Friday, June 2, 2017

TABLE ROCK - OUR DAILY BREAD


“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”—Luke 6:46
A large, illuminated cross stands erect on Table Rock, a rocky plateau overlooking my hometown. Several homes were built on neighboring land, but recently the owners have been forced to move out due to safety concerns. Despite their close proximity to the firm bedrock of Table Rock, these homes aren’t secure. They have been shifting atop their foundations—nearly three inches every day—causing risk of major water pipes breaking, which would accelerate the sliding.
Jesus compares those who hear and obey His words to those who build their homes on rock (Luke 6:47-48). These homes survive the storms. By contrast, He says homes built without a firm foundation—like people who don’t heed His instruction—cannot weather the torrents.
On many occasions, I’ve been tempted to ignore my conscience when I knew God asked more of me than I had given, thinking my response had been “close enough.” Yet the homes in the shifting foothills nearby have depicted for me that being “close” is nowhere near enough when it comes to obeying Him. To be like those who built their homes on a firm foundation and withstand the storms of life that so often assail us, we must heed the words of our Lord completely. —Kirsten Holmberg
Help me, Lord, to obey You fully and with my whole heart. Thank You for being my firm foundation.
God’s Word is the only sure foundation for life.
INSIGHT: To fully appreciate Jesus’s comments in Luke 6:46-49, it’s helpful to keep in mind the fuller content of His teachings in this chapter (see vv. 20-49). Luke 6 captures many of the same teachings found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7)—teachings that are revolutionary in cultures dominated by the powerful and where weakness is looked down on. Jesus invited His followers into God’s reality—where it is those who know their brokenness, the poor and persecuted, who God is especially near to (vv. 20-25), and where strength is demonstrated in forgiving even our enemies (vv. 27-36).A temptation when hearing Jesus’s words is to be moved and inspired without wrestling with the ways His words demand change in our lives. Jesus knew that would be our tendency, and so He emphasizes that an emotional confession (“Lord, Lord,” v. 46) is of no value if we do not obey, if we do not let His words challenge the way we live and what we believe. Building our lives on Him means a life of daily transformation, of daily following Him.What “norms” in your life do you think Jesus’s words might challenge?For further study, see Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Oswald Chambers at dhp.org/studies. Monica Brands
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ANSWERING THE MYSTERIES OF JESUS CHRIST - JUNE 2, 2017



Quote of the Day
"The little letter of Jude teaches us something about the value of learning history. This is not the main point of the letter. But it is striking."
~John Piper (from "Jude: learning from the past?") 
Today's Answer
Can We Trust the Old Testament Prophecies?
Hank Hanegraaff
The bible records predictions of events that could not be known or predicted by chance or common sense. Surprisingly, the predictive nature of many Bible passages was once a popular argument (by liberals) against the reliability of the Bible. Critics argued that various passages were written later than the biblical texts indicated, because they recounted events that happened sometimes hundreds of years later than when they supposedly were written. They concluded that, subsequent to the events, literary editors went back and "doctored" the original, nonpredictive texts.
But this is simply wrong. Careful research affirms the predictive accuracy of the Bible. For example, the book of Daniel (written before 530 B.C.) accurately predicts the progression of kingdoms from Babylon through the Medo-Persian Empire, the Greek Empire, and then the Roman Empire, culminating in the persecution and suffering of the Jews under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, his desecration of the temple, his untimely death, and freedom for the Jews under Judas Maccabeus (165 B.C.).
Old Testament prophecies concerning the Phoenician city of Tyre were fulfilled in ancient times, including prophecies that the city would be opposed by many nations (Ezekiel 26:3); its walls would be destroyed and towers broken down (Ezekiel 26:4); and its stones, timbers, and debris would be thrown into the water (Ezekiel 26:12). Similar prophecies were fulfilled concerning Sidon (Ezekiel 28:23; Isaiah 23:1;Jeremiah 27:3; Jeremiah 47:4) and Babylon (Jeremiah 50:13, Jeremiah 50:39; Jeremiah 51:26, Jeremiah 51:42, Jeremiah 51:43, Jeremiah 51:58; Isaiah 13:20).
Since Christ is the culminating theme of the Old Testament and the Living Word of the New Testament, it should not surprise us that prophecies regarding Him outnumber all others. Many of these prophecies would have been impossible for Jesus to deliberately conspire to fulfill--such as His descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:3, Genesis 17:19); His birth in bethlehem (Micah 5:2); His crucifixion with criminals (Isaiah 53:12); the piercing of His hands and feet on the cross (Psalms 22:16); the soldiers' gambling for His clothes (Psalms 22:18); the piercing of His side and the fact that His bones were not broken at His death (Zechariah 12:10; Psalms 34:20); and His burial among the rich (Isaiah 53:9). Jesus also predicted His own death and resurrection (John 2:19). Predictive prophecy is a principle of Bible reliability that often reaches even the hard-boiled skeptic!
Taken from "the Bible: human or divine?" (used by permission).
Today's Video
is baptism necessary for salvation?
Answered by Bryan Chapell 
Do you have questions about the life, ministry, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Get real answers at Jesus.org.
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THE ART OF PRAYING

I don't know if you've ever felt this way, that you don't know what to pray an feel that God isn't listening.  Our prayers feel like rituals and meaningless.  We say what we think He wants to hear and we honor Him with our lips but our heart just isn't in it.  We feel like we're in a Spiritual valley, that He has forsaken us or He's just too busy to listen.  BTW, I read a wonderful article from a very credible site that said this is the life of a "normal" Christian.  We have fears, doubts, worries and even question our faith.  I thought it was just me and whenever I felt this way, I was so ashamed and didn't dare want you guys to know I was feeling this so I played the part or else I disappeared because I couldn't be a hypocrite and pretend to be "on fire" when I was anything but.  I also read by the same people on why being "on fire" is not Biblical and is always based on our "feelings and emotions."  Do you walk around happy and just praising God 24/7 every minute of the day, all year round?  If so, be honest and is it real or are you like me, putting on an act and being a real hypocrite?  

First, I don't always "feel" saved.  I know I am and sometimes I feel like such a wretchful sinner that can't get anything right so if salvation and genuine praise is emotions and feelings, wouldn't that be kind of like "salvation schizophrenic?"  If being saved is based on us "feeling" saved, then I'm not a true, born again Christian because I just believe Jesus Christ and the Word of God that tells me I am IF I repent and follow Him.  I am not always happy, on a Spiritual "high" and never once did I buy into this emotional feelings and that unless you actually "felt" the presence of the Holy Spirit and some say the only way you can even have the Holy Spirit is if you speak in tongues and have a secret prayer language.  Well, please tell me where in the Word of God that it clearly or even hints we will speak in a secret language.  I believe that the Spiritual gifts given on the Day of Pentacost was a sign to the Jews and not everyone spoke in known tongues.   Others were given different gifts such as healing, prophecy, discernment of spirits, wisdom and knowledge, etc. but that the GREATEST gift if LOVE. 

I have met many who believe this doctrine and what I've personally seen is that I've been told I don't have this awesome and FREE GIFT of God upon salvation.  BTW, that is not what the Bible says.  Paul is clear that not all speak in tongues and the letters to the church in Corinth was all about the misuse and stunted growth in believers.  They were boastful and proud and used it as a way of telling others they were more mature and/or Spiritual than those who didn't.  Me personally, I was told my very devout Christian grandmother who lived for Him and that verse "ye shall know them by their fruits," speaks volumes about my beloved grandmother.  I heard her curse 2 times in my life.  Now even Christians can't say one sentence without using at least 2-3 curse words in one sentence.  I asked a pastor why he curses and he said to show the unbelieving world that we aren't perfect and will sin. Of course we will but I do not believe that conforming to the ways of a very evil and Godless world is going to teach the true Gospel and watered down Gospels aren't going to save people.  It may make them more tolerant of Christians and they may even give their hearts to God because if I can have eternal security but live as I want, not as He wants, then why not?  I can have everlasting life but sin all I want.  It does not work that way.

If you spread a false Gospel, leave off the wages of sin and teach a different Jesus, even if they accept Jesus Christ immediately, they're not being saved by TRUTH.  Not everyone who says Lord! Lord! will enter into the Kingdom of God.  If you tell a liar, thief, cheater, homosexual, prostitute, sex addict or fornicator, etc. that they're forgven (which is 100% true) but they don't have to turn away from those sins and can continue in them, you're a liar or you make the Bible a lie.  You have to turn away from your lusts and flesh.  You may slip up, we all do, but we cannot willfully continue in sin.   Turning away is true repentance.  

Lastly, the "Sinner's Prayer" is not Biblical at all.  We MUST do 3 things...turn away from sin, obey Jesus Christ's commandments and have a personal one-on-one relationship with our Lord God and Savior, Christ Jesus.  Then we will learn what walking, living, and praying the Spirit REALLY is.  As far as a secret prayer language is concerned, that edifies you and we aren't called to edify ourselves but our brethern and the Body of Christ.  My experience with those who go by this doctrine has hurt me terribly.  I've been told I'm going to hell, my loved ones who've passed are going to hell, I'm way less mature than they are even if I know more than they do about books other than Acts.  I am to live by that book alone.  Paul isn't speaking to me.  I don't need Paul's books.  It almost cost my husband never to attend church.  

I hope this helps and if anyone who believes this doctrine, God is not a respecter of persons. I have been given a different gift.  I've been given a heart of love, a passion for Jesus Christ and I know I'm saved even though I don't "feel" saved 24/7.  I take rest in knowing I'm saved by the Word of God and depends not on how I feel.  I don't know where my beloved earthly churches have gone.   I miss the simple truth that Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again to save me according to the scriptures. I rest in Jesus's salvation and when I feel sad, lonely or scared, it gives me peace and hope.  Isn't that the true Gospel?  The two greatest commandments are first to love God will your whole heart, mind, strength and soul.  The second is to love others as you love yourself. If you do those 2 things, you have fulfilled the law.  Even Paul says that if you speak in tongues, cast out demons, prophecy, have wisdom and knowledge but have not LOVE, you're just a bunch of noise.  LOVE is the greatest gift.

Pray for it!  I hope this helps!

Part One


Part Two


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DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY CHRISTIANITY.COM

Christianity.com Home
June 2
Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 17; John 13:1-20
Today’s Thoughts: Endurance to the End
"For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:" Hebrews 10:36
I turned off my computer and saw a couple of fingerprint marks right in the middle of my screen. I pulled my shirt sleeve over my hand and began to rub the screen. The marks were still there so I used a paper towel and the marks were still there. I grabbed a dish towel and rubbed some more. They were still there but were beginning to fade. I hate to admit it but my wrist began to tire and I had to stop for a moment. I worked diligently for several more minutes to get the fingerprints off my screen. Normally I would not associate this type of task with the word "endurance" but in this case, it took a while to clean my screen. It seems like such a small thing in the big picture. But, in the midst of these kinds of tasks, I sometimes hear the Lord quietly say to me, "Be faithful in (and keep working on) the little things."
We grow in our walk with the Lord by persevering in the day-to-day tasks that require our patience and endurance. The hardest tests of endurance are often disguised as the monotonous tasks in life. I must admit that I seriously considered just how badly I wanted my computer screen clean. Would I settle for just enough to get by, or would I keep going until the spots were gone completely? Sometimes I think that we are faced with the same question when God begins working on our “spots”. Will we persevere with Him? Do we have the endurance to keep going through the hard times?
The writer of Hebrews mentions more than once our need for endurance. We "have need of endurance" to ultimately receive the promises of God. I wonder how often we get to the edge of the promise land and stop walking. There was a reason the Lord kept telling Joshua to go in and take the land that had been given to them. It took endurance and perseverance to keep walking, to keep taking one day at a time, and to stay focused on the goal. From fingerprint smudges to promise lands, the test for each one of us is whether or not we will keep working until the task is finished. The Lord is so good to give us the goal, and He will lead us every step of the way. However, we must be willing to not only step out but also to keep on stepping forward.
Has the Lord given you a glimpse of the promise land He has for you? Do not stop moving towards it. Pray for endurance and perseverance. The training often comes in the little tasks of the day. Take every opportunity to see a job through to its completion and learn how to lean on the Lord for support and guidance. You never know when the day will come that you take that first step into your land of promise.
Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.
Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc. 
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LINKS FOR MENTORING TEENS BY CHRISTIANITY.COM

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Episode #5: On the Teen Years and Mentoring

Inside the Editors' Room Podcast


Join us on Facebook to share your own thoughts about being a teenager or about mentorship-- we'd love to hear your feedback!
 
Things mentioned in our conversation:
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Please subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, SoundCloud, or TuneIn, and be sure to leave us a review! These little things go a long way when it comes to helping new listeners find out about our conversations, and we’d love to hear what you think. You can always find show notes and more at insidetheeditorsroom.com. Thanks for listening!
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JESUS LIKES ME, THIS IS I KNOW - ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY



June 2, 2017
Jesus Likes Me, This I Know
ALICIA BRUXVOORT
“ … He saved me to His delight; He took joy in me.” Psalm 18:19b (VOICE)
I wasn’t expecting anything profound to slip from my 4-year-old’s lips while we chatted over lunch on that hot summer day. I was just trying to keep my capricious girl at the table long enough to finish her peanut butter sandwich before she raced off to play.
“What did you learn at Vacation Bible School today?” I asked as I leaned over Maggie’s pink plastic plate and wiped a drizzle of peanut butter from her chin.
My daughter lifted her sandwich to her lips, took a bite and peered at me over the crust like a friendly neighbor peeking across a backyard fence.
“I learned that Jesus really likes me … ” she said with a giddy grin. “Soooo much!”
Her words floated through the air on the wings of a happy-sing-song. Then she reached across the table and gave my hand a tender squeeze. “And, Mommy,” she said as she laced her sticky fingers through mine, “I think He really, really likes you, too!”  
She waved her arms like a baby bird taking flight, and I felt as if my heart might take flight, too.
After all, I’ve long believed that Jesus loves me — the cross is proof of that — but some days when I look at the woman in the mirror, it’s hard to believe my Savior likes me, too.
I don’t know about you, but some days, I just feel unlikeable.
Some days I feel messed up and maxed out, exasperated and exhausted.
Some days I’m not grateful or gleeful, flexible or fun.
Some days I don’t bring delight to my husband, my kids or even my dearest pals.
And to be totally honest, some days I don’t even like myself.
Yet like a forgiving friend, the Bible echoes my little girl’s winsome words.
Scripture reminds us that the One who took our place on Calvary’s cross doesn’t merely tolerate us through gritted teeth or embrace us because of holy compulsion. As preposterous as it sounds, the One who first loved us, actually likes us, too. And here’s proof:
  • Today’s key verse says God takes joy in us.
  • Psalm 149:4 declares He delights in us.
  • Zephaniah 3:17 affirms He rejoices over us.
  • And Psalm 147:11 proclaims that we bring Him pleasure.
It’s crazy when you think about it — that the perfect Prince of Heaven takes joy in His flawed followers on the dust of earth. But when I remember this simple truth, it changes the way I pursue my Savior.
When I acknowledge that Jesus enjoys me, I look for ways to enjoy Him, too. I seek His company as I go throughout my day, whether it’s talking to Him as I drive across town or laughing with Him over my children’s goofy antics.
I notice His kindness in the depths of my daily grind — the brazen sunset over the trees in my backwoods, or the unexpected phone call from a friend on a hard day.
And I relish His presence in the midst my pandemonium. I savor the song of the birds beyond my window, the unexplainable peace in my hurry, the echo of an encouraging Scripture verse that runs through my mind.
In short, when I remember how the One who died for me also delights in me, I’m drawn to delight in Him, too.
So, I’m gonna keep singing that Sunday School song I learned as a child: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. 
But I’m also going to celebrate that oft-ignored truth that a 4-year-old once spoke to my soaring soul through a mouthful of peanut butter.
Jesus really likes me ... And you know what? I think He really really likes you, too … soooooo much.
Dear Jesus, Thank You for loving me enough to save me and liking me enough to savor me. Teach me how to delight in You, as You delight in me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 147:11, “But the Eternal does take pleasure in those who worship Him, those who invest hope in His unfailing love.” (VOICE)
Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (NIV)
RELATED RESOURCES:
If you need a reminder of how much God not only loves you, but likes you, you don’t want to miss our life-changing summer Online Bible Study. Jennifer Rothschild is partnering with us to help set women free of their negative self-talk and replace it with the powerful truth of God's Word. Registration for the Me, Myself, and Lies P31 OBS is now open! Learn more here.
CONNECT:
For more encouragement and for a giveaway that will inspire you to savor your Savior, join Alicia Bruxvoort at her blog today.
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
How might knowing that Jesus likes you change the way you approach your Savior on a daily basis? What is one way you can enjoy Jesus more today?
Prayerfully consider sharing one of the verses listed in today’s devotion with a friend who needs to know that Jesus doesn’t just love her, but He likes her, too.
© 2017 by Alicia Bruxvoort. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
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OPEN TO GOD'S LEADING - DEVOTIONAL BY CHRISTIANITY.COM

Open to God’s Leading
Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. (Acts 8:26)
Imagine if God were to come to you one day and say, “Go out to Palm Springs, in the middle of the desert at noon, and I will tell you what to do next.”
In the book of Acts, that is basically what it was like for Philip when an angel of the Lord spoke to him and said, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza” (Acts 8:26).
How easily Philip could have argued and said, “And do what? Preach to lizards? It is too hot, even for them. You want me to leave this place of revival where the Holy Spirit is being poured out and where miracles are being performed, and you want me to go to the middle of some desert? To do what?”
But Philip didn’t argue. The Bible tells us, “So he arose and went” (verse 27). It would have been understandable if Philip had questioned this or was like Jonah who, when told to go to Nineveh and preach the gospel, took a boat in the opposite direction. But to Philip’s credit, he went to the desert.
The angel didn’t tell Philip what would happen when he got there. He didn’t have a detailed blueprint. He was being led one step at a time. God’s way becomes plain when we start walking in it. Obedience to revealed truth guarantees guidance in matters unrevealed.
If we want to lead others to Christ, then we need to be open to and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Has the Lord shown you to do something? Then do it. Because there is a time to wait, and there is a time to move. There is a time to sow, and there is a time to reap.
Copyright (c) 2017 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version*. Copyright (c) 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Social media summary: An essential for leading others to Christ . . .
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
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