GOD, OUR PROVIDER AND THE SUSTAINER OF OUR SOUL
We know the story of Elijah and the widow from the book of 1 Kings. Her store of flour remained undiminished by the supernatural power of God.
That se... View MoreGOD, OUR PROVIDER AND THE SUSTAINER OF OUR SOUL
We know the story of Elijah and the widow from the book of 1 Kings. Her store of flour remained undiminished by the supernatural power of God.
That seems incredible to us, like running low on gas in the car and having an evangelist tell us, “As long as you transport me to my services, you will never need to fill up again.”
What!?! Our jaw would drop, and we’d be agog with disbelief.
Yet, in 1 Kings 17:16 NIV, we read:
“For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.”
According to the word spoken by the evangelist … er, by the LORD.
God is our provider and the sustainer of our soul.
Do we believe? Do we accept the Word of God as eternal truth?
2 Corinthians 9:10 ESV says:
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
He supplies strength to our arms, knowledge to our thoughts, kindness to our actions, and forethought to our decisions.
When we are fully immersed in God, he will sustain us in every endeavor.
Take time for God. Fall into the Word. He is faithful to his promises to us.
Copyright © 2024 MyChurchNotes.net
GATHERING UP YOUR YEARS
How much time do you have?
You know, your dash, that small punctuation mark between your birth and your death.
You’ve seen it on tombstones, the mark that indicates the pass... View MoreGATHERING UP YOUR YEARS
How much time do you have?
You know, your dash, that small punctuation mark between your birth and your death.
You’ve seen it on tombstones, the mark that indicates the passage of time between one year and another.
For some people, the years amount to a handful, and for others, they can hardly gather them up.
On May 28, 2020, Robert Weighton of the UK released his 112 years and let them go.
What had Mr. Weighton experienced during his time on the earth? What came and went while he was living out his dash?
Electricity, once powered by coal, and now given to us by the sun and the wind.
Cars, wow! From 10 horsepower runabouts to the quickest race cars on the planet, snapping along at the Bugatti Chiron’s 304 MPH.
Phones, moving from earth-bound landlines to fantastical devices carried in our shirt pockets.
Two world wars, both impacting his homeland and wreaking havoc on his plans for his life.
The world was one way when Mr. Weighton was born, and it had become something totally different by his end.
Psalm 91:16 says:
“With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
It’s there if you want it. Long life, that is. Together with salvation, God holds it out to you.
Mr. Weighton’s advice for long life? Laughter.
God says we must choose to desire more of him.
Let’s step up to God and let him bless us with all the years we can stand. They’re out there waiting on us now.
Copyright © 2021 MyChurchNotes.net
MAKING THE BEST OF ALL THAT WE HAVE
Today’s not the day to indulge a pity party.
NO WAY! We can’t let it happen.
We don’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves, no matter how bad a hand we think we... View MoreMAKING THE BEST OF ALL THAT WE HAVE
Today’s not the day to indulge a pity party.
NO WAY! We can’t let it happen.
We don’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves, no matter how bad a hand we think we’ve been dealt.
From a broken home? Take it and learn from your parents’ mistakes.
Hit by bankruptcy again? Sign up for a course to manage your money.
Struggling with a medical issue? Be grateful the doctors aren’t sucking your blood with leeches.
A hundred years ago, a chemical brain imbalance would get you thrown into a psych ward. Now, we can rectify that with a pill.
Crashing economy? We have unemployment insurance to tide us over.
And cars . . . it’s not unheard of for an engine to go a million miles with regular oil changes.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 says:
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.”
When you think about what you have and not what you don’t, you change your outlook on life. You no longer discount what you can do, and you use what you have to go above and beyond what people have said you can do.
So, make a plan. Where you are is where you are. Where can you move forward from your current situation?
1. Can you sign up for a class at a junior college?
2. Change your eating habits?
3. Begin a good book?
4. Call and apologize?
5. Clean that closet, mow the yard, and say hello to your neighbor?
Now, wash your hair, brush your teeth, and get out into the world. God will meet you there, and together, he’ll make a success out of whatever you have to offer him.
The world is yours when you let God be your guide.
Copyright © 2021 MyChurchNotes.net
OUR POPSICLE GOD
We live in a world that can be cruel and vindictive. The heat of the daily grind bakes our skin, and we become exhausted.
However, God wishes to offer us the sweet savor of his pres... View MoreOUR POPSICLE GOD
We live in a world that can be cruel and vindictive. The heat of the daily grind bakes our skin, and we become exhausted.
However, God wishes to offer us the sweet savor of his presence. He comes to us in the heat of our trials, and he offers us a taste of his loving-kindness. It is cool to the lips and sweet to the tongue.
He is our POPSICLE God, refreshing us when we need him most.
Let’s look at our POPSICLE God:
P – He gives us PLEASURES to make our lives more enjoyable.
Psalm 16:11 tells us that we will find fullness of life in our God, for in his right hand we will have PLEASURES forevermore.
O – He is the OLIVE leaf that promises restoration.
Genesis 8:11 shows us the dove that returned with an OLIVE leaf to reassure Noah that the waters of destruction had receded.
P – He PREPARES a succulent path for us to walk.
Deuteronomy 19:3 assures us that our wanderings will be made easy, for he PREPARES us a way, dividing the land he gives us.
S – He STILLS the storm that rages around us.
Psalm 89:9 gives us the confidence that when the sea rises against us, God is the one that STILLS the rough waters.
I – He is our INHERITANCE.
Hebrews 9:15 speaks to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. He died to provide us an eternal INHERITANCE in the kingdom of heaven.
C – He is the CENSER that speaks with a voice of fire to all creation.
Revelation 8:5 reveals the mighty power of God, for in his CENSER are great voices, thunderings, lightnings, and earthquakes.
L – He is the LEAVEN that gives us life.
Matthew 13:33 explains the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is the LEAVEN that spreads throughout the world until all have the opportunity to come to him.
E – He ESTABLISHES a covenant with us that will never expire.
Genesis 6:18 presents the eternal plan of God. When we come to him, he ESTABLISHES his protection over us, and he will never let harm come our way.
When we experience the sour taste of defeat, just remember the sweetness of our POPSICLE God.
Copyright © 2013 MyChurchNotes.net
ABUNDANCE IN PRAISE
Being kind often gets things done.
Praise someone first, and they’ll work harder for you.
Treat people with respect, and you’ll be surprised at the respect you receive in return... View MoreABUNDANCE IN PRAISE
Being kind often gets things done.
Praise someone first, and they’ll work harder for you.
Treat people with respect, and you’ll be surprised at the respect you receive in return.
Does that work with God? Of course it does.
Leviticus 26:3-4 ESV says:
“If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.”
How many times have we prayed and started with, “God, here’s what I need …”
Yes, we’ve all done it. However, what if we try this: “God, my first words are to tell you how much I love you and appreciate all that you’ve done for me …”
Abundance in praise. God’s reply to us is, “I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.”
Most of us aren’t farmers, so let’s break that down. He will provide us with the opportunity to be successful, to move forward in life, to have enough to supply our needs and perhaps a little extra.
He doesn’t say he’s about to dump a million dollars in our lap. How do we know? He says, “I will give you your rains in their season.”
In their season. When the opportunity arises. At the right time.
When we place our trust in God and walk according to his Word, we will receive the bounty of his promises at the right time.
Let’s start with praise. Then the blessing will follow, and we can rejoice in him.
Copyright © 2024 MyChurchNotes.net
EXULTING IN GOD'S BLESSING
Look up promise verses from the Bible.
They are there. Lots of them. Bible Gateway offers us 5,467 promises available in God’s Word.
With that, we should be living our dr... View MoreEXULTING IN GOD'S BLESSING
Look up promise verses from the Bible.
They are there. Lots of them. Bible Gateway offers us 5,467 promises available in God’s Word.
With that, we should be living our dream life, with family and friends in joyous harmony, a big house, and a vacation property at the beach.
Hey, tack on a pool, an exotic car, and regular escapes to far-flung destinations. Its all part of the promises of God . . . right?
Romans 14:17 says:
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Eating and drinking. Hmm. That equates to family and friends. That big house . . . our vacation property . . . exotic car . . . and those escapes to far-flung destinations. Paul, the writer of this book, doesn’t say those things are wrong, just that they are not God’s priority.
Instead, we should search for the righteousness of Christ, the peace found only in salvation, and the joy that comes from knowing we will one day join with Jesus at the right hand of the Father.
So, sure, step into the blessing of God with excitement and expectation. Just understand what God considers important before we take him to task for what he has and hasn’t done for us.
God desires us to live a life that emulates the example Jesus revealed as he walked the earth. Kind. Generous. Willing to give up his comfort and security so that others could be consoled in their suffering.
Here’s the thing: Christianity isn’t just about us. It’s about all of us, everyone who walks this life at our side.
God offers us his peace and joy when we find our righteousness in him.
Copyright © 2021 MyChurchNotes.net
A LITTLE OF GOD'S BLESSING TO SHARE
How has God blessed your life?
By that, what do you have that’s good?
A home? A dependable car? A spouse, children, friends?
An income that comes in on a regula... View MoreA LITTLE OF GOD'S BLESSING TO SHARE
How has God blessed your life?
By that, what do you have that’s good?
A home? A dependable car? A spouse, children, friends?
An income that comes in on a regular basis?
How has God blessed YOU?
And now the big question … how do you share the blessing that God has given you?
Leviticus 23:22 ESV says:
“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.”
Most of us don’t have fields, as we’re not farmers; and it wouldn’t go over well for us to leave the edges of our yard untrimmed so others can take our grass.
Or rake only the center of our yard and leave the rest of the leaves for everyone else.
So, how do we leave the “gleanings” from our blessing for the poor and the sojourner?
Drop money along the way? Let it flutter from our pocket or car window? Is that really a good idea?
Something popular today is to “pay it forward.” The good that we’ve received, offer that to someone else.
That works for the Christian, also. It’s very similar to this verse in Leviticus.
Count our blessings, then see how we can provide that for others. Here’s some examples:
Invite someone for lunch and PAY FOR THEIR MEAL.
Offer someone a ride and COVER THE GAS.
Mow someone’s yard (or hire a service) and do it FOR FREE.
Are you seeing this?
“Do not reap your field right up to its edge.”
Leave a little for others, for the LORD is our God.
Copyright © 2024 MyChurchNotes.net
EVERY CHAIN IS BROKEN
What tied you down before you found Christ?
Cast it off! Jesus says you are free!
What shackles kept you immobilized when you were in sin?
They are broken! You don’t wear the... View MoreEVERY CHAIN IS BROKEN
What tied you down before you found Christ?
Cast it off! Jesus says you are free!
What shackles kept you immobilized when you were in sin?
They are broken! You don’t wear them anymore!
What fears had you shaking in the darkness?
Set free, set free! You are set free through the power of the cross!
Romans 8:15 is your shout of victory. You are no longer under bondage to what once held you down.
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [and daughters], by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ ”
Let’s repeat that. Fear is slavery. We are no longer slaves to sin, but the sons and daughters of the almighty God!
That should make you want to stand up and cheer. In fact, do it now!
“Abba! Father! You are my strength and deliverance! I am free in YOU!”
That’s the Christian motto. That’s what Jesus gives to you. That’s why he brought you salvation through his sacrifice on the cross.
Accept it. Live in it. Make it yours.
Be the Christian Jesus meant you to be!
Salvation changes everything. We must never allow ourselves to fall back into what we’ve been released from.
We walk forward in Christ, and we never, never look back. That old song rings true when we sing, “Onward Christian soldiers.”
Face forward. For Christ. On to victory!
Copyright © 2020 MyChurchNotes.net
5 MORE AWESOME REVELATIONS ABOUT THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
Archangel Michael.
He’s truly one of the heroes of the Bible.
A superhero, we might say.
In review:
... View More5 MORE AWESOME REVELATIONS ABOUT THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
Archangel Michael.
He’s truly one of the heroes of the Bible.
A superhero, we might say.
In review:
1. Michael is a spirit.
2. Michael draws his power from God.
3. Michael will deliver the redeemed.
4. Michael is honored with the rank of prince.
5. Michael is the bearer of truth.
Here are 5 more awesome revelations about Michael you may not know.
Revelation #6: Michael always gives credit to God for the power he commands. Revelation 19:10 says:
“Then I fell down at [Michael’s] feet to worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus . . .’ ”
Revelation #7: Michael guides the angels to care for the redeemed of the Lord. Psalm 91:11 assures us:
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
Revelation #8: Michael will one day announce the second coming of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 proclaims:
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God . . .”
Revelation #9: Michael commands an army of equally powerful angels. Revelation 12:7a says:
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting . . .”
Revelation #10: Michael battled a dragon, and Michael won! Revelation 12:7b-9 touts the archangel’s victory:
“And the dragon . . . was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”
In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestled with an angel, saying, “I have seen the face of God.” He also acknowledged that his life was delivered in the conflict.
God has us covered. With Archangel Michael at our side, we become victors in the name of our Lord.
Copyright © 2021 MyChurchNotes.net
THE COMPASSION OF CHRIST
There’s no doubt that parenting is hard. Elisha Beach at The Huffington Post says there are days his kids “push every button, break every rule and ignore every word” he says ... View MoreTHE COMPASSION OF CHRIST
There’s no doubt that parenting is hard. Elisha Beach at The Huffington Post says there are days his kids “push every button, break every rule and ignore every word” he says to them. Rheana Murray at Today tells of the time her 2-year-old son escaped her yard while she breastfed her infant.
Then try to imagine the parents of Chase Martens, the 2-year-old Manitoba boy who drowned after he disappeared from his family home. We can’t imagine the pain they suffered and the blame they couldn’t wash away.
From the outside, it’s easy to use hindsight and criticize, telling how we would have done it better and smarter. Even God expressed a wish for hindsight in Genesis 6:6:
“And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.”
We’re not given that option, however. We don’t get a redo when things don’t go according to plan. We can’t close the gate after the fact, bring a child back to life, or recycle our children into people that are better behaved. Our only option is to allow compassion to soothe the jagged reminders of the failures that have battered us.
Ephesians 4:32 raises our standard to the highest level:
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12-13 encourages us not to take offense but to forgive in the manner of Christ:
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Galatians 6:2 is the key to bringing the love of Jesus to the world:
“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Raising children challenges even the best of parents. Anyone who’s had a child can identify with that. Living the Christian lifestyle is equally challenging. When we falter, really falter, those watching want to tell us how we could have done it better, how we could have avoided the pitfalls that tripped us up.
Let’s try on the compassion of Christ, who said in Luke 23:34:
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Jesus’ message was about love and caring and forgiveness and acceptance. He was filled with empathy for the hurting and needy. We cannot afford to be anything less.
When we show compassion instead of criticism, we let Christ flow from our hands unto the world.
Copyright © 2016 MyChurchNotes.net
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