Blessed are the Poor In Spirit

Thought for Today - October 21, 2023
Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit! 
By: Robert A. Searles

     “Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy.  Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.  Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.” Psalm 86: 1-3 (KJV).

     God loves us and wants to provide for all our needs.  We have the privilege of calling on him and laying our burdens on him; but we must surrender all to him, and trust him completely, and truly desire his will for our lives.  God will not help the person who is self sufficient, or thinks he is, one who has no need for anything, or anybody.   We must recognize our depravity and sin, and receive Christ as our sin sacrifice and Savior before we can receive God's help and blessing.

Praise!

 Thought For Today - November 9
 Praise! 
 By: Robert A. Searles 

 God is well pleased with his children when they open their mouths in praise to him. What could be more fitting for the children of the heavenly Father than to salute and greet one another with praises to God, along with a pleasant good morning? Of course, in order for the praise to be pleasing to God, it must truly come from our hearts, and not just from our lips. God is worthy of our praise. 

 “Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.” Deuteronomy 10: 20, 21 (KJV).

 God has done some great and wonderful things for us. He gave his son, he shed divine blood to pay our sin debt. He forgave our sins and reconciled us to himself when we were lost and without hope. He hears our prayers, he gives us our daily bread, and supplies all our needs according to his riches in heaven. When we praise him with our lips, originating in our heart from a true sense of gratitude, we are declaring to the listening ear, the greatness and glory and worthiness of God.

 “Who is like unto thee, O Lord among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Exodus 15: 11 (KJV)


 We ought always be praising the Lord with our lips as well as with our lifestyle. What good is secret praise? Secret praise or unspoken words of gratitude are never heard, and how can they be enlightening or edifying to anyone else, that they might know how great we know our God to be? 


"Hear, O ye kings, give ear, O ye princes, I, even I will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.” Judges 5:3 (KJV)

. “I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.?” Psalm 7: 17 (KJV)

. '”My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.” Psalm 22: 25 (KJV)

. My praise in the great congregation means that we praise him publicly, among all people, let them know that we are praising God. When we greet someone with praises to the Lord, we are saying to that person that we acknowledge God to be our source of all our benefits. This is pleasing to the Lord. 

 “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; for praise is comely for the upright. O praise the Lord with harp; sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song, play skillfully with a loud noise. For the word of the Lord is right, and all his works are done in truth.” Psalm 33: 1-4 (KJV). 

 God has said that whoso offereth praise glorifieth me When we glorify God we receive strength and power for our own lives. Praising God is being obedient to God. Obedience brings God's good favor and blessing


“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me; and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” Psalm 50: 23 (KJV). 

 Shall we covenant or agree with God that - : “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34: 1-3 (KJV). 

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Acceptable Sacrifice

Thought for Today - December 23, 2022 Acceptable Sacrifice

 By: Robert A. Searles

 “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” Psalm 107: 21, 22 

. “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.” Psalm 69: 30, 31 

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

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

 Just to be talking about God, and to be doing things that pertain to God, and to be all wrapped up in some service for him in the name of God, is not enough by itself.

 Martha was busy about many things, she was so wrapped up in doing things, that she had little time for the Lord himself. Jesus did not say that Martha was completely wrong in doing, but he did say that Mary had chosen the better part. What was the better part? The better part was to sit at his feet and worship him, and listen to his teaching, and love him and show her gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving, by washing his feet with her hair. 

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Our Kinsman Redeemer

November 1, 2016 Our Kinsman Redeemer By: Robert A. Searles Ruth, returning with her mother in law Naomi from the land of Moab after Naomi's husband and sons had died, one of them having been the husband of Ruth, found themselves in need of help and assistance to survive. Where could they go? What could they do? “And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. And Ruth, the Moabitess, said unto Naomi, let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace, and she said unto her go my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.” Ruth 2: 1-3 (KJV). In times of our spiritual want and famine, when we see ourselves impoverished, and not knowing where to turn for help, where shall we find grace (that free gift), and be allowed to glean in his field? Where else, excerpt in Christ our kiinsman , our Father's son, our savior, and our brother? He it is that we must seek after. “Then said Boaz unto Ruth, hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens; let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them; have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? And when thou art atrhirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.” Ruth2: 8,9 (KJV) Once we have found him, Christ our kinsman redeemer, or better still, when he has found and rescued us, we need not, and we must not go to glean in any other field. “Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I an a stranger?” Ruth 2: 10 (KJV) Why have we, unworthy sinners, found grace in the eyes of the Lord that he should take knowledge of us to shed his blood for us and save us, seeing that we are sinners and strangers to him. We should be so grateful for what Christ has done for us! Why should we have found grace in his eyes? Only because he has loved us from the very foundations of the earth. “And Boaz answered and said unto her, it hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband, and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come o trust.” Ruth 2: 11-12 (KJV). God will surely reward all those who flee to him for salvation, and lean upon him for wisdom, and trust in his providence When Ruth returned home that day from the field of Boaz, her mother in law asked her, “where hast thou gleaned today? And where wroughtest thou? Blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee, and she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, the man's name with whom I wrought today is Boaz.” Ruth 2: 19 (KJV). Matthew Henry once said: “It is a good question to ask ourselves every night, where have I gleaned today? What improvements have I made in knowledge and grace? What have I done that will turn in a good account?” Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com www.telehelp-publications-bookshelf.myshopify.com

Be Quiet and Listen

October 31, 2016 Be Quiet and Listen! By: Robert A. Searles “The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.” Ecc 9: 17 (KJV) While God is speaking to us, are we really listening, or is the clamor and noise of this sin cursed world drowning out the voice of our loving heavenly Father who is trying to tell us of his love and mercy for his children? If we really want to know what God is saying to us, moment by moment, we must cease from our own noise making, and listen intently to the still small voice of God. We cheat ourselves of so much comfort and so many blessings when we are so preoccupied with our own everyday affairs, that we do not take the time to get alone with God in our own secret hiding place and listen for the voice of God as he speaks to us by the various methods which he chooses. How does God speak to us? God speaks to us first of all by his written word, the Holy scriptures. In them, God tells us how the heavens and the earth came into being. He tells us how he made man and woman, and all the animals and creeping things of the earth for the use and benefit of mankind. He tells us how he hates sin, but loves the sinner. He tells us that we all have sinned and come short of his glory, but that he is willing to forgive and forget our sins. He tells us how we may obtain that forgiveness and renewal of spirit and restoration of fellowship with himself. In the written word, God also assures us that every word written in the scriptures are true and given by his Holy Spirit to his chosen prophets and historians who would be faithful men and women to record his words for all future generations to come. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) “We have also a more sure word of prophesy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shinneth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your heart; 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 spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19- 21 (KJV) In the Holy Scriptures, God relates to us the history of his chosen people, Israel from Abraham down through the centuries to the present generations. He speaks to us of the promises he has made to his chosen ones. He show us all the trials and tribulations that his people have experienced because of their sins and rebellion and turning their back on him and worshiping idols. Through the history of his people Israel, he warns all of us of what can become of rebellious nations who forget God and turn to idols; but he also reveals to us his great love and mercy when men and women repent and turn back to him. In the written word, God is speaking to us to show us the way back from our sinfulness and rebellion by receiving his son as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. He tells us that: Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried and rose again the third day, according to the scriptures, and is now in heaven interceding for all of us who will believe and receive him, and we are promised that he is coming again to receive his children to himself and establish his kingdom on earth. In the written word, God offers us comfort and rest when we are tired and weary, and peace when we have turmoil in our soul. God also speaks to us through the living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. “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 make by him; and without him was not anything made that was made., In him was the life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shinneth in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1: 1-5 (KJV) God is spirit. The bible says that no one has seen God at any time, but the son of God has revealed him. Christ came into the world not only to die for the sins of the world, but also to reveal God the Father to the world. Jesus said: “if you have seen me you have seen the Father. I and the Father are one.” God the Father, speaking through his son, the Lord Jesus Christ, spoke to his disciples in the language of men, in an audible voice which they could understand, and record his message to all mankind through the gospels. Jesus, while on earth, spoke many words of wisdom and instruction to his apostles and disciples, to which we ought to listen intently and pay the most earnest heed. Do we read and study the gospels and quietly listen to the words of Jesus, and make them a part of our very being as was intended by God? God also speaks to us through his indwelling Holy Spirit in the heart and mind of every born again child of his. When Jesus ascended into heaven he promised, that when he went away, he would send another comforter, to be a constant companion, interpreter of the word of God, instructor and guardian of his redeemed. God has so much for us to know of him, so much to enjoy and be blessed by him. God speaks in a still small voice, and in order to hear what he is saying, we must quietly listen. We must stop our ears, at least for a little while from all the noise of the world, and the noise within our own soul. Arise in the morning and behold the majesty of a gorgeous sunrise, and allow the sunrise of the love of God to arise in your own soul. Stop and smell the fragrance of the rose, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a beautiful sunset, and know that with God all is well, and it is well with your soul. Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry www.telehelppublications.blogspot.com www.telehelp-publications-bookshelf.myshopify.com

Be Quiet and Listen

Today - A Gift From God

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Thought forToday  – December 22, 2022 

 A GiftFrom God 

By: Robert A. Searles 

 Each day in our lives is a brand new gift from God. There has never been a day exactly like it before, and there will never be a day exactly like it again. It is unique in itself.

 As someone has aptly said: “This is a brand new day without mistakes, yet." Pray to God that we can keep it without mistakes.

 “This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad it it.” Let us not ruin today by borrowing from tomorrow's sorrows, or remembering the mistakes of yesterday. If we at all remember, let us remember the joys and the happiness, and the good things, and let us throw out with the trash, as it were, the negative and bad things. Let us spend this day, this valuable gift that God has given to us, always aware of his presence and companionship. A day spent in companionship with the Lord is better than a thousand without him. 

 If we have received Christ as our Savior, then today we have eternal everlasting life, and have passed from darkness into light and we don't have to look for tomorrow to come to receive it and enjoy it.

 Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

Psalm 26:7