creator and redeemer, accept the cleansing of his blood for forgiveness of our sins, and go forth to let him live his life through us for his glory and honor. Seek and accept his grace and wisdom so that we are able to know the difference between godliness and ungodliness. Study to know the difference between God's ways and man's ways. Shun man's ways, and the world's ways of thinking and doing things, and go God's way. Accept as the only absolute truth the word of God, both the written word and the living Word, and the witness of the Holy Spirit.
      In order to know the truth, one must study diligently the written word of God, and by faith, walk, talk, and fellowship with the living Word, and listen to the still small voice of calm, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. When we delight in the law of God, and meditate in his laws day and night we agree with God in what he says and does through his word. It means that we allow the light of God's truth to shine on us and reveal to us our own short comings, and reveal to us God's glory, judge ourselves accordingly and correct the things that we can correct and improve, but leave to God's grace and mercy the things that only God can change.
      Our desire for the coming new year ought to be that we have our roots so deep in God that no storm of life can tear us from our foundation. Our desire ought to be that our roots are connected to the source of an infinite supply of wisdom, understanding, and peace, and love, and life. If this is so there will be no question of our lifestyle. our eternity, or our prosperity. Our leaf shall prosper, and we will bring forth fruit. We will grow a little taller spiritually. We will be closer to God, and closer to home at the end of this new year if God chooses to preserve us on planet earth for another year.
                                                  Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 
                                                                                      Psalm 26: 7

Who is God?

 

 Thought For Today  - July 21, 2022

 If someone should ask -  Who is God?  -  By: Robert A. Searles

        If someone should ask, who is God? "God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spiritand in truth." John 4:24

 

.      God is an infinite, eternal being. the divine source of all things. He is the creator of the universe and everything in it. In the beginning, (which excludes the beginning of God, for he had no beginning and has no end), God said let there be, and it was so.

 

      " In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." Genesis 1: 1-5

 

.      God is a person, and though he is invisible, he is the ultimate personality. God is love, there could be no love for one another upon earth, except that God has extended his attribute of love toward us.

 

God is the supreme intelligence. God knows! There could be no knowledge of anything except that God has imputed that knowledge from himself to mankind. God sees all things, and God hears all things, and God is concerned   and cares for all his creatures.

 

.      "He who made the eye, can he not see? And he that made the ear, can he not hear?". God sees, God hears, and God knows, there is nothing hid from him. No man can hide from God, whether his deeds be good or evil. God is holy and all righteousness is in him.

 

 God hates sin and will eventually judge all sin. God has chosen to reveal himself to mankind in several different ways. He has revealed himself in nature, in his creation.

 

.      "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. there is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard." Psalm 19:1-3.

 

      There is no excuse for any intelligent being on earth not to know that God is, and that he is the creator of all things. God has revealed himself to mankind through the Holy Scriptures, The Holy Bible. 

 

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

 

 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 20,21

 

      If one would ask, who is God?, Then let him look to the heavens and observe and admire the glories of God's creation in the universe, in the stars and the galaxies. Let him look at the birds, the bees, the flowers, the animal kingdom and see the intelligent design of an intelligent creator. If one would ask: Who is God? Let him search the holy scriptures, the word of God, The bible, for therein God tells us who he is and what he requires of his creation.

 

 When God revealed himself to Moses on Mt Sini and gave him the ten commandments, he said to Moses: "I am that I am".

 

      God requires holiness, "Be ye holy as I am holy." God's requirement for the human race is that they have no other God beside him. "And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

 

        God has finally revealed himself in the person and incarnation of his only begotten son, The Lord Jesus Christ. No person can know God, nor approach unto God except by and through him.

 

 "God, who at sundry times and in divers manner spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." Hebrews 1: 1-4. 

 

      If one would ask: Who is God? Then let him lift up his eyes, and behold the only begotten son of God, the perfect lamb of God. God who is spirit, took upon himself a human body in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, the Messiah.

 

      "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 any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men,. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." John 1: 1-5 

 

.      All men and women, boys and girls, who have ever lived on earth are by nature sinners, having inherited the sin nature from our first parents, Adam and Eve. Because of this fact, the bible tells us that we are born estranged and separated from God, and consequently unless we are able to keep all the laws of God perfectly and attain unto his holiness, we are all condemned to be eternally separated from God and spend eternity in a literal Hell. 

 

 No man ever lived on earth who could measure up to the holiness of God except the Son of God. Only in him is perfect rightiousness and holiness. The word of God the bible tells us that God in his love and mercy looked down upon the lost condition of mankind and that: "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3: 16.

 

      Who then is God? God is our creator, our source, our beginning. God is God, the "Iam, that I am". He is the one that loves us with an everlasting love, and is not willing for any of us to perish and be separated from him forever. God never sent anyone to hell and he never will. If we should find ourselves eternally confined to the horrors of hell, it will be our own fault, because two thousand years ago, born in a stable in Bethlehem as prophesied by the prophet Micah, was Christ, the Perfect, sinless lamb of God, who came to take away the sin of the world, God has promised that whosoever will believe in him, and ask him for forgiveness, and receive him into their heart will be forgiven and will be given the gift of everlasting life 

 

.      The scripture warns us: "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; 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: 1-4.

 

       This then, should answer the question - Who is God? Before it is eternally too late won't you turn to Christ and accept him as your own personal Lord and Savior?  

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

                           Psalm 26:7

Did You Go to the Garden This Morning?

 Thought For Today - December 26
DID YOU GO TO THE GARDEN THIS MORNING?  -  By: Robert A. Searles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With these morning thoughts still fresh in our hearts, let us walk with him all through the day. As he guides us along and shows us the way, Let us but trust and obey. Then when the shadows of night come along, and we come to the end of our day, we can rejoice and lay down to sleep with assurance of eternal day.                     

                                                  Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

                                                                                     -  Psalm 26:7  -

Glory to God in the Highest!

  
  Thought For Today - December  24 25
  Glory to God in the highest! How great is our God! - By: Robert A. Searles

     Oh pen! Fly swiftly across this page and proclaim to the world the glories of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born in a manger, in a cattle stall, a long time ago as an obscure peasant child. Wonder of wonders that his birth was announced by a heavenly host of angels, and shepherds were made to fear and gaze in amazement as the announcement was made that this was the promised Messiah, the Christ child whose name would be Jesus who had come to save his people from their sins.
    "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2: 8-14.  

     The hymn writer has posed the question, "Who is he in yonder stall, at whose feet the shepherds fall?" Then he goes on to answer his own question: "Tis the Lord! oh wondrous story! Tis the Lord the King of glory! At his feet we humbly fall, crown him, crown him Lord of all!" These are the words of the hymn writer, Benjamin R Hanby who lived between 1833-1867. Truer words could never be spoken. He is the king of glory.
    We celebrate today with great joy, the birth of this special child ,"in yonder stall", who though he was the very God of glory, while on earth as a man, he had no place to lay his head. He grew up and became a man, and though he was deity, temporarily laid aside his divinity in order that he might identify with all men in their sufferings and temptation; and take upon himself the sins and condemnation of all men, and die in their place on a cruel Roman cross. Praise God, the cross and the tomb was not the end for Jesus, for when the women came to anoint his body they found the tomb empty because he had risen.
    "Until the day in which he was taken up, after that through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." Acts 1:2,3.
    What a great God we have, who loved each of us so much that even while we were yet sinners, he would leave the glories of heaven and condescend to the level of sinful men!
    Today as we gather with family and friends around our Christmas tree or dinner table and enjoy the gifts, lets just stop and consider what this day is all about. This is the day we celebrate the advent of our Lord, when "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3: 16.
    There are not enough words in the English language, or any other language for that matter, to adequately proclaim the majesty and magnificence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
    If you do not personally know this person who was born in the Bethlehem stable so long ago as your Lord and Savior, he is at this moment offering himself to you as your sin sacrifice. He grew up, became a man,( even though he was God), and bled and died and suffered and rose again for your salvation and justification. There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. There is no other means of entrance into heaven except by him. He is the way, the truth and the light. He is the door by which all must enter into heaven and the presence of God the Father. The word of God says that whosoever will may come, and whosoever will come to him he will in no wise cast out.
    What better time could there be to receive God's unspeakable gift of love, of forgiveness of all sin, past, present, and future, through his son, the Lord Jesus Christ? Simply approach him, believing his word with repentant heart, and ask him to forgive your sins and come into your heart and there abide forever, and he will.
    The shepherds received the glad tidings of Christ's birth with joy and gladness. Why not receive the glad tidings of God's extended grace to you for your salvation with joy and gladness and gratitude on this Christmas day?
                                     Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
                                                                                =  Psalm 26:7  -

An Invitation to Attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb

 

  Thought For Today - December 22
  Your Invitation to attend the marriage super of the Lamb  -  By: Robert A. Searles
     You are cordially invited to attend the banquet of the King, and master of the universe, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, to be held in heaven at a time and date known only to God the Father.
      This banquet known as the marriage supper of the Lamb will take place at such time as there will be much suffering and tribulation on planet earth, but those who have responded and accepted the King's invitation to come and dine will have  been transported to the marriage supper of the Lamb of God, away from planet earth, by the King himself, just prior to the beginning of earth's troubles. There will be a time of great rejoicing and feasting, and reunion with loved ones, and best of all, you will be eligible to enjoy the splendor and beauty of God's paradise forever where there is perfect peace and justice - where there is no sickness, no death, no parting. 
    You must respond quickly, ASAP, to insure your reservation because time is short and limited. Today is the accepted time. Tomorrow may be too late. If any man, woman, boy or girl, will hear his voice and accept his invitation there will be a place reserved for them at the Lord's table. This invitation is extended to all races, all clans, all creeds, and all religions; however, this invitation is not extended to good, self righteous, perfect people, who are trusting in their riches, or good deeds, or accomplishment, unless they are willing to acknowledge that they are sinners, imperfect before God, and need a Savior. Such a person will come to God, believing that he is, and believing the bible to be the word of God, he will confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only Lord and Savior, and the perfect sacrifice offered unto God for the forgiveness of sins.
      It is required that you wear a wedding garment when you enter the banquet hall, but this garment which is the righteousness of Christ, is fitted for you and provided for you when you accept by faith his invitation to be saved, and born again as a child of God, and are looking forward to attending this great feast of the Lord.
      The cost of the banquet is extremely high and beyond the means of every mortal being, but it has been paid for in full by the King himself, the Lord Jesus Christ with his own blood. You can confirm your reservation today to attend the marriage supper of the Lamb, and for an eternal mansion in our Father's house by bowing before the Lord and confess that you are undone in yourself, that you are a sinner and need to be saved, and ask him to enter your heart and save you. If you will do this today, your reservation will be guaranteed and confirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
       I look forward to meeting with you in that celestial city, and together with our Lord, walking the streets of Gold, passing through the gates of pearl, and gazing at the walls of Jasper. Until that day arrives, I wish you the best of joy, and peace, and abundant living in your life here on earth until our Lord returns to carry us away to begin the festivities at his banqueting table on high.
      Signed: Only a sinner, saved by grace. Your ambassador for Christ! 
 

                                                  Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

                                                                                  --- Psalm 26:7---

Rest in the Lord!

Thought For Today - December 21
 Rest in the Lord.  -  By: Robert A. Searles
      "Take heed, brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. "Hebrews 3: 12, 13.
      Unbelief is evil. It is not of God. When we believe not the word of God it is equivalent to departing from the living God. God has said, "lo I am with you always. I will never leave you nor forsake you." If we refuse this promise, it is the same as turning our back on God. We need to encourage one another daily to believe God. It is so easy, when we are alone in the world to be deceived by Satan to believe his lies rather than the truth of God. Therefore, we need to exhort one another daily lest we be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. If we would only learn to believe and trust God in reality and not just in theory, we would truly experience the peace of God which passes all human understanding. We are made to be partakers of Christ. God wants us to be overwhelmed with peace and joy, but we deprive ourselves, and cheat ourselves when we refuse to believe. To enter into the rest of God for everything from salvation, to our daily needs, is a tranquil harbor in which to winter; but most of us are tossed to and fro on the stormy seas of life because we do not enter into his rest because of unbelief.
       "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, as I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the  foundation of the world." Hebrews 4:1,2,3.
      Rest in the Lord. Trust the everlasting arms of God to hold you up, for underneath are the everlasting arms. Believe the word of God, first of all for salvation, then for all the other things that are needful and desirable. As God has promised to give us freely all things that we have need of: - grace for living; grace for dying; food for the body, as well as food for the soul. He gave us a house (our body) to live in here on earth, and a mansion in which to dwell in heaven. He came to earth that we might enjoy a more abundant life here on earth, and eternal, everlasting life in the world to come. Will not he who first of all gave us his only begotten son to die for us, give us through him all things that are good and wonderful? We have all these precious promises of God given to us, but unless we mix these words with faith to believe, they profit us nothing. Be a believer. Believe not every doctrine that comes along, but believe the word of God, for the word of God has been tried and tested throughout the ages. It has been tried in the fire of controversy and has come forth as pure gold. By mixing the word of God with faith, the word becomes profitable to us, and by faith and believing we enter into God's eternal life and enjoy the wonderful bliss that no other creature can know,- that of complete confidence and rest in the knowledge of the love of God for us. 

                                Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

                                                                    Psalm 26:7   

From Darkness Unto Light

 
Thought For Today - December 20
From Darkness Unto light!  -  By: Robert A. Searles
      Once I walked in spiritual darkness. I was blinded by the night around me. I could not see, I could not believe, and I had no hope. I was like the vast majority of people in the world today who walk in spiritual darkness and without any real purpose for living, and without hope.
      How great is that darkness which enshrouds the world in its thick cloud of evil and hopelessness and despair! How sad it is that so many who profess themselves to be wise in the wisdom of the world have become fools, and declare that there is no God! Some of those who are leaders in our government who claim to be highly educated , and possess great qualities of leadership, are walking in gross darkness and leading us astray.
      "For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed." Isaiah 9: 16.
      It seems that the great curtain of night has been drawn on this great land of ours. There are countless numbers of men and women, boys and girls, and young people who admittedly have no real joy, no hope, for anything better in their lives than a mere animal existence. They have been taught from birth to worship the gods of self, and money, and self esteem.
      Spiritual darkness causes many to stumble. "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble." Proverb 4: 19
       Those who are embedded in the darkness stumble over moral issues, and not being able to discern right from wrong, make wrong decisions concerning pro-choice, resulting in the murder of millions of unborn babies by abortion. Because of spiritual darkness, many have abandoned the traditional family values of one man with one woman united together by God in holy matrimony for life. Because of spiritual darkness, bible reading and prayer has been abandoned in the government schools system and replaced with armed guards necessary to prevent children from trying to solve their problems by killing one another.
      How great is that darkness which covers our land when in the name of political correctness, the name of Jesus Christ is forbidden to be mentioned even on his own birthday, and our attention directed to some pagan god or goddess to honor them instead, and call it a happy holiday.
      Those who persist to walk in darkness do so because they love the darkness, and they love all the evil that is present in the darkness. Because of the darkness, some people would rather spend their time in a dark dingy barroom, crying over their beer, so to speak, than to be among those who have been snatched out of darkness and have entered into the light of eternal life.
      "But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness, if therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" Matthew 6: 23
       "And this is the condemnation that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil." John 3:19.
      Mankind does not have to dwell in spiritual darkness and remain in the spiritual eternal night of evil and sin, for light has come into the world. "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. They that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shinned." Isaiah 9: 2.
      "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace." Isaiah 9: 6.
      Jesus Christ is the light of the world. "In him was life, and the life was the light of men." John 1.4.\
      Dear reader, if today you are dwelling in the darkness of spiritual night, if you have no joy, no peace, no hope for an eternal future in heaven with God, reach out to the one who came into the world to snatch us out of darkness, and receive by faith the great gift of love he has offered to all who will believe and trust him. This is what Christmas is all about. When we walk in the light as he is in the light we have new spiritual sight and we can see things the way he sees them, and we come to realize that he is not willing for us to remain in darkness, but to live forever in the glory of his eternal light.

                              Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

This Man Called Jesus!

Thought For Today - December 19
This Man Called Jesus!   -  By: Robert A. Searles

       This man called Jesus, the good shepherd, the divine son of God, our savior, and our Lord!
       To him belongs all honor and glory, and majesty, and all men and women, boys and girls, and young people ought to humble themselves in his mighty presence, and acknowledge him as the only way to God the father, and the only way to eternal everlasting life.
      All who have gone before him are thieves and robbers, all who may come after him are imposters. Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.
     "Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father." Philippians 2:9-11.
      He came into the world to rescue the lost and to bring them safely home to God the father, as a good shepherd goes into the wilderness to search for the lost sheep and finding it, brings it safely back to the fold.
      This man called Jesus is Christ the Lord, the good shepherd. the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:5-6.
     Obedient to God the father in every aspect of his life, setting the example for us who have been rescued, to follow in his steps that we might grow into his image and someday in heaven, reach the ideal to be as he is. He has given unto us who have received him by faith, eternal life, and we shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck us out of his hand.
                   Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

Eat Your Words

 Thought for Today - December 17
Eat Your Words  -  By: Robert A. Searles
     Would you like to eat your words?  Are the words and statements which come from our mouths food for thought, and edifying to ourselves and others, or are they poisonous and destructive of ourselves and others?  Do the words that proceed from our mouths add health and vitality and strength for those who receive them?
     The words that come from our mouths are only the aroma, as it were, or the smell of that which actually dwells within us.  If in our heart there is produced the fruits of the Spirit of God by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, then our  words which proceed from our mouths will be a sweet   savor, or a sweet smell to the Lord.  They will be uplifting to ourselves, positive in nature, and glorifying and pleasing to God.  Our conversation and  our words paint a picture of that which we actually are on the inside.  The words and statements which come from our mouths not only feed ourselves, but others around us as well.
     We are and become that which we say we are.  We believe that which we say we believe  We can do that which we say we can do.  We have that which we say we have.  Our statements and words determine our success or failure in life.  Our words feed us.
     “A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.  Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18: 20, 21.
  “Doth not the ear try words? And the mouth taste his meat?” Job 12: 11. 
  "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12: 36,37.
     Let us pray that the words of our mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to God our Father who hears every word and knows every thought.
       Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

God Fixes Things!

 
Thought For Today - July 25, 2023
 God fixes things!  -  By: Robert A. Searles
         God, our heavenly father, is a kind, loving father who takes great delight in his redeemed children whom he has reconciled to himself by the precious blood of his only begotten, beloved son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
         If we have been fortunate enough to have had a loving, kind earthly father here on earth, we know that we can run to "daddy", as it were, when we are afraid or in trouble, and he will rescue us. When our toys are broken, he will fix them. When we are afraid of the dark night, he will go with us.
          Even better than we have ever known on earth, our heavenly father loves us with an infinite love that cannot be equaled. He who formed us from the dust of the earth, and breathed into our nostrils his own breath of life, will never forsake us. He will be there when we slip and fall to lift us up and set us back on our feet again. He is more than willing to forgive our sins when we acknowledge and confess them to him and ask for his forgiveness.
        We make many mistakes in the course of our lifetime. We commit many sins; we go down wrong roads. Sometimes our lives are all but destroyed; our hearts are broken; our bodies are near destructions. But, God our father is there to fix them, and he does fix all things for us if we will allow him to. He can and will turn our mourning into dancing and rejoicing for his glory and honor.
        "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sack cloth, and girded me with gladness. to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever." Psalm 30: 11,12. 

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

                                   Psalm 26:7

How is Your Appetite?

Thought For Today – December 12

How Is Your Appetite?  -  By: Robert A. Searles 

      Normally when a person looses his appetite and does not desire food consistently for a period of time, it is generally considered that he or she is ill and medical attention is sought.

      So it is with the Christian when he looses his appetite for the things of God. This is an indication that something is wrong in the heart of that i dividual to cause him to turn away from spiritual things.

      The Christian who loves God and is in right fellowship with him has a hunger and thirst for the things of God that cannot be satisfied until he is spending his time in the word of God, in prayer and meditation, and in fellowship with God's people.

      “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5: 6. “Woe unto you that are full for ye shall hunger.  Woe to you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.” Luke 6: 25.

      “The full soul loatheth an honeycomb: but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. Proverbs 27: 7.

            Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

 

Have You Heard From God This Morning?

 
 Thought For Today  - July 18, 2023
 Have you heard from God this morning?  

  By: Robert A Searles
        Have you heard from God this morning? Every day we go to the mail box and receive letters and information from our loved ones who are separated from us by time and distance. We rejoice greatly when we have heard from them. How about the lover of our souls? Have we heard from him this morning? If we do not hear from God every new day then we are indeed deep in trouble. We become dry and barren and unfruitful spiritually.
        We were so made and designed by God to be as Jesus said, Like branches from a tree that draw their life and sustenance from the vine and its roots. If we have not heard from God today, is it because God has not spoken? No!  God has spoken but we have not listened.
    "And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not...." Jeremiah 7: 13.
       God was up before we were this morning, rising up early and speaking. If we, have not heard form him it is because we are deaf to his voice. God speaks in a still small voice of calm, in the stillness of the night, and the quietness of the morning.    "Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10.
      Psalm 23: 2 says: "He leadeth me beside the still waters." Sheep will not drink where the waters are turbulent. They must drink from still waters. The good shepherd leads his sheep to still waters. The great shepherd of our soul leads us to still waters where he can speak to us and allow us to draw our sustenance from him.
      If we have not heard from God this morning, perhaps it is because we have not followed our shepherd to a place of still waters where we can hear his still small voice of calm. "There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God."
      Stop whatever you are doing, sit down or lie down. Believe that: " God is, and that he is the re-warder of all those who diligently seek him." Believe that  - "God is spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" -  "Enter his courts with praise and thanksgiving." Come into his courts in the name of his son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Put everything out of your mind except God and the glories of his son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Be quiet before him, recall the promises of his word. God is speaking to you from his written word in the still small voice of calm by the Holy Spirit. Be quiet and listen, you will hear from God and be blessed

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

"Call unto me and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3 . In the morning, as soon as we open our eyes from sleep, we ought to automatically stretch forth our whole being to Jesus our Lord. Our prayer ought to be like that of the psalmist who said: "I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O Lord from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name's sake: for thy rigfhteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble. and of thy mercy cut off mine enemies and destroy all them that afflict my soul for I am thy servant." Psalm 143: 6-12 

 

                                  

 

        

Because He Lives!

 Thought For Today -  De ember 10

Because He Lives!  -    By: Robert A Searles
          In the midst of all his troubles and afflictions, Job could say: "I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for my self, and mine eye shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." Job 19: 25-27
         This kind of assurance and faith would enable anyone to endure the light afflictions of the moment, in light of his immortality promised in the word of God to all who are the redeemed of the Lord. Nothing can hurt, and nothing can destroy that which God has ordained forever. Christ our Lord came to earth to save sinners. Death could not hold him. He was the first fruits of all them that sleep.
       Through him and by him we have everlasting life. This mortal shall put on immortality. This corruptible body shall put on incorruption, and we shall be preserved forever in the presence of our blessed Lord.
       Take heart dear Christian friend, some day the clouds will clear away, and the son of God shall appear. "The dead in Christ shall rise first, and we who are alive and remain on the earth shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. So shall we ever be with the Lord."1 Thessalonians 4: 16, 17
   Believe it! receive it! and enjoy it! This is your comfort, your strength, and your joy. That which God has ordained forever cannot be altered by men, nor time, nor circumstance.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

No Light in the Window - Reflections

  Thought For Today - July 18, 2022
No Light in the window - Reflections of a Visit to my homestead I knew  growing up as  a child, now forsaken and forlorn
By: Robert A. Searles
      There is no one at home tonight at the old home place. No light in the window, no fire in the hearth, no friendly voices of welcome as in days gone by. Once there was a mother's prayer, a father's strong arm and the light of love and faith, and the aroma of life, where now only barren and void stands the old homestead,  beat upon by the rain of summer, the winds and storms of winter, and torn by the lashing torrent of the passing of time.
      Abandoned and alone it stands like the cast off shell of something that once was alive, slowly moldering, and decaying, and returning unto the dust, like the shells of those whose voices once caused its' rooms to vibrate and resound with laughter. Where are the former tenants of so forlorn a place? Is there no one to light a fire in the hearth? Is there no one to put a light in the window? Is there no one who cares that I have come home from the wars: - the battle of good and evil; of right and wrong; of righteousness and unrighteousness? Is there no one to welcome me and succor me? No! time was, time has been, time is gone, time waits for no man. One by one I have watched them go down the valley to meet the lover of their souls. It is said that life is forever, and there is no end of love. Ah! what blessed truth! Our Lord and Savior said: "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me , though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." John 11: 25,26.
      They believed and they trusted, and so they occupy stately mansions in a far off country. Jesus said: "In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you." John 14: 2
      I shall turn and go forever from the old home place which is abandoned and alone, and torn by the passing of time. Return to your dust from whence you came. Never again will a light shine from your windows to light my pathway. Never again will a fire burn in your hearth to warm my soul, never again will I hear on earth those voices so dear to me. Fall into your dust ye abandoned and desolate relic of time and space, for these mortals have put on immortality."O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Corinthians 15: 55. Know ye not that on the resurrection morning the trumpet of God shall sound and the dead in Christ shall arise? 

 In that far off country, in my Father's house there is a light shinning to guide me home. There is an un-extinguishable fire of God's love and mercy burning on the hearth. There are those who are waiting to welcome me home from the wars: the battles of good and evil; right and wrong; righteousness and unrighteousness. When my life's work is over, when I have fought a good fight, when I have run the race, then I too shall make my way down the valley to meet the lover of my soul. I shall walk up the lane to my Father's house and receive the welcome of my Lord. Then, I hope to see the ones I cannot see tonight.
      Father, if you see mother first, tell her that her prayers were not in vain. Tell her that I love her and I will be coming home from the wars one day soon. Mother, if you see dad first, tell him that his labors were not in vain. Jesus, tell those I love that I love you, because you first loved me and gave yourself for me. Tell them that I want to work for you and serve you a while longer here on earth so that I might tell the good news of your amazing grace to save the lost, and bear fruit to your glory, but some day we will meet at the marriage supper of the Lamb and renew old acquaintances and rejoice forever in the presence of our Savior in the eternal mansions on high.
      Dedicated to the memory of my father and mother,Arthur and Annie Searles, at home with the Lord.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministy 

Psalm 26:7

Rejoice greatly in our grat salvation

Thought For Today - December 7
 Rejoice Greatly in Our Salvation.  -  By: Robert A. Searles
      "The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord, and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!"Psalm 21:1
      We ought to rejoice greatly in our salvation. Let us meditate on the strength and power of God our father. Consider his holiness ,and think of what it means for us to be saved from his righteous wrath and judgment. If we were to receive that which we deserve based upon our own righteousness and merits, we would find ourselves in the deepest hell. But God loves us from the beginning, and gave himself for us so that we might escape his judgment, and be given an inheritance in his household. For this we ought to greatly rejoice.
      "Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips." Psalm 21: 2.
       Let us also consider our position in the household of God our father. As his redeemed children, we can come boldly to his throne of grace and make our desires known to him, and he always gives to us whatever he sees will be best for us, for our good and his glory. When we ask, we receive, and he grants the desires of our heart.
      "For thou preventest him with the blessing of goodness: thou set a crown of pure gold on his head: he asked life of thee, and thou gave it him, even length of days for ever and ever." Psalm 21:3,4
      God daily goes before us and pours out his blessing upon us in ways that we do not understand. His mercy is great, and his salvation is free.
      For all these reasons we ought always rejoice and give God the praise.
      Thank you Lord!

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry
















 

So send I You!

Thought for Today  - October 23, 2023

So Send I You!  

By: Robert A. Searles

 

      “Then said Jesus to them again, peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”John 20:2

      Jesus gave his disciples the commission to continue his ministry on earth after he had ascended into heaven.., He gave them the Holy Spirit to help them. We who are the children of God, have been given the same commission from him. We are told to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. As God sent Jesus to reconcile the world to himself, so Jesus sends us into the world among sinners, to tell them of his love and redeeming power. 

      There is no purpose for living on earth other than for service to God. The unsaved person from the time he is old enough to think for himself is constantly searching for something that will fulfill his purpose in life. It is called the pursuit of happiness. It is the common thought that happiness is something which we can run after, and some day catch, and when it has been caught, hang onto it and never let it go. No wonder there are so many frustrated people in the world. They go from one thing to another, without ever finding any real satisfaction in life, and no purpose for living. Education won't satisfy, houses and property and wealth won't satisfy, even good health won't satisfy, and the reason being, that we were designed to be satisfied only from within when we have found the perfect will of God and are doing it.The most miserable people of all are those who have become the sons of God, if they have never yielded themselves to serve God and win souls to Christ. The greatest joy and satisfaction that any of us can ever experience is to know that we are doing the very thing that we were sent to do after we were saved, that is, to magnify and exalt the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; to win souls; and to continue the ministry of love and compassion, and reconciliation to God through Christ, and help those in need.

      When a person has no purpose in life other than to satisfy his own flesh, then life itself becomes nothing but a continual state of boredom and depression, and can become a living hell. We have been sent by Jesus to do a job, to work in his vineyard, to bring in the harvest. There is much joy in laboring for the Lord. We are told that: “they that sow in tears, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them.”

      I want to be one of the sent ones. I don't want to be just sitting around feeling miserable because I have reached a certain age, and feeling sorry for myself that all my yesterdays could not continue until today. I pray that the Lord will fill me to overflowing with the Holy Spirit and give me a ministry and service for him that will keep me busy magnifying and exalting his name forever. I want to keep my eyes on the future, not on the past. That which is ahead is greater and more exciting than anything we have ever known in the past. I want to keep pressing forward to the prize of the high calling of God, as Paul said, and to keep my eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. I want to seek first the kingdom of God, and accept with thanksgiving any blessing that God wants to shower upon me.

 

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

Where Will We Stand?

 

Thought for Today - December 5

Where Will We Stand? By: Robert A. Searles
    “And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple- that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. and the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.." John 18:15-18.
    Some of us Christians are like Peters. We claim to be Christians, and to be saved. Down deep in our heart we want to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, but when the chips are down, and the curtain is raised in front of us, we become cowardly and back off, and fail to raise our colors to let everyone know where we really stand. Peter loved the Lord and was interested in the things of the Lord, but he didn't really want to get involved , and be identified with the Lord at this time because it would have cost him something. It might have even cost him his life. Instead, he made himself comfortable around the enemy's fire warming himself.
    Let us examine ourselves. Are we like Peter? When we are brought to task are we a little bit afraid to raise our flag and show our true colors and let everyone know exactly where we stand? We may find ourselves in a group of two or three people, or perhaps even more. One person in the group may be taking his stand all alone for the Lord Jesus Christ and witnessing for him. The rest of the crowd may be scoffing and ridiculing that person, and calling him fanatic. Where will we choose to stand? Will we stand beside the one who is giving a positive testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ, or will we choose to stay where it is comfortable beside the enemy's fire, and pretend to go along with the crowd, even though down deep in your heart you know it is driving you crazy?
    Some of us want to be secret followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we don't want it to cost us anything. Where will we stand against the issues of known sin? Will we take a firm positive stand against those things which we absolutely know are immoral, and sinful, and displeasing and dishonoring to the Lord, or will we take the road of least resistance. Will we go a little way down the road of sin with the crowd just so that we do not lose their friendship and admiration , and  reason that while we are walking with them we can keep our fingers crossed, as it were, because we don't really want to go their way, but somehow if we can remain popular with them, we might win them to our side without it costing you anything?
    Jesus said that no man starts to build a tower until he first sits down to count the cost to see if he has the wherewithal to finish it. And no man is fit for the kingdom of heaven who having accepted the Lord and started following him, looks back on the old crowd and the old ways. Fellow Christian, have we really counted the cost of being a real true Christian and follower of Jesus?
    I believe that the maid who kept the door of the palace where Jesus was taken lost all respect for Peter because he was seeking his own safety. I also believe that when the world sees us as lukewarm Christians who are afraid to name the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and afraid to call sin by its' rightful name, and afraid to witness for the Lord, and afraid to take a good firm positive stand for the right against evil, -  lose respect for us as well.
    No wonder artists have painted pictures of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings with lace dresses on him. No wonder the world has the impression that Christians are a bunch of effeminate sissies who can't make it in reality, and have to resort to wishful thinking. No wonder the world is losing respect for our great country which was founded on principles of Christianity.
    Christian, where will you stand when you hear someone taking the name of the Lord in vain and being disrespectful to him? Where do you stand on the murder (abortion) of millions of innocent babies? Where do you stand on the break up of the traditional family, and same sex marriages? Where do you stand on the clear teaching of Romans chapter 1? Where do you stand on the clear teaching of all the Word of God, the Bible? Will you go along with the world and comfort yourself by the enemy's fire, or will you stand faithfully by the side of your Savior? The Lord Jesus Christ himself looses respect for the cowardly Christian.
    "I know thy works, and thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot I will spew thee out of my mouth." Revelation 3:15, 16
    God is not a mealy mouth preacher. Can you imagine God vomiting out Christians? How would you like to be a food particle in God's mouth, so distasteful to him that he has to vomit . For this to be true, all you have to do is to be like Peter was, and seek the comfort and safety of the enemy's fire before he eventually came to his senses and repented with weeping, and because of his testimony that Jesus was the Christ sent from God, Jesus called his testimony the rock on which his church was built.
    If any of us have been fearful of standing for the Lord, Let us repent with weeping, and turn again to our first love and all for which he stands..

Telehelp Publications Chjristian Literature Ministry

he Spirit Say Write! And The Spirit Says Sing!

Thought For Today -  November 19
The Spirit Say Write ! - And The Spirit Says Sing !  -  By: Robert A. Searles
     The spirit says write, but what shall I write? The spirit says sing, but what shall I sing? The spirit says go, but where shall I go?
     If I were a prophet I would prophesy. If I were a virtuoso I would sing. If I were a traveler I would go. I am not a prophet, so I cannot prophesy. I am not a virtuoso, so I cannot sing. I have not the means of travel , so I am unable to tour the world and see for myself all the great wonders of God's creation. What then must I do to please and appease the spirit within me that says write, speak, sing, and go?
     I must pray and ask God to reveal to me what he wants me to do with the remainder of my life on earth. I must offer myself as a sacrifice upon the altar of the Lord at the feet of Jesus, and remember the great sacrifice he made for me when his hands and feet were pierced and a spear thrust through his side, and divine blood flowed like a river for me. I must rejoice at the remembrance of his glorious resurrection and remember that his resurrection foretold my own someday. I must faithfully use whatever resources and talents that God has bestowed upon me, all for his honor and glory, and to make a difference in a world filled with gloom and darkness.
     Jesus has told us in his word that we who know him as our Lord and Savior are the salt and the light of the world. Our presence in the world is to be as seasoning in a tasteless society which know only the carnal, physical, and sinful aspects of life on earth and have either never heard , or care less about the celestial and spiritual realm of a higher existence which is known only to those who will believe and receive the truth of the word of God. Jesus told his early disciples, and us as well, to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
     When the spirit within me says write, I am compelled to write about Jesus and his love for me and the whole world. I love to tell the story of Jesus and his love. When the spirit within me says sing, though I have not the voice of an angel, I can rejoice in my heart and somehow make a joyful noise unto the Lord with praise and thanksgiving. When the spirit says go, I can go next door to my neighbor and offer a cup of cold water and remind him that Jesus saves, and that he came into the world to save sinners just like me.
     I am not a prophet, I am not a virtuoso, I am not a world traveler, but I can do these small things for the Lord, and I ought to.
                              Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry