During the Spanish-American War, Clara Barton was overseeing the work of the Red Cross in Cuba. One day Colonel Theodore Roosevelt came to her, wanting to buy food for his sick and wounded Rough Riders. Clara refused to sell him any, even though he persisted.
Finally, he asked someone why? The answer surprised him. "Colonel, just ask for it." A smile broke over Roosevelt's face. Because the provisions were so precious and life-saving, they were not for sale. All he had to do was simply ask, and they would be given freely.
Everyone must come to God empty handed and ask for forgiveness of sins. Salvation is free. Only believe in Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.
During the thousand year reign of Christ on earth, the poor and the meek will have equal access to Jesus. He won't be owned and controlled by special interests groups. No one will influence Him with gifts of power or possessions, for He owns all power and possissions.
Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
History is littered with the failed promises of leaders. King Jesus will succeed where all others have failed. No matter what your present political bent, you will be pleased with the righteous rule of Jesus Christ.
I'm ready.
Tension in the home is like pouring sand in machinery. It begins to grind. How do we reduce stress and tension in the home?
LAUGH: Laughter is a gift from God to relieve tension and stress. It keeps us healthy -- physically and emotionally.
CONTENTMENT: We need to learn to live within our means, to be happy with what we have.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness: and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.
CHECK ANGER: One word can light a fuse that stirs up anger. We need to control our tongue.
WISDOM: Wisdom helps us prepare for a storm on the horizon. Wisdom will attack a problem with your family, and God will help you solve it.
A family built on The Lord Jesus Christ makes a beautiful home. When the storms of life pound the foundation, it stands.
When the Holy Spirit speaks to believers' hearts, it assures them that they are indeed children of God.
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.
We are to seek leadership of the Holy Spirit. Should we go or stay, speak or be quiet, lead or follow? The inaudible answer often comes with peaceful assurance or it may hold back peace. The apostle Paul wanted to go one direction, but the Holy Spirit withheld peace with that decision.
The Holy Spirit speaks to us when we pray, read scripture, hear teaching, preaching, even through gospel songs and experiences. The Holy Spirit's leadership will be consistent with God's Word and the fruits of the Spirit (peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance).
How exciting to know that wherever we are as children of God, we have this Divine helper to guide and comfort us.
Revelation 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
"The crowning worthiness heaven puts upon Christ is due to Calvary. All the splendid attributes, all the incomparable glories, concentrate in the wounds.
The place of a Lamb is upon an altar, but because of a perfect atonement perfectly accepted, the Lamb is now upon the Throne. . . . for the atonement can never lose its freshness. God never forgets it, the angels never forget it, and the redeemed never forget it.
Eternal wounds are the pledge of an eternal pardon . . . Thou did'st purchase unto God with thy blood, men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation'. The Blood alone purchases the sinner to God."
Excerpts from D. M. Panton, The Lion Lamb, quoted by F. J. Huegal, The Cross through the Scripture.
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art.
When Jesus tried to slip away, He took his disciples upon the mountain, and the multitude followed. They wanted to see more miracles. Jesus knew they were hungry.
John 6:5 . . . he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?
He was testing his faith. Hadn't they seen enough miracles to know Jesus could feed 5,000 people with one word?
"We don't have enough money," Philip replied. Then Andrew spoke up.
John 6:9 There is a lad here which hath five barley loaves and two small fishes; but what are they among so many?
Weak faith analyses available resources. Weak faith is overwhelmed by obstacles. Weak faith focuses on the problem instead of God's power.
After Jesus blessed the food, the disciples distributed the loaves and fishes. When everyone had filled their bellies -- all 5,000 --, twelve baskets of left overs were gathered. What a miracle!
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
God has always done His greatest work through a remnant -- His minority. Remember Noah's family? And God also gave victory to Gideon's army after cutting it from 3,000 to 300 men.
Matthew 18;20 Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst.
Jesus called His first church His "little flock" (Luke 12:32). He said "few" isn't bad. God plus one is a majority anywhere.
Does the place you're called to labor
Seem too small and little known?
It is great if God is in it
And He'll not forget His own.
Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There's a crown and you can win it,
if you go in Jesus' Name.
Kittie Louise Suffield
We are not left to ourselves. We have a Book -- a spiritual guide -- God's Spirit-filled instructions for our lives.
Believers live by faith, and our faith comes out of reading and believing the infallible Word of God. Our faith in God is our redemption. Our faith gives us hope in an ugly world.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
Tis grace has brought me safe this far
And grace -- and God's Word -- will see me home.
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in The Lord and whose hope The Lord is.
