30 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3242

30 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3242

I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

Revelation 1:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

From beginning to end, our God is there!

There is nothing for us to fear. God is always there, who will always care for us and who will always work to bring us salvation. Our destiny lies with God who secures for us life that never ends

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29 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3241

29 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3241

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

John 4:13-14 

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 

John 10:10 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We need spiritual water. And Jesus said that He is that water. As much as our physical life depends on water, we also need His water for spiritual life and peace. Without reading God's Word, we have an arid heart, forever longing. We need to water our souls by reading of Jesus and His love. He did not come to condemn the world, but to give life more abundantly.

Israel wandered in the desert for forty years because of their disobedience. Let's not wander in the desert because we don't read of the wonderful grace of our God for abundant life.

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28 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3240

28 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3240

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 16:3 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We must continually commit all we do unto the Lord, because it affords us the very best of success and benefits. When we commit everything to the Lord, we are depending on Him to meet any needs that may be at hand. We are trusting that God's supply is always sufficient Committing to God removes any self-pressure, as well as pressure others may place upon us. Truly, only what we do in the Lord will be important at the end of our earthly life.

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27 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3239

27 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3239

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

Psalm 37:4 

May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways. 

1 Kings 8:57-58a 

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Not knowing the sorrows or the joys, the triumphs or difficulties that may lie ahead, we must go forward in faith, believing in the guiding hand of God. Let us find in Him the courage to keep us going, knowing that our God is ever with us, no matter what change might bring.

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26 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3238

26 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3238

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect

Matthew 24:11,24 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We are cautioned and warned about false prophets .We should also take precautions against false friendships. We must take our time to examine our option

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25 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3237

25 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3237

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement.

John 7:24 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How often in our lives do we assume or prejudge someone or something, and taking the time to explore further, end up being pleasantly surprised -- if not even a little embarrassed -- at our prior presumption?

While we may prejudge each other, God does not prejudge us. It's not His style. Our lives on earth are given to us with choices. Our judgement comes at the end of our lives when our "pages" are full and we are held accountable.

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24 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3236

24 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3236

Ziba answered the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet."

2 Samuel 9:3b 

So Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons.

2 Samuel 9:11b 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

2 Samuel 9:1-13 tells a story that reveals the tender heart and generous spirit of King David towards a disabled man who was the son of his friend Jonathan and the grandson of his bitter enemy, Saul. David and his servants paid no special attention to Mephibosheth's handicap when welcoming him as a member of the family. Mephibosheth must have been understandably uneasy when he was brought before the king without knowing what kind of treatment he was going to receive. Out of compassion and loyalty, though, David restored Mephibosheth's inheritance, giving him a permanent place of honour at the king's table. Mephibosheth was treated no differently than one of David's own royal sons!

esus commissions us, "When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed." (Luke 14:13-14a) Therefore, as Christians, let us be accepting of one another, recognizing the God-given value in each of us. Let us also take advantage of the opportunities God gives us to minister to others and to reach out to those in need, including those with disabilities. David, truly a man after God's own heart, provides a beautiful model for us of God's mercy and love. This is the heart of the gospel. This is our calling in Christ Jesus.

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23 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3235

23 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3235

Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:13 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Sometimes, we experience difficult times to increase our faith. I guess it is a part of the growing process! We call upon God's presence in us to protect us and to guide our minds, hands, and feet. The more we avail ourselves of God's help, the more we can rest in His tender care, wherever that leads us -- lion's den, battlefield, or bed.

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22 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3234

22 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3234

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

Genesis 9:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Today, we may say, write, or do something that we might later regret. It may hurt or disappoint other people. It may offend and annoy God. Yet, at the end of the day, we will be given another opportunity to confess, another chance to get it right, another rainbow of redemption to correct our character, cleanse our soul, and be restored to God's favour through Jesus Christ. If we don't take it for granted, we will also marvel at the beauty and wonder of His grace.

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21 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3233

21 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3233

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Malachi 4:2 -

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God's promise of healing is available for all of us who love and revere His name. Like the sun sending its beams of light, Jesus, the Son of Righteousness, eliminates the darkness and gloom with the brightness of His glory.

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20 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3232

20 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3232

If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 

John 14:15-18 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Christ is always with us through His Spirit, who draws us out of ourselves and carries us through the grief and sorrow, the loneliness and confusion of this world, and all it can hurl at us. His Spirit reminds us daily as we seek to love and obey Him, "P.S. I love you!" And when we know we are loved so dearly, we, like the early disciples, will always have the strength to move ahead and live life to its fullest.

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19 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3231

19 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3231

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23:6 

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

Hebrews 12:28 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The climax in our life's journey is to live in the house of the Lord forever. This journey, here on earth, is the preliminary walk, where we follow Jesus and prepare to enter the final door. 

Every time we assist our weaker sister or brother, we are closer to fully loving and living as Christ would have us live.When we live in the goodness and love of Christ, we are moving closer to the heavenly realm.

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18 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3230

18 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3230

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Isaiah 30:21 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How marvellous that God loves and cares for each one of us so much that He makes a point of speaking to us in ways that we can hear and understand, in ways that help keep us safe and well when we listen and obey: safe from making wrong and hurtful decisions, safe from speaking sharp and cutting words, safe from the sting and burn of sin.

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17 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3229

17 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3229

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

2 Corinthians 4:18 

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life

1 John 5:13 

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

Romans 10:9-11 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Once we have accepted Jesus into our hearts, we are justified and sealed by the Holy Spirit, and our names are written down in the Lamb's Book of Life.

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16 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3228

16 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3228

Jesus said, "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

Matthew 7:24-25 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus' teachings are foundational for meaningful lives, lives rich in peace, humility, forgiveness, and grace, with a love of neighbour and self. Many people are drawn to other ways of life, ways that one might argue have a strong foundation, but Christ's way cannot be improved upon.

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15 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3227

15 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3227

"Yet when planted, [a mustard seed] grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

Mark 4:32-34 

Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables, he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world." 

Matthew 13:34 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Faith in Him changes our lives for the better! It is like the water in the soil that determines our growth.

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14 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3226

14 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3226

Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for."

 Matthew 26:50a 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Whatever burdens we are carrying, whatever past failures there have been in our lives, whatever mistakes we have made or disappointments that we have created, know this: Jesus can forgive them all because no matter what we have thought, said, or done, He is still willing to call us "Friend".

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13 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3225

13 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3225

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 

Isaiah 53:7 

Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. 

Mark 14:60-61a 

Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge -- to the great amazement of the governor. 

Matthew 27:13-14 

When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer

Luke 23:8a,9 

... a time to be silent and a time to speak, ... 

Ecclesiastes 3:7b 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus demonstrated the wisdom of Ecclesiastes as witnesses gave their false testimony to convict Him. He did not need to justify Himself but endured to the end, trusting in the perfect will of His heavenly Father. With God's guidance and grace, we also can discern when the time is best to speak out and when silence is a more effective witness for Christ.

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12 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3224

12 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3224

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

If we have allowed busyness to crowd the time we normally devote to maintaining our relationship with God, or if times for prayer and reflection have been pushed aside, we need a spring cleaning. Once we allow God to remove the clutter that has crowded our lives, the picture will become clear, and we will see God's love again.

Psalm 51:10 

For his lovingkindness is great toward us; and the truth of Jehovah endureth for ever. Praise ye Jehovah.

Psalm 117:2 

But you are a God who forgives; you are gracious and loving, slow to be angry. Your mercy is great; you did not forsake them

Nehemiah 9:17b 

It is by the kindnesses of Jehovah that we are not consumed, for His mercies are not ended. 

Lamentations 3:22 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We have the freedom of choice. We can choose to go where the Father directs us, or we can choose to go the way we want. Yet, we know that no matter our choices, He is watching over us. He does care. He stands patiently by and is so willing to direct us again and again if need be.

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11 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3223

11 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3223

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall

Psalm 55:22 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our mission in life is just to seek God and His way. We need to let Him have control of our thoughts, words, and actions, and weI need to let go of our  attachment to worldly values and the need to seek approval from people, and place everything in His care.

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10 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3222

10 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3222

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul

Psalm 23:2-3a 

For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Revelation 7:17 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Being led by the Lord to a green pasture is our invitation to rest and to be renewed, as God fills our souls with spiritual refreshment. Sometimes, we need this rest so badly that God makes us lie down in those lovely green fields. During times of illness, we are forced to rest, but in our society, with all the pressures we face, illness is often seen as weakness. When will we ever learn? Rest and refreshment of body and soul is a basic need.

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09 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3221

09 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3221

Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

God takes our efforts, even when all we have is a pinch of faith, and uses them for His glory, in His time -- and it always "just works out" as He wants. "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed... nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20 )

Psalm 34:10b 

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to [Jesus] and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What is it you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory."

Mark 10:35-38 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In Mark 10:43-44, Jesus goes on to teach His disciples, "But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all."

To the followers of Jesus, the concept of greatness is simple: it carries with it a willingness to serve, not to be served, rather, to put others first all the time

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08 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3220

 08 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3220

"Father, if You are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

Luke 22:42-43 

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. 

Hebrews 12:2 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

If Jesus, being perfect, needed to pray, how much more do we need to pray, trusting that God will help us to endure. With the Lord's strength, we can overcome all life's trials, while we await the blessings that are sure to follow. When our faith is being tested, let us remember Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. We can be assured that God's plan is always best and that His unfailing love will sustain us.

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07 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3219

07 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3219

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.

 Psalm 118:1,8 

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. o take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.

Romans 5:3-4 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The apostle Paul is saying that we can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us -- they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it, until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then we are able to hold our heads high -- no matter what happens. We know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us -- and we feel this warm love everywhere within, because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.

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06 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3218

 06 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3218

Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

Genesis 11:4 

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalm 18:2 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

For believers, our strength is not in the power of government but in the Lord. In a world of political and economic chaos, let us, like David, call on the name of the Lord and trust Him to be our high tower. Especially in these troublesome times, may the Lord be the one we trust for our security and our strength.

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05 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3217

05 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3217

But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?

Job 12:7-9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

From the humblest of creatures to the intelligence of man, whatever direction, whatever help, whatever joy or pleasure we derive from them, today's Scripture tells us that it is ultimately given by the grace of the hand of the Lord our God.

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04 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3216

04 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3216

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Chris

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Are we ready to be vessels, cleansed by the blood of Jesus, capable of carrying the fragrance of Jesus to others? Have we allowed God's love to penetrate past the surface, so that the aroma of Jesus remains? Will it linger with others after we have moved on -- or have we become commuters conformed to the world's mould?

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03 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3215

03 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3215

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you. 

John 14:16-17 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The Holy Spirit is supremely good, as God is good; He is love, as God is love. He is distinct from Jesus, though He desires to be the friend, helper, and teacher to us just as Jesus was and is to His disciples.

May we be ever mindful that the divine Godhead -- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit -- is one. The glory is equal, the majesty co-eternal.

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02 Jun 2014 Thoughts#3214

 02 Jun 2014

Thoughts#3214

But be sure you do not eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and you must not eat the life with the meat

Deuteronomy 12:23 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Sometimes, we rebel against God's laws, thinking that we know better, or that His words are outdated and irrelevant. Perhaps, though, instead of casting aside God's commandments, we should really ask ourselves what their purpose is. Why are they so important to God? How do they strengthen our community?

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