You spread out our sins before you — our secret sins — and you see them all. Ps 90:8
The couple wanted to join in like everybody else. Others were giving to the church to help the less fortunate. They wanted to help too. This husband and wife talked it over and decided to sell some property they owned. Continue reading
God gave Israel a great victory at Jericho. This was the first large city the Hebrews encountered as they entered the land God had promised them.
This fortified city had thick walls of rock and brick. But that was no match for the power of God and His obedient people. Continue reading
And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31
Everyone wants to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I know I really enjoy it.
But what is the reason that you want to be filled with God’s Spirit?
Many just enjoy how it makes them feel. I know I really enjoy it!
But the early church did not ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. They asked for boldness in preaching the word!
They also asked for healing power and miracles.
Still, it all started with asking for boldness to speak God’s word.
God responded with the filling of the Holy Spirit.
It reminds me of King Solomon.
That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 1 Kings 3:5
Solomon could have asked for anything!
His response – Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. 1 Kings 3:9
It pleased God so much that He gave Solomon wisdom. He also gave him great fame and wealth.
There are a few things you must remember.
First, seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matt 6:33
And humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10
I am praying for brokenness and humility before God. I just want to serve Him. I want to be able to preach and teach God’s word with simplicity for everyone to understand. I want to lead more to Christ. It’s not about me. It’s about Christ.
As John the baptizer said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30
You may have heard the old saying “confession is good for the soul.”
You may not know how true that is.
James 5:16 says confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Continue reading
When you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matt 6:16-18 Continue reading
The Law of Moses is a guide to sin. That does not mean it gives you instruction on how to sin but tells you what sin is.
I remind you of the words of Paul, “It was the law that showed me my sin.” Rom 7:7 Continue reading
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38
I don’t want to sin against God!
That is my spirit talking. My spirit is strong in the decision not to sin against God, my wife, my family, my church, or anyone else. Continue reading
Yesterdays Morning Thought was about the courage to stand in the face of temptation.
Today I want to continue along those lines.
First, a word of caution from God’s word Continue reading
I was texting with some of the youth from church the other day about getting more involved in the service, mission, and work of the church.
Sometimes all anyone needs is a nudge in the right direction – that goes for church family or the lost.
Suddenly I recalled a song we would sing at college devotion time. Continue reading
Lately I’ve noticed how much time is spent on planning for the next future event. Everyone does it.
On Facebook it looks something like this, “I can hardly wait. Next week I’ll be lying on the beach soaking up the sun.”
Or this one, “I’m not looking forward to next week. I’ll be having tests run.” Continue reading
Morning Thought with Pastor Tim 