Saturday 31 December 2016

Best wishes Lye =)


Goals in Love =)

The Ever-Present God

PowerPoint Today - Daily Devotional with Pastor Jack Graham
 
CURRENT RADIO SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
The Wonderful Name of Jesus
 
CURRENT TV SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
The Wonderful Name of Jesus
 
 
 
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
 
--Luke 10:27


I know you want your family to be successful. Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, you want your children to be healthy, successful, and productive.

But what is true success? Jesus addressed this in Luke 10 when he was confronted by a lawyer asking, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus replied with a question, “What is written in the Law?” The answer is our verse today: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

Jesus said, “Do this, and you will live” (Luke 10:28). If you want your children to really live, a successful life comes from a strong faith. You may be asking, “So how do I instill that faith into my children?”

It’s not as hard as society likes to pretend. You see, God wants your children to know and love Him even more than you do.

That is why He has provided you with an instruction manual, His Word. If you and I simply apply the Scriptures to our lives and homes, we will raise godly children!


If you’re struggling in a particular area at home, see what God’s word has to say about it.

The Ever-Present God

by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Hebrews 13:5–6

When Elijah faithfully confronted the evil king Ahab and announced God’s judgment on the land for their idol worship, he placed a large target on his own head. He had to flee and hide himself to avoid being killed by Ahab. During the great drought that came when it did not rain for more than three years, God provided for Elijah’s needs. First, he sent ravens to take food to the prophet by the brook Cherith. When that dried up, God sent Elijah to a widow whose meager food supplies miraculously lasted for the remainder of the drought. Though Elijah did not have everything he could have wanted, he never lacked for anything he needed, because God was always there.
God does not promise us an easy life. He does not promise us that nothing will ever go wrong. In fact He promises that if we do what we should, trouble will follow as a result. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet in the moments of trial and tribulation, we will never find ourselves abandoned by God. No matter who else may stand with us or forsake us, He will be there.
No child of God is ever abandoned. Our loving Father will never turn away from us. Our task is to rest on that promise, believing it in faith, and living in light of this wonderful truth. “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death” (Psalm 48:14). A Christian has no reason to live in fear, no matter what may come.
Today’s Growth Principle: 
No matter what challenges you face in the coming year, you will never face a single one alone.

Friday 30 December 2016

God's Plan for Victory

God’s Plan for Victory

by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 16:17–19
After many years of faithful and effective ministry, Dr. Curtis Hutson was diagnosed with a serious and advanced form of cancer. Even as he sought treatment, Dr. Hutson continued to travel and preach. When it became apparent that he would be going to Heaven rather than be healed, he preached faithfully anyway. Most of his final messages included what had become one of his very favorite songs, “I’m on the Winning Side.”
I will never have a fear, for my Lord is ever near,
And in Him so often I confide,
He’s the keeper of my soul since I gave Him full control,
And He placed me on the winning side.
Well, I am on the winning side, yes, I am on the winning side,
Out in sin no more will I abide;
I’ve enlisted in the fight for the cause of truth and right,
Praise the Lord, I’m on the winning side!
This world is not friendly to Christians, but this world cannot overcome the power of God. He is not challenged by any circumstances that come into our lives. And though we may endure hardship, suffering, loss, and even death, we cannot lose for He is with us. Not even the gates of hell can withstand God’s children operating in faith in God’s promises. His plan is for our ultimate triumph.
Today’s Growth Principle: 
We are on the winning side, and we need to face the future with confidence and the expectation of victory.
PowerPoint Today - Daily Devotional with Pastor Jack Graham
CURRENT RADIO SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
The Wonderful Name of Jesus
CURRENT TV SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
The Wonderful Name of Jesus
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

--Isaiah 40:31


If you are feeling low today, God has a plan to help you defeat your depression!

First, God can refresh you. When Elijah was exhausted and emotionally drained, God provided refreshment. “And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again” (1 Kings 19:6). God took care of Elijah’s physical needs—food and rest. Sometimes you need to withdraw physically, emotionally, and spiritually and be encouraged in the Lord.

Secondly, God rebuked Elijah. In verse 9, God asks, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Yes, God sent the earthquake and the fire. But in the end, God spoke to Elijah in “low whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). You and I often want God to speak to us with spectacular events and situations. But God most often speaks in the still small voice of His Word.

And thirdly, God recommissioned Elijah. “And the LORD said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria” (1 Kings 19:15). God told Elijah that it was time to get back in the game!

Allow God to refresh you, and then reach out to someone else!

Thursday 29 December 2016

Be Patient =)


Fear Versus Faith

PowerPoint Today - Daily Devotional with Pastor Jack Graham
 
CURRENT RADIO SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
The Wonderful Name of Jesus
 
CURRENT TV SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
The Wonderful Name of Jesus
 
 
 
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
 
--Psalm 18:2


What are the causes of depression?
If you look at Elijah’s bout with depression in 1 Kings 19, you’ll discover that depression is fueled by:
  • Fear. Elijah heard that Jezebel was after him and was afraid. According to Zig Ziglar, FEAR equals False Evidence Appearing Real. The way to avoid fear is to walk in the truth of the Word of God and not according to the false evidence that is all around us.
  • Unbelief. Elijah had seen the mighty miracles and works of God, but still allowed feelings of unbelief to creep in. He didn’t trust God to handle the situation.
  • Impatience. Elijah ran ahead of God. He was trying to live and die on his own schedule, rather than trusting God to give him life, strength, and health.
  • Pride. As Elijah sat under the juniper tree, he cried out, “I’m no better than my fathers!” Where did he get the idea that he was better than his fathers to begin with?
  • Self-pity. Elijah was feeling sorry for himself. He looked at his problems and just wanted to give up.

Here’s the formula for depression: insult + anger x self-pity = depression. If you see yourself going down that road, put on the brakes!

Then put your trust in God. When you do, as the psalmist says in our Scripture today, He will be your deliverer, your refuge, your shield, your stronghold, and your salvation.

if you’re feeling depressed, take inventory of your attitude lately. Are there signs of FEAR, unbelief, impatience, pride, or self-pity? 

Fear Versus Faith

by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.”
Numbers 14:7–9

When Moses sent twelve spies into the Promised Land, ten returned with a report that focused on the difficulties that would have to be faced if the Israelites did as God directed and entered the land. Only two, Joshua and Caleb, returned with a report that focused on God. Because of the bad report brought by the majority, the Israelites refused to even try to obey God and take the land. As a result, they spent the next forty years wandering in the wilderness.
There were real obstacles posed by the defenses of those who lived in Canaan. There were giants in the land. There were strong, walled cities. Yet while those presented difficulties to the Israelites, to God they were nothing at all. He destroyed the great walls of Jericho while the Israelites simply marched around the city. He gave them victory after victory when Joshua finally led the people into the land. His power was far more than enough to meet every challenge.
You and I may face hardship, trouble, loss, grief, disappointment, pain, and suffering in the coming year. But none of those difficulties will be too much for God. We need to keep our focus on Him and keep our faith in Him. J. Sidlow Baxter wrote, “What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficulty, and every difficulty has an opportunity.”
 
Today’s Growth Principle: 
God never changes, and no obstacle we face is ever a challenge for Him to overcome.

Wednesday 28 December 2016

A Fresh Start

A Fresh Start

by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:12–14

The greatest enemy of the early church in Jerusalem was Saul of Tarsus. Fanatical in his opposition to the followers of Jesus Christ, he took every opportunity to persecute, arrest, and even execute Christians, not just in Jerusalem but across the country and in neighboring lands. Saul was on his way to Damascus when an encounter with Jesus radically changed his beliefs. Though he became just as ardent a follower of Jesus as he had once been an opponent, the man who came to be known as Paul still had the blood of many on his hands.
Paul could have allowed the memories of what he had done before he met Jesus to hold him in bondage. He could have been overwhelmed by guilt and remorse, but he put the past behind him and kept his focus on the future. One of the most important benefits we receive from God’s freely offered salvation is freedom from the burdens of the past.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). The devil works hard to keep us in bondage to the past because he knows how much it hinders our service to God. The Christian life is not meant to be lived while looking backward. Instead God’s forgiveness allows us to look forward, and to accomplish all that we can for Him.


Powerful Prayer

by Joyce Meyer - posted December 27, 2016

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
—James 5:16


For prayer to be effective it must be fervent. However, if we misunderstand the word fervent, we may feel that we have to "work up" some strong emotion before we pray; otherwise, our prayers will not be effective. At times I experience a great deal of emotion while at prayer, sometimes I even cry. But there are plenty of times when I don't feel emotional and don't cry. I am sincere in my praying, but I don't feel anything out of the ordinary. We can't base the value of our prayers on feelings. I remember enjoying so much those prayer times when I could feel God's presence, and then wondering what was wrong during the times when I didn't feel anything. I learned after a while that faith is not based on feelings in the emotions, but on knowledge in the heart.
Also, James 5:16 states that the fervent prayer of a "righteous" man is powerful. This means a man who is not under condemnation—one who has confidence in God and in the power of prayer. It does not mean a man without any imperfection in his life.
The book of James goes on to talk about Elijah. Elijah was a powerful man of God who did not always behave perfectly, but he still prayed powerful prayers. He loved God and wanted to know His will and fulfill His call upon his life. But sometimes he gave in to human weaknesses and tried to avoid the consequences of that will and calling. In many ways, Elijah was a lot like you and me. In 1 Kings 18, we see him moving in tremendous power, calling down fire from heaven and slaying 450 prophets of Baal at God's command. Then immediately afterwards, in 1 Kings 19, we see him fearfully running from Jezebel, becoming negative and depressed, and even wanting to die. Like many of us, Elijah let his emotions get the upper hand.
The fact that James instructs us to pray powerful effective prayers like the righteous men and women of God—and then gives a discourse on Elijah and how he was a human being just like us, and yet prayed powerful prayers—should give us enough "scriptural power" to defeat condemnation when it rises up to tell us we cannot pray powerfully because of our weaknesses and faults.

Tuesday 27 December 2016

How Can I Know that My Plans Are From God?


Posted: December 27th, 2016 | VideosComments (0)

How Can I Know that My Plans Are From God?


CONVERSATIONS:
The new year is just around the corner, and since it is yearend, many of us are gearing up for 2017 by evaluating the past year and setting our goals for the new one coming. While the new year naturally gives us a great opportunity for new beginnings, we can be beside ourselves in excitement in setting our sights on our goals. Off the top of your head, what are some of the things you are looking forward to achieving this coming year?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
But we would not want to just make any plan. We would want to pursue God’s plans and purposes in our lives, because “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Prov. 19:21 NIV) Are there plans you are still uncertain of at this point and would like to subject to the Lord’s (approval)? What are they?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
If so, subject them to the keys mentioned in the video to be able to know if these plans are from God. To recap, consider your plans prayerfully as you subject each to the criteria of:
1. Righteousness. Paul prayed for the Philippians that they would be able to abound more in knowledge and depth of insight, and be able to discern what is best and pure and blameless and be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ. (Phil. 1:9-11). Where is the righteousness of God in this plan?
2. Peace. The Bible says that the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7) when we come to God in prayer. Does this plan create peace in yourself and in others?
3. Joy. Does this plan produce joy in your heart and in those of others?
4. Agreement. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” What does your spouse say about this plan? What do your discipler, accountability partners, pastors and/or other Christian leaders, and truest friends think about this plan?
After subjecting your plans through these criteria, where do you believe you should be heading with your goals?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Continue to pray for God’s direction in your life for 2017 and be watchful for God’s leading upon you in the next coming days. May you have a God-led and blessed 2017!
Let’s pray:
Father, thank You for the new beginnings that a new year affords. And yet, Lord, go before us. Make Your plans our plans. Incline our hearts to You as we look at the new year and plan for it. Enable us to hear You as we look at Your word, pray, and even subject our desires, plans and goals for the new year through the grid of righteousness, peace, joy, and agreement. And may our plans redound to Your glory. In Jesus name, amen.

A Promise for Transitions

PowerPoint Today - Daily Devotional with Pastor Jack Graham
 
CURRENT RADIO SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
The Wonderful Name of Jesus
 
CURRENT TV SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
The Wonderful Name of Jesus
 
 
 
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
 
--Luke 2:10


Another miracle of Christmas is the gift that continues long after the season is over.

After the guests are gone, the decorations have been put away, and the Christmas tree has been taken down, the ministry of Jesus Christ continues in your life.

You see, the Messiah came to save us from our sins and satisfy the longings of our lives. And He also came to free us from fear.

Now that the busyness of the season is winding down, you may find yourself jolted back into the reality of life with worries about the economy, the political transition, violence in the world, and more.

But I want to tell you the same thing that the angels told the shepherds after Christ’s birth all those years ago: “Fear not… I bring you good news!”

Jesus is your answer. You can experience peace no matter what the circumstances of the world through the Prince of Peace. Jesus came to comfort you, strengthen you, and offer you hope and peace beyond the Christmas season!

If you are struggling in life, you don’t need to be afraid. Immanuel means that God is with you in Jesus Christ. You are never alone. He is your “everyday” Savior!

Jesus came to comfort you, strengthen you, and offer you hope and peace beyond the Christmas season.

A Promise for Transitions

by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.”
Joshua 1:1–3
Three hundred years ago, the English playwright Christopher Bullock included the line “‘Tis impossible to be sure of any thing but death and taxes” in his play The Cobbler of Preston. It is believed to be the first time the expression appeared in writing, but the saying is apparently much older. As Christians we know one more certain thing—the promises of God given to us in His Word. Even so, the reality is that we live in a world filled with change. People we counted on may move, turn against us, or die. Companies that seemed to offer stable employment go out of business. The doctor calls with test results that weren’t what we wanted to hear.
Joshua faced a major transition. For forty years Moses had led the Children of Israel, taking them from bondage in Egypt to the edge of the Jordan River. But now the great leader was gone, and Joshua had big shoes to fill and major challenges to face. In His first words to Joshua, God reminded him that although Moses was no longer with him, God still was. And the same promises on which Moses had relied would be true and faithful when Joshua claimed them. There is not even a hint that God will ever change. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
Today’s Growth Principle: 
No matter what else may change in our lives, God never changes. He is faithful and true.

Monday 26 December 2016

A Friend of Sinners

A Friend of Sinners

by Dr. Paul Chappell
“He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Isaiah 53:11–12
The religious leaders in Jesus’ day rejected Him because He did not fit their idea of what the Messiah should be. One of the things Jesus did which particularly outraged them was reaching out to people the leaders rejected because of their public sin. “The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children” (Matthew 11:19). Thank God that Jesus is a friend of sinners! Without His love and grace we would have no hope. All of His life—from the moment of His birth and even in His ancestry—Jesus, though perfect, identified with fallen and sinful man.
Dr. John Rice said, “He was the Son of kings. He was the Son of poverty. When Mary brought the baby Jesus into the Temple and offered the sacrifice, she offered the sacrifice that poor women would offer- two turtledoves or two pigeons, because she was poor. The Son of kings and riches, and the Son of poverty and lowliness, too. He was the Son of Ruth the Moabitess as well as the Son of the Jews. He is the Son of Rahab the harlot, the Canaanite woman, as well as of the Jews because that is all in the ancestral line.” The love of God for us is not because of our goodness, but because of His nature.
Today’s Growth Principle: 
Rejoice today that we have a Saviour given through God’s love, who offers us grace in spite of our sin.



Sunday 25 December 2016

Merry Christmas =)

Submitted to God’s Will

by Dr. Paul Chappell
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”
Luke 1:35–38
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would be the mother of the Messiah, he was bringing news that was joyous, because it was the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation and deliverance. Yet at the same time, it was terrifying news, for it posed a great threat to Mary’s future. Once her pregnancy became known, her promised marriage to Joseph would almost certainly be called off, and she would be considered by everyone to be an immoral young woman.
Though the Romans did not allow the Jewish people to enforce their law, being found pregnant while unmarried was an offense punishable by being stoned. Yet when confronted with this life-changing news, Mary’s response was a simple acceptance of God’s plan for her life, despite the cost.
Often people struggle with knowing what God’s purpose and will is, but in truth it is far more important to have a heart that desires to please and honor Him than to know exactly what is coming in our future. George Müller said, “Nine–tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord’s will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.”
Today’s Growth Principle: 
When we do what God has already told us with a willing heart, we can be confident of being in His will.

Saturday 24 December 2016

Worship Christ, the Newborn King


PowerPoint Today - Daily Devotional with Pastor Jack Graham
 
CURRENT RADIO SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
Best of 2016
 
CURRENT TV SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
Best of 2016
 
 
 
“I see him, but not now;
            I behold him, but not near:

a star shall come out of Jacob,
            and a scepter shall rise out of Israel;
it shall crush the forehead of Moab
            and break down all the sons of Sheth.”

Numbers 24:17

When it comes to the wise men in the story of Jesus’ birth, there’s much more that we don’t know about them than we actually do know. We don’t know how many there were, though tradition tells us three corresponding to the three gifts they brought the baby Jesus. But there may have been two or twenty… we just don’t know.

We also can’t be sure of their nation of origin, though we know they came from the east. It’s quite possible, though, that they represented a priestly caste of Medes or Persians. We know they were learned men, and probably would’ve been seen as authorities in a philosophy called Zoroastrianism.

These men studied the ancient writings of the various peoples around them and surely must’ve known the prophecy in today’s Scripture that out of Israel a powerful king would rise. So whatever they saw in the stars prompted them to take everything and go find this king in Israel.
 

So what made these “wise men” wise? It was the fact that they didn’t just seek knowledge, but knew when they found it. The truth is true no matter who you are. Find truth… and like those wise men, you’ll end up worshiping at the feet of Jesus.
 
SEARCH FOR KNOWLEDGE THE WISE WAY BY CLINGING TO TRUTH WHEN YOU FIND IT.
 



“Worship Christ, the Newborn King”

by Dr. Paul Chappell
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:9–11
In 1739 Charles Wesley wrote a new poem to be sung at a Christmas service. He wanted to focus on the amazing news that the angels brought to the shepherds on the first Christmas night—that the baby born in Bethlehem was so much more than just another child. His original composition was later edited by George Whitefield until it took the form and the words that we know today as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord
Late in time behold Him come,
Off-spring of a Virgin’s womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail, the incarnate deity
Pleased as Man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”
When the wise men reached Bethlehem, they acknowledged Jesus as being worthy of great respect, not only with the gifts they had brought but by kneeling down before Him. The expression they used in seeking Jesus, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2) is not normal. The child of a king is a prince at birth, not yet a king in his own right. However from the moment of His birth, Jesus was rightly recognized as the great King. He did not claim the rights and privileges of kingship, choosing instead to be born into a poor and humble family, but that lack of outward prestige did not change His true nature.
Today’s Growth Principle: 
We cannot properly celebrate Christmas without properly worshiping the Christ of Christmas.

Friday 23 December 2016

What the Law Couldn’t Do

PowerPoint Today - Daily Devotional with Pastor Jack Graham
 
CURRENT RADIO SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
Best of 2016
 
CURRENT TV SERIESPlay Today's Broadcast
Best of 2016
 
 
 
For to us a child is born,
            to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
            and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
            Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


Isaiah 9:6

Years ago, I remember standing in a check-out line at the store when the cover of a popular magazine caught my eye. On it, I saw a beautiful picture of a faraway galaxy and underneath it the question, “Who is God?”

That question is the question of the ages. Since the dawn of humanity, Christians and non-Christians alike have sought more and more insight into that question. And though we as believers know God through the person of Jesus Christ, fully understanding who He is and how He works is a process that’s never complete.

Over 2,000 years ago, wise men looked to the heavens and saw a star that made them ask that same question: “Who is God?” These men who came from a very different culture and religion than the Jews somehow knew that this star heralded the birth of the King of the Jews. And not only that, but this King was deserving of worship – a divine King!

These men asked, “Who is God?” and found Him lying in a manger. It must have been quite a surprise for a divine King to be found in such humble circumstances. Yet, because of their faith, the magi knew the Lord when they found Him.

If you want to know who God is, look no further than Jesus Christ. In Him, the fullness of God dwelt in bodily form (Colossians 2:9). Know Jesus, and you’ll know God.

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW GOD, KNOW JESUS, IN WHOM THE FULLNESS OF GOD DWELLS IN HUMAN FORM.

What the Law Couldn’t Do

by Dr. Paul Chappell
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Romans 8:2–4
No one who watched British runner Derek Redmond compete in the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 will ever forget what happened. During the 400 meter semi-final, Redmond was running at top speed when a hamstring injury ended his dream of an Olympic gold medal. In great pain, he attempted to finish the race, though all hope of victory was gone. But the pain of his injury was so great, that he could not go on. Redmond’s father pushed past security and made his way onto the track. Placing his son’s arm around his shoulders, Jim Redmond supported Derek until they both reached the finish line. Though the official Olympic record lists Derek Redmond as “did not finish” because he had to have assistance, his father took him all the way to the end of the race.
Because of the power of sin over the lives of the lost, we have no ability to keep God’s perfectly righteous demands. The law cannot give us that power. All it can do is tell us what God requires—it cannot help us meet His holy standard. For that, we must have something better than the law. We must have Jesus. Because He perfectly fulfilled the law during His sinless life, we can have His righteousness applied to our account. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Today’s Growth Principle: 
The gift of God’s Son offers what nothing else ever could—the promise of righteousness and acceptance by God to all who receive Christ by faith.


Thursday 22 December 2016