HELPING ONE ANOTHER

Exodus 17:10-12
So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.


This is a clear illustration of how we work together helping one another get through difficult situations. Sometimes people get tired of battling various things in life, and like Moses, they may want to just give up because they are too weak to continue. Maybe you're the one who is feeling like giving up. If so, then find some church friends, adults and ask for prayer. Discuss the difficult things that you are facing with someone you can trust. I would think that Moses told his friends that his arms were tired and he needed help holding them up. Because the others helped him, the difficult battle was won. If you can be a friend to someone, who is going through a difficult time, then do it today and don't delay. If you need a friends help because you are tired or lonely, call your pastor or get in touch with someone you are close to and can trust. If you are in need of friends to help strengthen you, but don't really have any, then ask God for them. He will be faithful and answer your prayer.

LIFE SAVER

James 5:20
Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.


At the end of my street there is a stop sign that for awhile was not visible because my neighbors’ tree branches were covering its view. Those of us that lived there were aware of the danger, but strangers to the street were not. On one occasion, I happened to be at the right place, at the right time and witnessed a near major accident there. I called and complained to the council and eventually, after much effort on my part, another sign was put up to warn people of the upcoming stop sign. After some time the tree was cut down and now the sign is visible from very far away. After the incident the Lord showed me that my passion to save people from eternal death shouldn't be any different than my passion was to save a life at the end of my street. Here are some tough, but necessary, questions I must ask.

Who has God placed on your street today that is a stranger to Christianity?

Do you make an effort to save an eternal life as you would an earthly life? Do you really believe in Jesus enough to tell some one of the danger that lies ahead?

ENCOURAGEMENT

1Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Romans 12:8
(Gifts) if it is encouraging, let him encourage;


How awesome it is when people encourage us and help with the vision God has entrusted us with. The Bible specifically says that encouraging others possibly may be your God given gift. You are not alone, is a powerful statement when spoken through our actions. I am sure that runners run faster and swimmers swim harder when they here the cheering of the one who is encouraging them to reach the finish line. Join in and help someone today accomplish more of their vision. Give a smile, a hug, a complement, a phone call, an e-mail or send a card in the mail, just to let someone know that you care about them. Love one another!

LIFE'S JOURNEY

Luke 10:30

In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers.

Sometimes along life's journey, people often fall into the traps of robbers. By traps, I mean those circumstances that rob God's best for our lives. Traps labeled; drug and alcohol addiction, divorce, sickness, fornication, unforgiveness, bitterness, gossip, and others alike. The scripture today comes from the story of The Good Samaritan. Please take time to read it. See if you can think of someone that you know of who maybe has been robbed or who has fallen into a trap on life's journey. Perhaps you have a friend who comes from a divorced family and is feeling confused and hurt. Maybe someone who likes to drink, do drugs or who is living in fornication. Can you think of ways that you can reach out to them in love and help to bring them out of the trap they are in? A good place to start would be to let them know you care about them regardless; perhaps invite them to your church, women's group meetings, men's group meetings or youth group meetings.

DON'T WAIT

Philippians 3:12 -14

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.


Has God put desires inside of you for his kingdom?

Move forward one step at a time.Take the task He has given you. Do something today, even if you only write a rhyme.There are so many ways in this life to touch the broken hearted. If our thoughts do not become actions, then we will never really get started. So keep pressing toward those things that God is calling you to. If you are unsure here is what you can do. Read your bible, worship, spend a lot of time with Jesus and pray. This is how to begin your best step today.

PASSION

Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.


Do you have a passion for Christ? If you do then you will have a passion for the lost SOULS. Jesus was and is all about saving souls. We are the channel in which God has chosen to communicate His love and saving power through. Remember that learning to ride a bike took practice and so does learning how to be a witness for Christ. We must become passionate and determined to be a soul winner. Ask God for the passion and then begin to study about witnessing. Here are a few scriptures to get you started; Romans 10:14-15 Romans 1:16, 2 peter 3:9 Acts 4:31 Acts 14:3 Acts 19:8

ANGELS

Psalm 91:9 -11

If you make the Most High your dwelling- even the LORD, who is my refuge- then no harm, will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.


For those of us who dwell in the Lord, the angels are commanded to guard us. Jesus referred to angels often. When He was tempted by the devil in the desert He quoted this scripture verse. When the devil departed from Him, angels came to Jesus and strengthened Him. Angels were sent to help the disciples on several occasions (see acts 12). Be aware today of this truth, angels are present with you.

KEEP PRAYING

2 Thessalonians 1:11
God chose you, and we keep praying that God will make you worthy of being his people. We pray for God's power to help you do all the good things that you hope to do and that your faith makes you want to do.

For years my sisters and my best friend have been praying for me. I believe their prayers have kept and sustained me all these years and brought me this far. I am convinced that their prayers have helped to strengthen me through difficult times. Make a commitment today to pray for someone for one week. Many people we know have many needs that we could be praying for on their behalf. Your prayers will make a difference in someone’s LIFE.

THE FATHER LOVES YOU

John 16:27

For the Father Himself [tenderly] loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I came out from the Father.


In today's scripture Jesus is talking about a new relationship, an intimate relationship between us the believer and God. Previously, people approached God through priests and saints. After Jesus' resurrection, all who believed can approach God directly. A new day has dawned and now all of us believers are called His children and are priests who talk to God directly and personally. We now approach God, not because of our own merit, but because Jesus our great High Priest, has made it possible and made us acceptable to God. The Father tenderly loves you! Take some time and reflect upon what Jesus is saying and communicate whatever you have on your heart to Him.

FRUSTRATION

John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in me (Jesus) you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted! For I have overcome the world. I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.


Being a Christian doesn't mean that we will not experience difficult times. God has told us the truth, that at times life will be difficult. He has provided to us a way to overcome these tough times, that way is found in following Jesus' teachings and surrendering our lives to Him. His peace is amazing and His love unmatched you can rest in trusting that He is working all things for the good. Victory through tough times comes by staying connected to other believers, reading Gods word, trusting God, praying, worshiping and staying free from sins hold through forgiveness. If you are troubled today, lift your head up and stand strong on the rock of your saviors love for you. He has promised to never leave you.

SUPPLY

Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

This scripture, over the years never made that much sense to me until in these last 12 months. I have literally spent majority of my life seeking after the riches of this world by over working myself to the bone in every way possible. Because of my pure ignorance of not trusting God enough with my life and what I did with it. However, He is forever loving and graceful nature has taught me in the last 12 months what a God of provider He is when we let Him be the centre of every inch of our lives regardless what it might be. He will always supply all our needs to the very last every step of the way.


When we are seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness first in our lives, then the things we desire are directly related to His kingdom. Therefore, God is willing to supply our every need to accomplish His purpose through our life. God is saying whatever you need daughter or son to do my work; I will supply you with it.

KEYS

Matthew 16:19
I (Jesus) will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; “whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."


God has gifted each of us with talents that were intended to be used for His glory.

Has He given you an assignment to carry out?

Has He handed you something from heaven such as the ability to write poetry or songs?

 Maybe God has given you a personality that makes it easy for others to talk to you because they know they can trust you. Perhaps you are good at teaching others, or you play a musical instrument well. God has given each of us some type of gift to be used for His glory. If we do not share our talents with others, then we have “bound” the gift on earth and heaven cannot flow through it. Now, if we use the gift God has given to us or we “loose it” on earth, then all of heaven can be loosed to touch people through the gift. It works is like a faucet. The water has no effect until the faucet is turned on, then the water is loosed. As long as it is shut off it is bound. It's the same in the spiritual realm. We are like faucets linked to heaven and heaven is full of living water, ready to supply the earth, but we must make the effort to turn on the faucet so heaven can flow.

JOY

John 15:10-11
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John17:13
"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.


The joy of the Lord is a direct result of obeying Gods’ commands, which are discovered by reading Gods’ word. If you desire to have the fullness of joy in your life, look to the bible. Jesus' words were spoken so that we would have the full measure of joy.

IN THE NAME OF JESUS

John 15:16
Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

John 15:7
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

Notice in today’s scriptures the words “then” and “if you”. The bible teaches that whatever we ask in Jesus' name we will receive. It is important to understand that there are conditions to that promise. Please take time to study John 15 to get a better understanding of what is required in order for God to honor our prayer “In the name of Jesus”.

Prayer ~ Thank You for My Life

THE POWER OF A PROMISE

Acts 5:42
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Consider making a promise today to the Lord to tell someone about Him. We would keep our promise to a friend to go to the movies, watch T.V., play video games, or spend time doing just about anything that they wanted us to do with them.Would you be willing to make a promise to Jesus today, to introduce Him to someone and then do your best to follow through with your promise to share what you know about Jesus with others?

WHAT IT

Acts 19:8
Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.


Take a moment to think about the people you interact with daily. WHAT IT: when you said good bye to them on the phone, through your email, or in person today, that would be the last good bye you would ever say to them, where would they spend eternity?

No matter what someone believes, whether Hindu, Atheist, Islamic or any other religion, our message never changes. Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life”. “No one comes to the Father except through me.” Just speaking that verse alone into someone’s life is allowing the Holy Spirit accessibility to their spirit. God then will draw them by the power of his Holy Spirit.

What if we followed Paul's’ example in the scripture text?

FAITH

Matthew 9:2

When Jesus saw their faith

Matthew 15:28
Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith”!

Mark 2:5
When Jesus saw their faith.

Mark 11:22
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.

When we read about the miracles that Jesus performed we will see very simple gestures and spoken words with unwavering faith attached to them. I have not found a place where Jesus went on and on with lengthy prayers for someone to be healed or delivered from an evil spirit. No, he either touched them or spoke a few words and the healing took place. God is present to meet our every need, and He is looking for OUR faith to combine HIS love with to grant our desires. There is much to be taught on faith, however, just keep it simple. Read the bible everyday, trust God, pray and just BELIEVE.

IT IS FINISHED

John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John 19:30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

When Jesus said it is finished, at that very moment there was a new spiritual law established. What John the Baptist had spoken three years prior was established with Jesus' last breath. Now understand this, when there is sin in our life and we confess and turn away from it, we are forgiven. The slate that had our sin written on it is wiped completely clean instantly,

“It is finished”.

When He said “IT IS FINISHED" it was done The lamb who took away the sins of the world is God's son No condemnation, no shame left to behold He demolished sins bondage just as the prophets had foretold No matter what wrong we have done, God established "IT IS FINISHED" I love you, this freedom is a gift, you can have it. The evidence of our sins has been completely washed away Because of His love for us yesterday and today and forever.

FOCUS

Hebrews 12:2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Let’s stay focused on Jesus today and not the negative things that the enemy would desire to have us dwell upon. We are not to give any place to the devil yet we are to be aware of his tactics. Remember that there are more angels on our side than his. Our focus is to be on Christ. We are to exalt who He is and who we are in Him, above every circumstance in life. A good way to know who Jesus is would be to read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John several times. It will lay the foundation of who Jesus is.

POWER

Ephesians 1:18-20
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.


Notice that His incomparable great power is for us who believe. This is vitally important for us to understand. When we begin to be enlightened of this truth simple prayer releases the power of God through simple faith. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He simply said “Lazarus come forth” and attached faith to the power available from God. The power is for all BELIEVER'S through the work of the Holy Spirit. Pray and ask God to enlighten the eyes of your heart so you too can know this power that raised Christ from the dead.

SHINE JESUS SHINE by DON MOEN with lyrics

AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it in heaven.

Revelation 7:11-12
They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!"

God wants things on earth to be as they are in heaven. In Heaven, worship is always surrounding the throne of God. True worship will require a commitment of time. time spent with you just seeking after God. Could you spend an entire day or night diligently seeking God?

Worship is more than just singing a song it becomes a life style. All that we say and do is to glorify God. Get before God and declare He is the Lord of your life, and that you are nothing without Him. When you find yourself face to face with face with God, you will realise how wonderful it is to be in the presence of God and a very special place to be. All the cares of this world becomes unimportant and disappear into the beauty of our Lord. The only thing that matters is expressing love to the Lord. Commit to find this deep intimacy with God, hunger and thirst for it. Tell Him you want to find this place of true worship. Remember this deep intimacy with God will require a sacrifice of time and total surrender to Him.

TRUST IN GOD

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:1
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.


Today let simple faith be your focus, JUST TRUST!

AWARENESS

Matthew 25:46 (Amplified Bible)
Then they will go away into eternal punishment, but those who are just and upright and in right standing with God into eternal life.

Jesus has made it very clear that there is an after life, heaven and hell are real places He has also made it clear that He is the ONLY way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the father except through Him. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it," Matthew 7:13. It is not too late to make that all important choice of your life. Why don't you go give it a try!

GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU

Hebrews 13:5
God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Life is difficult at times. We may experience rejection or loneliness through the death of a loved one, divorce, people moving away, misunderstandings with friends or family. Jesus is the most faithful of anyone, His name is Faithful and True. He has said, I am with you always and will never leave you. If we seek God first in life and look to Him for our comfort, joy, love and companionship, then we are able to stand firm through the difficult times. When we look to people for friendship, strength, comfort, commitment, love, joy , or peace eventually they disappoint us. God is our ever present help in our time of need.

COMPASSION

Matthew 14:4
He (Jesus ) had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Luke 7:13
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

Matthew 20:34
So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Mark 1:41-42
And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

Luke 15:20
...."But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

Mark 8:2
"I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat."

Compassion was present to cure the sick, raise a widows son from death, opened the eyes of two blind men, cleansed the leper, feed the multitudes, and received the prodigal son. Jesus was constantly being filled with and motivated by compassion. In the story of Lazarus ( John 11) being raised from the dead we see that Jesus was “ deeply moved” in verse 33, and in verse 38. True genuine work in the Lord's kingdom will be motivated by compassion. Draw closer to the Lord and become more compassionate for others needs. A good place to start is in prayer.

HEARING GOD

John 10:27
"My sheep listen to my voice;......."

John 16:13
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Clearly stated, God speaks and we have the ability to hear and be guided by Him. Jesus said many times, let him who has ears to hear, let him hear. Do you have ears to hear? Do you know the voice of the Lord? Tell the Lord that you want to know His voice. The more time we spend with someone the better we understand them. Spend time with the Lord today, He wants to speak to you.

Golden key: Even when no one follows, we still obey Gods leading. That’s one of the keys to leadership, Being a faithful follower of God's voice.

ARE YOU FULL OR EMPTY?

Luke 4:14
Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.


What is your life like today, full or empty?

Is the power of the Holy Spirit evident in your life?

Later on in this chapter Jesus explains why the spirit of the Lord is on Him, in verse 18, He says the following: “ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind,To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” God’s power working within us, is powerful, and is given to us for a purpose. So are you full or empty?“

ONE WAY

John 3:16
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."

There are not many different paths to God. Jesus Christ is the way the truth and the life, no man comes to the father except through him, that's the only way to God. Do not stray from that truth; do not be deceived, Jesus paid the ultimate price your life and mine, because He loves you and I very much.

BE READY

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.

If someone was to approach you today and ask you, "Why should I become a Christian?"
Would you be ready to answer according to God's word?
Could you explain to them what it means to be a Christian?
Do you know why Jesus died on the cross?

There are many scriptures to be studied, understood or even preached in the word of God. However the basic foundation that Jesus is the Son of God, He came to this earth, died on the cross and rose again, to pay the price for our sins so we won't have to go to hell, is the basic truth of the Gospel. Having an understanding of this truth to share with others is very important, not just for those in full ministry.

If you need help understanding this truth or knowing how to share with others. Perhaps a close friend, youth pastor a parent could help you understand how to explain what Jesus has done for you and I. Today's scripture says, be ready in season and out of season. There are friends who are waiting for you to share your hope in Jesus with them, be ready to so!

FEAR NOT

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Notice the phrases, "Dont be, I am," and "I will," in the scripture today. God is not far away, He is close by to you and I and love us very much. Give every concern and worry to Him today. This is a scripture to memorize and to keep in your heart for the rest of your life.