Let us sing a new song

 Thought For Today - October 18, 2023

 Let us sing a new song

 By: Robert A. Searles

 "O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people." Psalm 96: 1,2,3

 "Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise." Psalm 33: 1,2,3 

"O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory." Psalm 98:1

 "Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints." Psalm 149:1

 "I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee." Psalm 144:9

 Wait patiently for the Lord. He hears,and he will answer. I used to sing an old song when I was bound in the muck and mire of sin.The song that is being sung by the world, the flesh, and the devil. But God, through his mercy and grace pulled me up out of the miry pit and set my feet upon the solid rock, and put a new song in my heart. The song that I now sing is a melody of the love of Christ, sins forgiven, and a new relationship with the God and creator of the universe-the Lord Jesus Christ. He took the worn threads of the filthy rags that I was wearing,and wove them into a beautiful garment likened unto the garment of his righteousness -a garment of praise and worship to bring honor and glory to his name. Grace! Grace! Grace! What marvelous grace!- A song of deliverance, and restoration to God my father through Christ Jesus his son. Listener friend, won't you hear my song this morning, and with me sing a new song and claim your salvation and rejoice in the Lord? I hope you will, and have a good day and may God bless you. Come! click below and let us sing together.

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 >Can't get out to church? ? Then, enjoy up to date Sunday morning services from several local bible believing churches right here:  telehelppublicationsbookshelf.blogspot.com

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministrry

                           Psalm 26: 7

 

Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

 Thought for Today - October 17, 2023

 Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

By: Robert A. Searles

As I prayed this morning and sought the LORD'S will as what I should share for today's "thought for today", I believe that the Lord would have me share with my readers an article which, by the way, is not original with me, but was written by an unknown author

originally published in the Colorado Christian News, October 1995, author’s name not published

Should Christians participate in Halloween?

"The October 31st holiday that we today know as Halloween has strong roots in paganism and is closely connected with worship of the Enemy of this world, Satan. It is a holiday that generally glorifies the dark things of this world, rather than the light of Jesus Christ, The Truth. Have you noticed how costumes and masks are getting generally more bloody, gory, and depraved each year? Unfortunately, the gruesome and grotesque and the occult are increasingly glorified in American society, not only on Halloween, but throughout the year in frequent horror movies and television programs. My family does not celebrate it or participate in it. We do not believe that our children are “missing out,” and neither do they. Other days are used for costumes and parties. Happily, all of our children have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. We have found that Halloween provides an excellent time to remind our children that, as Christians, we are different, and not of this world (Heb. 11:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11). What about church “Harvest Festivals” held on October 31? Although we understand the rational and good intentions behind them, we don’t think they are the best approach. Our family tends to agree with the author of an article called “Are ‘Harvest Parties’ for Christians?” (written by a self-avowed former witch and now active Christian). Harvest parties on October 31 tend to assume that “our children need something to take the place of Halloween, since they won’t be participating in the secular and pagan celebrations. It suggests our kids are missing out on something. And indeed they are, if we allow them to spend Halloween in celebration.” There are better things to do on Halloween than partying. Also, we need to teach our children that “the fight isn’t against occultists, non-Christians, Christians who feel differently than we about Halloween, or institutions that promote Halloween, but” “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV). Relevant Scripture James 4:7-8—submit yourselves to God, resist the devil, purify your hearts Ezekiel 44:23—“…teach my people… to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” Proverbs 22:6—“train a child in the way he should go” Matthew 18:6—“if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin…” Hosea 4:6—“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” John 3:19-20—fallen man loves darkness instead of light Romans 13:12—“put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Ephesians 6:11-18—“take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” 2 Chronicles 7:14—humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn away from wicked ways—and God will heal our land Are October 31 “Harvest Parties” the best alternative for Christians? “What are you doing for Halloween?” Ask a Christian parent this question, and be prepared to hear an answer like, “Nothing! We don’t celebrate Halloween.“ Thunder crashes, and you creep away, embarassed for even asking. “What are you doing ON Halloween?” Ask the same parent this slightly altered question, and their whole manner and response brightens. “Why,” they begin, as birds begin to sing and sunshine breaks through the cumulus clouds. “We’re all going to the Harvest Party at church!” A choir sings. A trumpet sounds. You feel privileged just knowing these saints. Let’s take a look at the typical Harvest Party. It is a celebration. It is chaperoned (usually). It may have costumes. Games are played. Contests are held. Food abounds. Music blares. Everyone enjoys themselves. Certainly, nothing to get concerned about, right? The problem, however, lies in the billing. The Harvest Party is usually referred to as the Christian alternative to traditional Halloween hijinx. Alternative, however, implies substitute. It assumes our children need something to take the place of Halloween, since they won’t be participating in the secular and pagan celebrations. It suggests our kids are missing out on something. And indeed they are, if we allow them to spend Halloween in celebration. If we are to train our children to be soldiers in the army of Christ, why would we sign a pass for them to go on leave when the battle is escalating on the front lines? As a child of four, I contacted the first of many spirit guides (read: demons) while playing with a Kindergarten classmates’ ouija board at a chaperoned Halloween party. This spiritual assault ignited an intrigue with the supernatural that culminated in my lifestyle as a practicing witch: divination, necromancy, channeling, astrology, psychic ability, and spell working. It wasn’t until I was twenty that I met the real Jesus Christ, and was released from the trap that Satan had set for this young prisoner of war sixteen years earlier. There are too many casualities on Halloween and far too few troops fighing the enemy. Instead of partying on Halloween, teach your children how to fight. Keep them aware that the fight isn’t against occultists, non-Christians, Christians who feel differently than we about Halloween, or institutions that promote Halloween, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers or darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). How do we teach our children to wrestle spiritually? Discourage them from participating in traditional Halloween activities (2 Timothy 2:4). Then tell them why. Encourage them to pray on a regular, daily basis (Ephesians 6:18). Let them know first hand the power that we have in prayer. All Christians should know how to fight on their knees. Remind them to be alert and self-controlled (1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6). Give them the discipline of knowing it is their responsibility to keep watch. They, themselves, might also become casualties in the war. Make certain they are prepared for battle (Ephesians 6:11). Do they know the truth? Stand on the Word of God? Have faith? Know the gospel? Are they righteous? Are they saved?… Instead of celebrating, what’s a Christian to do on Satan’s feast day? PRAY! Intercession and spiritual warfare should be the first item on our agenda. It is NOT a last resort! Join with other families in the church. Have the pastor announce a night of spiritual battle. Organize a group of Christians parents and students from your children’s school or homeschool group. As a family, designate the seven nights before October 31 as Family Prayer Outreach nights. Pray for protection. Pray over both those who engage in prayer warfare and over those who will be out trick-or-treating or at Halloween parties. October 31 is a prime recruiting time for witches and Satanists… and a time for interested kids to experiment. Pray that the Lord keeps our kids from falling prey to those who worship the enemy. Pray for discernment. Let the Holy Spirit direct you to specific prayer requests. Pray that the children who are “out there” will somehow “know” to keep away from certain activities. Pray that the Lord hinder the occult rituals. For four years, I lived in a building which over looked a cemetery where occult ceremonial markings were often found. On certain occult feast days, usually between midnight and 3 a.m., I would look down into the darkness and kneel at my window binding the demons that controlled the ceremonies. I’ll never know this side of heaven what effect my prayers had. Maybe a potential sacrifice escaped. Maybe the occultists weren’t successful in summoning their demon. Maybe a new, young recruit decided that this was not the lifestyle he thought he wanted. Pray for the salvation of the occultists. Jesus Christ died for those whom Satan holds captive and deceived, for those who mock Him, who deny His deity or His existence. He doesn’t want them to perish, but to come to Him calling Him Father, Lord. Pray the veil is lifted from their eyes, the Lord allows them to see clearly their spiritual condition and their only hope lies in Jesus Christ. Pray also, about whether the Lord would have you take a more active role in bringing the gospel to Satan’s servants. Let your children know that this is effective warfare. They must know their prayers are heard and acted on by our Father. Let them know they can make a difference. Come October 31, they’ll know they have a job to do. Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry                              Psalm 26: 7

Once I Was Blind!

 

 Thought for Today -  October 16, 2023

 Once I Was Blind!

 By Robert A. Searles 

 Once I was blind, but now I see. From the moment of my physical birth until the moment of my rebirth as a child of God, my spiritual eyes and understanding were afflicted with blindness. This is true of all people whether or not they will acknowledge this truth.

 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God” for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2: 14. 

 Jesus said: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3: 3. 

 Unfortunately, there are certain religious leaders today occupying pulpits and teaching and preaching some form of religion who are blind leaders of the blind. Jesus said: “Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matthew 15: 13,14. 

These blind leaders have never truly been born again and experienced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; therefore, they teach the doctrines of men, a social gospel of good works, good deeds, the keeping of rules and commandments . More emphasis placed on tolerance and love, and at the same time neglecting to teach the penalty of not being forgiven and pardoned by God and having a personal relationship with Christ.

 Praise God! Christ is willing and able to open the blind eyes of all those who will come to him and ask to receive their sight. In asking we must believe that he is, in fact, the divine son of God, and is the only way, the truth, and the light. We must believe that he is the propitiation for our sins: he paid the price of our redemption, and we are forever saved by his grace. We must believe that he arose from the dead and ascended into heaven, and is now our great high priest who makes intercession for us before the throne of God. We must believe that if we will confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

 When we receive all this truth by faith as a free gift of God's grace, we are miraculously born again, and then and only then can we see spiritual things. We must have the confidence that Jesus can and will do all this for us, and as we believe, Jesus said, it shall be done unto us. 

 “And when Jesus departed thence two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, thou son of David, have mercy on us. And while he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, according to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened, and Jesus straitly charged them, see that no man know it.” Matthew 9: 27-30.

 In this case Jesus gave physical sight to physical eyes, and at this time he was not yet ready for it to be known abroad. Today Jesus will give spiritual sight to spiritual eyes and he wants all those who have received spiritual eyesight to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

Click the link below and let us sing this prayer to God together

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 >Can't get out to church? ? Then, enjoy up to date Sunday morning services from several local bible believing churches right here:  telehelppublicationsbookshelf.blogspot.com

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

                             Psalm 26: 7

 

 

God Is King Of All The Earth

 

Thought For Today - October 14 2023

 God Is King Of All The Earth 

By Robert A. Searles 

 "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah. God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted." Psalm 47:1-9

click below and praise God with singing:

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 >Can't get out to church? ? Then, enjoy up to date Sunday morning services from several local bible believing churches right here:  telehelppublicationsbookshelf.blogspot.com

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

                              Psalm 26: 7

 

 

Bring Your Burdens To The Lord

 

Thought for Today - October 13, 2023

 Bring Your Burdens To The Lord

 By: Robert A. Searles 

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

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

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

 What burdens lay heavy on our souls today? Is it the burden of not forgiven sin? Is it the burden of doubts and fears, or the burden of sickness and immanent death? Do we grieve today over the loss of family, friends, or loved ones? Are we perplexed, not knowing where to turn or what road to take to solve our problems? Are we overly concerned about how we will meet the challenges of the future? Jesus stands ready to make an exchange of burdens. If we are willing to lay all our cares and burdens upon him, he will bear them for us, but we in exchanges must be willing to put his yoke upon our shoulders and be busy for him. When we are yoked together with him,he is bearing the heavier part of the load and our burdens become lighter. We are told to take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there. Burdens are lifted at Calvary. Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and , my burden light."Matthew 11: 28-30 

Today's hymn of worship and praise : "Burdens are lifted at Calvary." click on video below and sing along!

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up to date Sunday morning church services  here:

telehelppublicationsbookshelf.blogspot.com

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry

                                Psalm 26: 27

 

Almost Persuaded

 Thought for Today - October 12, 2023

 Almost Persuaded 

 By: Robert A. Searles

 If perchance someone may be reading these lines who is not a Christian, and does not know what it means to be saved, and you do not have the joys of fellowship with our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you ought to stop right where you are and consider the alternatives. It is possible to have a pearl of great price slip through your fingers and be lost to you forever, and it is possible to be so close to much treasure, and yet to lose or neglect it all.

 Perhaps a wife or husband; a mother or father; or a son or a daughter has been praying for your salvation. Perhaps they have very lovingly told you of Jesus and his power to save. Perhaps they have very patiently and kindly explained to you God's simple plan of salvation. It may be that at times the Holy Spirit has tugged at your heart and you have been almost persuaded, almost but not yet, another time, when I am older, after I have exhausted all the pleasures of a worldly life style: almost persuaded to believe and trust Jesus, almost, but still lost. 

You, no doubt, have heard the gospel preached at church, or on the radio, or television, or from literature such as you are now reading, and yet you continue to neglect your salvation. My dear friend or relative, whoever you may be, millions throughout the ages have tried and tested the Word of God and have found it to be sure and steadfast and trust worthy.

 The Word of God teaches us that it is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment and stand before God and give an account for what he did with God's greatest gift to man, his only begotten son, the Lord Jesus Christ: That whosoever should believe on him and call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. My friend, the only alternative to being saved is to be lost, and to be lost does not mean cessation of existence or annihilation, but it means to spend eternity in an eternal hell, separated from God forever. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? Hebrews 2: 3, 4 

 If you have neglected your salvation, won't you reconsider before it is eternally too late? A loving God and Savior is calling and waiting for you to respond to his invitation. Time is short, death beds are coming, Jesus is tenderly calling for you. Our hymn of praise and worship for today -  "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling". Please listen thoughtfully and prayerfully and sing along .

 click om here to listen: 

 Thought for Today - October 12, 2023

 Almost Persuaded 

 By: Robert A. Searles

 If perchance someone may be reading these lines who is not a Christian, and does not know what it means to be saved, and you do not have the joys of fellowship with our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you ought to stop right where you are and consider the alternatives. It is possible to have a pearl of great price slip through your fingers and be lost to you forever, and it is possible to be so close to much treasure, and yet to lose or neglect it all.

 Perhaps a wife or husband; a mother or father; or a son or a daughter has been praying for your salvation. Perhaps they have very lovingly told you of Jesus and his power to save. Perhaps they have very patiently and kindly explained to you God's simple plan of salvation. It may be that at times the Holy Spirit has tugged at your heart and you have been almost persuaded, almost but not yet, another time, when I am older, after I have exhausted all the pleasures of a worldly life style: almost persuaded to believe and trust Jesus, almost, but still lost. 

You, no doubt, have heard the gospel preached at church, or on the radio, or television, or from literature such as you are now reading, and yet you continue to neglect your salvation. My dear friend or relative, whoever you may be, millions throughout the ages have tried and tested the Word of God and have found it to be sure and steadfast and trust worthy.

 The Word of God teaches us that it is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment and stand before God and give an account for what he did with God's greatest gift to man, his only begotten son, the Lord Jesus Christ: That whosoever should believe on him and call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. My friend, the only alternative to being saved is to be lost, and to be lost does not mean cessation of existence or annihilation, but it means to spend eternity in an eternal hell, separated from God forever. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? Hebrews 2: 3, 4 

 If you have neglected your salvation, won't you reconsider before it is eternally too late? A loving God and Savior is calling and waiting for you to respond to his invitation. Time is short, death beds are coming, Jesus is tenderly calling for you. Our hymn of praise and worship for today -  "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling". Please listen thoughtfully and prayerfully and sing along .

 click om here to listen:  <iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qf_glkmbNbQ" title="Softly and Tenderly" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

up to date Sunday morning church services  here:

telehelppublicationsbookshelf.blogspot.com

 Telehelp Publications Christian Literature ministry

                                  Psalm 26: 7

up to date Sunday morning church services  here:

telehelppublicationsbookshelf.blogspot.com

 Telehelp Publications Christian Literature ministry

                                  Psalm 26: 7

Have You Heard From God this Morning?

 

 Thought For Today - October 11, 2023

 Have You Heard From God this Morning?

 By: Robert A. Searles

 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 

 Today's hymn of worship and praise - "Sweet Hour of Prayer" Lets listen and sing along. 

click on here:  <iframe width="987" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xg282my5QyU" title="Sweet Hour of Prayer" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry 

                                   Psalm 26: 7