THOUGHT OF THE DAY

April 30,2020

“Pleading God’s Attributes”

Psalm 103:1-8 AMP
[1] Bless and affectionately praise the LORD, O my soul, And all that is [deep] within me, bless His holy name. [2] Bless and affectionately praise the LORD, O my soul, And do not forget any of His benefits;
[3] Who forgives all your sins, Who heals all your diseases; [4] Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy; [5] Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the [soaring] eagle. [6] The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all the oppressed. [7] He made known His ways [of righteousness and justice] to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. [8] The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in compassion and lovingkindness.

•”Christians of times past felt that prayer found its greatest inspiration in the Lord himself, and they had a term called “pleading God’s attributes,” in which they would recount particular attributes of God’s character to him and then ask him to answer their prayer on the basis of those attributes: “Lord, you are merciful and gracious, so have mercy on me.” “Lord, you are full of unfailing love. Show us your love in this situation.” “Lord, you delivered your servant Daniel; I pray for your deliverance in my life.” “You revealed your character and deeds to Moses and your people. Likewise, please reveal yourself to me!” Since God’s attributes are numerous throughout Scripture, they provide a never-ending source of inspiration for our prayer life. Praying God’s attributes renews our faith and confidence and reminds us of his greatness and his ability to save. Choose one of the attributes of God from this psalm to “plead” as you pray today.”

•”LORD, you are _______ [merciful, gracious, full of unfailing love]. I ask you to reveal this in my life today. Thank you for revealing your wondrous attributes to us in your Word. As I read it, continually open my eyes to who you really are so that my prayers will rest on the solid foundation of your character. May my prayers have power because they are based on the truth about you.”

•”Rightly viewed, all the perfections of Deity become pleas for faith. Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834–1892)”

(Praying Through the Bible Devotional)

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

April 28,2020
Matthew 7:12 AMP
[12] “So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets.

 
Luke 6:31 AMP
[31] Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.

James 3:2-18 AMP
[2] For we all stumble and sin in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says [never saying the wrong thing], he is a perfect man [fully developed in character, without serious flaws], able to bridle his whole body and rein in his entire nature [taming his human faults and weaknesses]. [3] Now if we put bits into the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we guide their whole body as well. [4] And look at the ships. Even though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines. [5] In the same sense, the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See [by comparison] how great a forest is set on fire by a small spark! [6] And the tongue is [in a sense] a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which contaminates the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life [the cycle of man’s existence], and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna). [7] For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and sea creatures, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. [8] But no one can tame the human tongue; it is a restless evil [undisciplined, unstable], full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God. [10] Out of the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. These things, my brothers, should not be this way [for we have a moral obligation to speak in a manner that reflects our fear of God and profound respect for His precepts]. [11] Does a spring send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? [12] Can a fig tree, my brothers, produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. [13] Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom. [14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth. [15] This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice.

*^*[17] But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. [18] And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].

MATTHEW 10:24-39

April 27,2020

Men’s Bible Study

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

April 27,2020

 
Hebrews 4:1-16 AMP
[1] Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still remains and is freely offered today, let us fear, in case any one of you may seem to come short of reaching it or think he has come too late. [2] For indeed we have had the good news [of salvation] preached to us, just as the Israelites also [when the good news of the promised land came to them]; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not united with faith [in God] by those who heard. [3] For we who believe [that is, we who personally trust and confidently rely on God] enter that rest [so we have His inner peace now because we are confident in our salvation, and assured of His power], just as He has said, “AS I SWORE [an oath] IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,” [this He said] although His works were completed from the foundation of the world [waiting for all who would believe]. [4] For somewhere [in Scripture] He has said this about the seventh day: “AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS”; [5] and again in this, “THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.” [6] Therefore, since the promise remains for some to enter His rest, and those who formerly had the good news preached to them failed to [grasp it and did not] enter because of [their unbelief evidenced by] disobedience, [7] He again sets a definite day, [a new] “Today,” [providing another opportunity to enter that rest by] saying through David after so long a time, just as has been said before [in the words already quoted], “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.” [8] [This mention of a rest was not a reference to their entering into Canaan.] For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak about another day [of opportunity] after that. [9] So there remains a [full and complete] Sabbath rest for the people of God. [10] For the one who has once entered His rest has also rested from [the weariness and pain of] his [human] labors, just as God rested from [those labors uniquely] His own. [11] Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience [as those who died in the wilderness]. [12] For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. [13] And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account. [14] Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. [15] For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.
•*. [16] Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].

WHAT IS GOD

Sunday

April 26,2020

Pastor Bob

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

April 26,2020
Matthew 7:12-27 AMP
[12] “So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets. [13] “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. [14] But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it. [15] “Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? [17] Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets]. [21] “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to Me on that day [when I judge them], ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?’ [23] And then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME [you are banished from My presence], YOU WHO ACT WICKEDLY [disregarding My commands].’ [24] “So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. [25] And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. [26] And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish (stupid) man who built his house on the sand. [27] And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell-and great and complete was its fall.”

 
Galatians 5:22-25 AMP
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. [25] If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage-our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit].

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

April 25,2020
John 13:5-20 AMP
[5] Then He poured water into the basin and began washing the disciples’ feet and wiping them with the towel which was tied around His waist. [6] When He came to Simon Peter, he said to Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?”

*•[7] Jesus replied to him, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but you will [fully] understand it later.”

[8] Peter said to Him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me [we can have nothing to do with each other].” [9] Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, [in that case, wash] not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” [10] Jesus said to him, “Anyone who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, and is completely clean. And you [My disciples] are clean, but not all of you.” [11] For He knew who was going to betray Him; for that reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.

*•[12] So when He had washed their feet and put on His [outer] robe and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? [13] You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you are right in doing so, for that is who I am. [14] So if I, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet as well. [15] For I gave you [this as] an example, so that you should do [in turn] as I did to you. [16] I assure you and most solemnly say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. [ 17] If you know these things, you are blessed [happy and favored by God] if you put them into practice [and faithfully do them].

[18] I am not speaking of all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but [this has happened] in order that the Scripture may be fulfilled: ‘HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS RAISED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME [as My enemy].’ [19] From now on I am telling you [what will happen] before it occurs, so that when it does take place you may believe that I am He [who I say I am-the Christ, the Anointed, the Messiah].

* •[20] I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the one who receives and welcomes whomever I send receives Me; and the one who receives Me receives Him who sent Me [in that same way].”

John 15:15-17 AMP
*•[15] “I do not call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you [My] friends, because I have revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [16] You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you. [17] This [is what] I command you: that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another.”

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

April 24,2020
Micah 4:1-5 AMP
[1] But it shall come about in the last days That the mountain of the house of the LORD Shall be established as the highest and chief of the mountains; It shall be above the hills, And peoples shall flow [like a river] to it. [2] And many nations shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob, That He may teach us about His ways And that we may walk in His paths.” For the law shall go forward from Zion, And the word of the LORD [the revelation about Him and His truth] from Jerusalem. [3] And He will judge between many peoples And render decisions for strong and distant nations. Then they shall hammer their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning hooks [so that the implements of war may become the tools of agriculture]; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Nor shall they ever again train for war. [4] Each of them shall sit [in security and peace] under his vine And under his fig tree, With no one to make them afraid, For the mouth of the [omnipotent] LORD of hosts has spoken it. [5] For all the peoples [now] walk Each in the name of his god [in a transient relationship], As for us, we shall walk [securely] In the name of the LORD our [true] God forever and ever.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

April 23,2020
2 Timothy 2:1-2 AMP
[1] So you, my son, be strong [constantly strengthened] and empowered in the grace that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus. [2] The things [the doctrine, the precepts, the admonitions, the sum of my ministry] which you have heard me teach in the presence of many witnesses, entrust [as a treasure] to reliable and faithful men who will also be capable and qualified to teach others.

“Word of mouth” is the method that God chose to spread His Gospel.
Who is God leading us to share His Good News with today?