Lamp Under a Bowel

"Lamp Under a Bowl"

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven," (Matt. 5:14-16), also (Mark 4:21-25), (Luke 8:16-18), (Luke 11:33-36).

Once you lived in darkness, but you were born again, and now your world is enlightened by the light of Jesus; walk in this light. (Eph 5:8)

Though much of the world lives in darkness the light of Jesus shows the way to eternal life. Those who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour have His light displayed within their own life.

Christianity is not reflected by intense religiosity, but by conducting our lives in such a manner that others will see the love, hope and promises of God flowing through us. Living a life that characterizes these values will correctly present the light of Jesus to a dark World.

It can sometimes be uncomfortable to allow your light to glow in the midst of the world's darkness; yet as the moon reflects the light of the sun so are we to reflect the light of Jesus. Our light is to serve as a beacon for others in a way that will glorify the Father.

Jesus said, "...For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed" (John 3:19-20).  

This tells us that just living a Christian Life can cause the unbelievers around you to become very uncomfortable. This is a natural work of the Holy Spirit as it exposes and brings them face to face with their own transgressions.

Unfortunately some "Social Christians," rather than allowing their light to shine, attempt to blend in with the crowd. But with their lamp under a bowl, how do they have anything to offer?

We all have the choice of either allowing our light to shine, or of hiding it under the bed or basket. Attempting to live for Christ and at the same time like the world may prove to be an impossible task'

Many people who are not Christians realize that Christian values represent higher standards, and can easily recognize a hypocrite. Though ironic, it has been said that, "if you want to know how a Christian should act, ask a sinner."

If you will take a moment to evaluate the people you interact with on a daily basis you may find that you are the only Christian some of them know. This means the only way these people will know about Christianity is through what they see in you.

The Beatitudes in Matthew 5 reveal much about the nature of Christ as He extends His love and concern to the poor; those who morn; the meek; those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; the merciful; the pure in heart; the peacemakers; and those who are persecuted for righteousness sake... These Scriptures offer great insight into His character.

We should make every effort to assure that our Christian example is a reflection of the humility, good deeds, and love that Jesus so valued.

In order to Come to Christ sinners must acknowledge their sins and realize they need Jesus.

The light of Jesus can unmask the darkness and illuminate the pathway to salvation. As surely as the earth reveals the glory of God so does the light within each and every born again Christian.

Your little light can help this darkened world to find the supernatural hope, love, and eternal life that is only available through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and some day you too will hear,

" Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler    over many things... (Matt 25:21KJV)

Samuel Mills
Knoxville, TN

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The Crucifixion of Jesus

The Crucifixion Of Jesus
The interactive Bible

The shadow of the cross that was raised on Golgotha reaches across the centuries to offer comfort, forgiveness, and hope to us today. The story is almost unbelievable, for it is hard for us to image such love. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" is the message of the golden text of the Bible, John Chapter 3, verse 16. Jesus had to love us beyond measure to give Himself willingly to die for our sins. And we must complete the story of love by loving Him in return.

Some of the Jewish leaders hated Jesus because He condemned their sins. They did not want to believe the truth He preached, as He urged them to repent and turn back to God. They became jealous of the great crowds that followed Him and believed in Him, and finally decided to get rid of Him by having Him killed. Since the Jews did not have the right to have a man killed without the approval of the Roman governor, they had to take Jesus to Pilate. At the trial they had no evidence of wrong-doing by Jesus,  but put enough pressure on Pilate that he finally agreed to have the soldiers kill Jesus by crucifying Him. The place where they killed prisoners was outside the city of Jerusalem on a small hill called Golgotha or the place of the skull. Here they laid the cross on the ground while they nailed his hands and feet to it with great spikes. The cross was then lifted and dropped into a hole in the ground. The entire weight of the body tore at the spikes, and the pain was almost beyond endurance. The blood began to pound through the body as the shock of what was happening began to take its toll.  As the cells of the body were broken down it became a living death that sometimes lasted for a few hours, and could even last for a few days. Since Jesus had been whipped before they took Him to be crucified, He was already weak from loss of blood. Mercifully, He lived only a few hours on the cross.

Even with all the pain, Jesus thought of others rather than Himself. His first words from the cross were, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do". Even though He could have threatened to punish them eternally when they faced Him in judgement, he did not do so. He thought of His mother, who stood by the cross weeping, and asked his beloved friend John to take care of her. On either side of Him there were two thieves crucified with Him. When one of them expressed faith in Jesus, the Saviour answered, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise". As the terrible afternoon wore on and His pain increased he finally moaned, "I thirst", and was offered vinegar, which He would not drink. God blotted out the sun as if to let us know how black the deed which was being done, and out of that blackness Jesus cried, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?". His final words expressed his complete surrender to the will of God as He said, "It is finished; Father into Thy hands I commend my spirit". He then bowed His head and died.
Even the earth could not accept the death of its Creator and Master without showing grief. There was a great earthquake which shook the countryside and made all people afraid. The only fear which we need to have, however, is that of refusing the love He showed in dying for us. The theme of our lives ought to be, "I'll live for Him who died for me, how happy then my soul shall be. I'll live for Him who died for me, my Saviour and my God".

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The christian Life Beings with Faith

The Christian Life Begins With Faith

By Carey Dillinger

2 Peter 1:1-5a

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue... (ASV)
This Faith Is In A Person
Peter addresses this letter to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. The faith that Peter's readers had was not just some "better felt than told" emotional concept, but instead a deep-rooted system of belief in God the Father and God the Son.

 Those of us today that choose to adopt this system of belief as our own will also have access unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness..., but only if we have a true knowledge of God and the Savior. The grace that pardons and sanctifies us will only come through this true knowledge. This knowledge will additionally bring the peace of conscience, reconciliation with God, and calmness of life in the face of trials.

This Faith Involves God's Power
We will be properly spiritually supplied through God's power. He manifests that power through the Word. It is through the Word that we come to believe that God's revelation is sufficient for our every spiritual need. God guarantees our access unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness..., which is our assurance that every need will be supplied. In this context "'life' refers to the spiritual vigor that the soul possesses; 'godliness' to the conduct necessary to preserve and maintain it." (Woods)

How will we be supplied? Through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue..., that is, through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. In John 17:3, Jesus prayed that "all flesh may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent." In the previous verse Jesus indicates that He had been given all authority, which includes the ability to give eternal life. God's power, through Jesus Christ, is the guarantee of our faith.

How will his "own glory and virtue" call us...? The resurrection of Christ from the dead indicates God's omnipotence and Christ's "glory and virtue." It is by the Word of Jesus Christ that the call goes out for those with open minds. (See Eph. 1:17ff.)

 This Faith Involves God's Promises
The glory and virtue of Christ grants us "precious and exceeding promises." These promises are precious because of what they mean to our soul. They are exceeding because they include forgiveness, peace, the promise of eternal life, and a chance to be partakers of the Divine Nature. As partakers of the Divine Nature we become partners with God, His Son, and His Spirit in their Holy Character. It is only by partaking in this Divine Nature that we are given an escape from the corruption of the world.

 

This Faith Involves Our Participation
Because of the importance of obtaining the exceeding and precious promises, we should be adding on (our part) all diligence. The Greek word for adding (pareisenegkantes) literally means, "bringing in by the side of." The message to us as followers of Christ is clear: God supplies the exceeding and precious promises and He expects us to bring along side some things of our own. Of course our paltry contributions will not measure up to God's, but nevertheless they are necessary. The very fact that we are to "give diligence to add..." implies that there is something in addition to that which God has supplied which He expects us to supply. Time and again we see that God's promises are conditional and we must add our part to His part to make the promises functional.

What does this "diligent adding" involve? It is the express purpose of this series of articles to teach exactly what God expects us to "bring alongside" His promises to make them function on our behalf. The foundation of our participation in "the faith" is our faith. We must pursue these virtues diligently. Diligence involves an alignment of priorities and a tenaciousness of spirit. We must be focused on the goal and pursue it until it is accomplished.

The Hebrew writer (Heb. 11:6) says, that "without faith it is impossible to please God." Faith is the foundation on which all the other virtues are built. Faith must be more than just mental assent or it would not support the weight of the other virtues to come. It must be a lively, working faith, which will grow to become a system of belief that will not be compromised regardless. Paul told the Philippians, "Work out your own salvation... For it is God which worketh in you." (Phil. 2:12,13.) As with any building the ground must be prepared before the foundation can be laid. It is up to us to provide God with a place to build. The parable of the Sower (Mt. 13:1-9, 18-23) relates the types of ground that are available. What type are you?

The seven characteristics that follow must be supplied alongside our faith for our faith to operate properly in conjunction with God's promises. 
 

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Magnification of the Lord

Magnification of the Lord

Worshiping God is all about giving God the 
glory. We should magnify the Lord, which means " to enlarge". To make God larger than anything else in our life. When in Praise we say "I magnify you Lord," we literally say, "Lord I make you bigger in my life than any problem or need that I have in my life". Over the years we all must have sung and talked about things that we do not even really understand because we do not realize the meaning behind the songs or the things we say and listen to at church. Just by saying words of Praise like "God you are wonderful, You are Great, You are Big, You are above all else and I want to praise and worship you Lord", we are giving God the place he deserves. This realization would let us get a better understand of how GREAT OUR GOD IS and that he is much bigger than any need we have.

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Protection

Protection

© RESERVED TO GODLY PRAISE 

When we first were born into this world we must have felt like we were exposed and in danger. We must have wanted to crawl back in the womb, a place of walled coverage. The very first contact of our mother made us feel relived and under strong hands. We did not feel alone nor unwanted, a place of rest. Those strong hands watched over us every single moment stride for stride. Every single moment she has with us is with love and affection  giving us herself as a shield in our pain, suffering, danger, being scared etc. Our wounds are plastered even down to the feeling of pain. The Love of a mother in this world is much more than any other. She gives us the maximum protection she can out of her strength, love and understanding. Whenever the Limit to a mothers PROTECTION starts, that's where GOD STARTS HIS abundance.

God gives his abundance of protection when we are in trouble. But sometimes we do not see GOD's hand at work, but that is because we are away from God and blind to his majestic works. 

2 Kings 6:8-17

New International Version (NIV)

Elisha Traps Blinded Arameans

⁸ Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”
⁹ The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” ¹⁰ So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
¹¹ This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
¹² “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
¹³ “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” ¹⁴ Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
¹⁵ When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
¹⁶ “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

¹⁷ And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

We tend to be scared and full of tension when we ever get into problems. We tend to start thinking the worse of a small situation. We tend to make it worse by planing our own way of getting out of that very problem, but our plans have loophole where the problem can get to us through other ways at any time. All we have to do is exactly what "Elisha" said...."DON'T BE AFRAID". All we have to do is "OPEN OUR EYES". It is high time we step away from the worlds knowledge of protection to Gods arms.We have to give our lives utterly to Gods, because he knows whats best for us and he protects us with his mighty arms surrounding us with love and his grace. He made us, so he knows the best way to keep us safe. No matter what kind of problems may arise in your life, God will sustain us and keep us from harms way.
This is not just a "SAYING" but the TRUTH about how great our God LOVES AND PROTECTS US!!!

"The Lord is my light and my salvation--- 

so why should I be afraid?

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger.

so why should I tremble?"

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Showers of Love

Showers of Love

 © Reserved to Godly Praise 

Empty, Lonely, Scared, we all tend to get these feeling at one time or another. The effect it has on us makes us run to the first possible human contact to be rid of those unwanted feeling. For the time being, we might feel the extent of the love showered and poured on us mightily, but eventually it fades away like the season. Our thoughts on someone loving us have a different meaning to the very next individual. Some might be after the worldly materials calling that LOVE, while others might be after power and position in the family and world calling that love. BUT true love is all about sacrifices, learning, corrections, teaching, a shoulder to cry, a presence to be in, to talk to, to listen, one who can change situations, giving in need etc. A worldly person cannot fulfill the void in each of our heart for a longer period.

            Christ has given, done and will do everything mentioned above. When we say LOVE is a complex issue, God says I give them to you FREELY. The Extent of God’s love stretched on the cross shows the immense deep want for us. Christ Showed us it does not matter what we did or what we are doing, BUT AS LONG AS WE CHANGE--- his LOVE unconditional will be moving along our lives spreading throughout ourselves, our friends, families, work, church, neighborhood, etc. This Exact love cannot be substituted because CHRIST’s Love is what made us in the first place. He formed us in the Image of God himself. This form of ours is not to be taken lightly but to be adored with reverence and love. We must cherish ourselves because we are made in the image of GOD. LOVE abides in us because GOD is LOVE and we are the image of GOD.

    Next time when we feel like running to the first possible human contact, let us take a moment thinking of his GREAT LOVE and go to LORD’s presence. Tell him our problems and Troubles to fill the void of the unwanted feelings with the GOD’s LOVE. The knowledge that everything I have is taken care of God is LOVE itself.

Spreading its wings are the droplets of rain

 pouring down on us like

GODS SHOWERS OF LOVE

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A Life of Obedience

A Life of Obedience

Scripture: Acts 5:14-29

How do you make decisions? Do you try to determine what will benefit you the most, or perhaps you strive to please or impress others? Maybe you let emotions take control or attempt to make a logical choice. Wise men and women learn to obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him. There is nothing more important in life than following Jesus and trusting Him to care for your needs.

II. What does the Bible say about obeying God?

A. Biblical Example: When the apostles were told to stop preaching in Jesus’ name, they responded, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

B. Sowing and Reaping: Galatians 6:7 says, “Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Every action has an impact, for good or evil. Our decisions, and the choices of others, determine the quality of our lives.

C. Disobedient Biblical Characters: The Bible says, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23). Imagine how different the stories in Scripture would be if mankind knew what disobeying God would cost:

1. Adam and Eve would never have eaten the forbidden fruit.
2. The nation of Israel would have chosen to fight for the Promised Land the first time around instead of wandering 40 years in the desert.
3. After seeing Bathsheba bathing, David would have turned away and walked back inside.
4. Jonah would have willingly traveled to Ninevah to preach the Word of God.

D. Faithful Biblical Characters: The Lord rewarded those who were willing to follow His commands:

1. Noah was asked to build a massive boat—which made him the laughing stock of his commnity. But he was ready when the flood came.
2. Moses, a desert nomad, had to appear before Pharaoh, the leader of a powerful civilization, and demand freedom for the Israelites. Ultimately, the people were allowed to go.
3. Joshua was told to march around Jericho for seven days instead of relying on the military tactics he knew. And God destroyed the enemy.
4. Nehemiah boldly asked the Babylonian king for supplies to rebuild Jerusalem and received all he needed, including guards to help him safely reach the city.
5. In captivity, Daniel and his three friends refused to eat meat because it was not prepared according to Hebrew dietary laws. Yet they were healthier than all the other young men.
6. Peter and the apostles refused to stop preaching about Jesus, even though they were threatened with flogging and imprisonment.

E. The Requirements: As believers, we must:

1. Believe that God is sovereign—He controls all things at all times (Ps. 103:19).
2. Trust that He will work for our good in every situation and circumstance (Rom. 8:28).
3. Love the Lord. The Bible says we show our love for Him by obeying His commands (1 John 5:3)—and not just when they are convenient and desirable.
4. Listen to Him. When you pray, make time to hear what He has to say.
5. Be courageous. Obeying God takes courage because following His will often leads to conflict. You must be willing to do what is right anyway.
6. Fully surrender to Him.

 F. The Results of Obedience

1. You will experience personal victory if you follow His will, even if the world does not consider you a success. (See Josh. 1:8.)
2. Obedience leads to supernatural peace and joy in every circumstance.
3. Spiritual growth and maturity results when believers continue to walk with God in the midst of suffering.

G. Application

1. God may ask you to do something that doesn’t make sense from a human perspective.
2. The Father may lead you to give up a hobby or donate a valuable item.
3. He may prompt you to give financially when money is scarce.
4. The Lord might want you to serve in your church or take a leadership role although you feel inadequate.

Conclusion:

When you need to make an important decision, don’t rely primarily on your own reasoning, the opinions of others, or even what worked in the past. Get on your knees before the Lord and pour out your heart. Spend time prayerfully reading His Word. Listen for His voice, and then follow His specific guidance for your life.

Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.

 If you will take to heart this one principle,

you will have the awesome privilege of watching the Lord accomplish great things in and through you.

Copyright 2012 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.

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