Monthly Archives: December 2011

Encourage others in Christ the solid rock

Encourage others in Christ the solid rock

Thought of the week:

When they arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the half shekel [the temple tax] went up to Peter and said, Does not your Teacher pay the half shekel? He answered, Yes. And when he came home, Jesus spoke to him [about it] first, saying, What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly rulers collect duties or tribute–from their own sons or from others not of their own family? And when Peter said, From other people not of their own family, Jesus said to him, Then the sons are exempt.

However, in order not to give offense and cause them to stumble [that is, to cause them to judge unfavorably and unjustly] go down to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find there a shekel *. Take it and give it to them to pay the temple tax for Me and for yourself. Mat 17: 24-27.

*a shekel = 11.44 grams

 

Eternal satisfaction in Christ

 

Eternal satisfaction in Christ

As we have learned “Finding eternal satisfaction in Christ” – Let us apply in our day today life.

Memory Verse:

Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I (Jesus Christ) give will never thirst – not ever. The water I give will be an artisan spring within, gushing fountains of endless life. If any one thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the scripture says ‘ You’ll be like a well watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry.

John 4: 13-14, John 7: 38-39; Isaiah 58:11

 

 

God Disciplines His Sons

 

God Disciplines His Sons

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (New International Version)

 

Heaven on Earth

 

Remember God always

Word:

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-31

Thought:

We will have days of Heaven on Earth when we remember God always and in all things.

 

Remember God always

 

Remember God always

Word:

You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear. Deuteronomy 7:19

Thought:

We will have days of Heaven on earth when we remember God always and in all things.

 

Thirsty???

Word:

Jesus answered, “All who drink this water will be thirsty again.  But anyone who drinks the water I give him will never be thirsty. In fact, the water I give him will become a spring of water in him. It will flow up into eternal life.” John 4: 13 and 14

The Lord says, “I sent a great army of locusts to attack you. They included common locusts, giant locusts, young locusts and other locusts. I will make up for the years they ate your crops. You will have plenty to eat. It will satisfy you completely. Then you will praise me. I am the Lord your God. I have done wonderful miracles for you. My people will never be put to shame again. You will know that I am with you in Israel. I am the Lord your God. There is no other God. So my people will never be put to shame again. Joel 2: 25-27.

Thought:

Are we looking up to Jesus to satisfy us or are we running vainly behind the worldly things?

 

Look at the Stars

Look at the Stars

Word for the week:

The LORD took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:5-6

Jesus looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). Mark 7:34

Jesus is Power

 

Jesus is Power

Word:

“Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: That which is devoted is among you, O Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it. Joshua 7:13

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11

Thought:

Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God (Ps 62:11)

 

Christ centered Christmas

Word:

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. Luke 21: 33-34

Thought: Are we caught up with materialism? Who/what is ruling our hearts?

If we replace Christ with anything else that becomes idol worship.

Our role model is Christ and He lived a humble and holy life. Do we have humbleness in our hearts?

Today is the day of Salvation. Turn to Jesus and He will change our hearts.

God is in control

God is in control

As we meditate on the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, we see how God was in control of each and every aspect of our Savior’s birth.

The same was true in the lives of the early apostles. Even when they faced severe persecution God was in control.

Memory verse for the week:

Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.” Acts 12:11

Thought for the week:

Not only was God in control in the early church but even now He is on the throne.