The Overcomer's Reward

  Faith's Checkbook, by C.H. Spurgeon

"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a New Name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it" (Revelation 2:17).

My heart, be thou stirred up to persevere in the holy war, for the reward of victory is great. Today we eat of heavenly food which falls about our camps; the food of the wilderness, the food which comes from heaven, the food which never fails the pilgrims to Canaan. But there is reserved for us in Christ Jesus a still higher degree of spiritual life and a food for it which, as yet, is hidden from our experience. In the golden pot which was laid up in the ark there was a portion of manna hidden away, which though kept for ages never grew stale. No one ever saw it; it was hid with the Ark of the Covenant, in the Holy of Holies. Even so, the highest life of the believer is hid with Christ, in God. We shall come to it soon, Being made victorious through the grace of our LORD Jesus, we shall eat of the King's meat and feed upon royal dainties. We shall feed upon Jesus. He is our "hidden manna," as well as the manna of the wilderness. He is all in all to us in our highest, as well as in our lowest, estate. He helps us to fight, gives us the victory, and then is Himself our reward. LORD, help me to overcome.

credits to :http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/faithcheckbook/faiths-checkbook-april-30-11538910.html

Equipped to Do His Will

Equipped to Do His Will

Exodus 3:1-14

I've met people who know God has called them to do something, but they are so focused on their perceived ability that they keep telling Him, "I just can't." Did you know that's a form of rebellion? It amounts to telling the Lord He isn't powerful enough to equip you, and His will being done on earth depends upon your natural ability.

On being called to lead the Israelites out of slavery, Moses complained that he was the wrong person for the job and offered an excuse of not being a good speaker (Ex. 4:10). God's response underscores that not only was He more than able to equip His chosen leader, but He also planned to accomplish His purposes with or without Moses.

It is the Lord who gives us the ability to live within His will. He has promised that if we believe Him and move forward in obedience, He'll show us what He wants us to do and then energize us to get it done.Philippians 2:13 says that God Himself "is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." There's nothing to fear-—you never have to take on His work in your own strength, and He won't ask you to do anything that He will not enable you to carry out. He is committed to equipping His children to do whatever He asks.

As a follower of Christ, you have a personal responsibility to say yes when God calls and to let Him achieve His purposes through you. He won't let you down. Watching Him work through your life will strengthen your faith and further the process of being conformed to the image of His Son.

The Truth That Sets Us Free

The Truth That Sets Us Free

John 8:25-32

God desires the best for each of His children, but sometimes we become trapped in habits, thoughts, and negative emotions that interfere with His plans for us. However, Jesus offers us a way out. If we'll continue in His Word, we'll know the truth that sets us free from whatever is holding us in bondage.

To "continue" in the Word means to be consistently reading and applying it to our lives. Then we'll know what God says and be able to recognize the traps that threaten to ensnare us. What's more, we'll understand the benefits accompanying our salvation that enable us to stand firm in truth without being led astray. Those benefits include . . .

• Our position: Through faith in Christ, we've entered into a personal relationship with God. Now, as His children, we have ready access to His throne along with the assurance that He'll hear our prayers.

• Our provision: God gave the Bible to guide and encourage us in all situations.

• Our promises: By relying on the promises He has given us, we'll become partakers of God's nature and escape the world's corrupting influence (2 Pet. 1:4).

• Our protection: As we walk obediently with Christ, He strengthens and protects us so we won't fall into the traps of the evil One (2 Thess. 3:3).

The first step to living in freedom is to recognize any sins, attitudes, or negative emotions that are dominating your life. Then get grounded in the truth of Scripture and claim God's promises and provisions by faith. He's ready to deal with any type of bondage the moment you cry out to Him for help.

Christ: The Key to Contentment

  Christ: The Key to Contentment

Philippians 4:6-7

While in prison, Paul penned precious words about the sufficiency of Christ. We tend to attach the idea of contentment to beach vacations and mountain retreats, but the apostle wrote that we are not to be anxious in any place or at any time, because we have the Lord's peace.

Contentment is the believer's "birthright." Peace is part of the spiritual fruit that's ours when we trust in the Savior (Gal. 5:22). Scripture describes it as an inner peace that passes all understanding (v. 7).

Jesus lived through conflict with a sense of inner quiet, and because of His indwelling Spirit, that remarkable calm also belongs to God's children. That is important because there are times when we come across a problem with no earthly solution. In situations like that, we learn that self-sufficiency is a lie. We can't cope alone, but Christ is enough for us.

Here is the flip side of the coin: "'There is no peace for the wicked,' says the LORD" (Isa. 48:22). Modern culture slaps the word wickedonto only the most vile of actions and people, but God's definition is much broader. The wicked are those who willfully reject His right to forgive their sins and take Lordship over their life. If you are not a believer, you cannot experience true and lasting contentment.

When we are born again (John 3:3-8), we become children of the living God and rightful heirs to every good thing that He has to offer. This includes the deep, inner peace and joy that can withstand any trial. What can man do to the one who belongs to the Lord (Heb. 13:6)?

We gain a Lord as well as a Savior.

Read 1 Kings 5

Highlights:
Solomon plans construction of the Temple; Check out how many years it took before Solomon began to build the Temple of God and how long before he began accumulating horses (I Kin. 4:26; 6:1).

So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD (I Kings 7:51).

Solomon finished a work his father, David, could not. The building of the temple of God was now completed. There was now a place of worship. The Ark of God now had a home. There was now a permanent place for sacrifice to be made.

This had been a long time in coming. David had begun gathering the materials years earlier. He wanted to do his part to help ensure this project would be completed. Solomon could very easily have pushed the building of the temple aside. Many kings that came after him did not regard matters concerning God to be their top priority. As a matter of fact, some turned to other gods. Solomon, himself, would fall into this trap. The Word of God warns us of this danger. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members (Rom. 7:23).

That time was in the future. Yes, the days of disobedience would come for Solomon. However, at this time, he was determined to give the Lord his service.

Most people would have found it difficult to give up such treasures that were in their possession. The things mentioned in this verse had to be of great value. Solomon knew those things may have been in his possession, but they belonged to God. They had been dedicated to Him by David.

There is much dedicated to God that humans later try to withhold from Him. People keep their time, their finances and even parts of their lives that should be turned over to God. When we become believers, we must remember that we gain a Lord as well as a Savior. There is no gaining the one without the other. People deceive themselves when they live that way. And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).

We need to give Christ all that is dedicated to Him. If you are truly born again, this includes your entire life. There is no need to fear this. Your life will be in hands that only want the best for you.

If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve Me, him will my Father honour(John 12:26).

Thought for Today:


Solomon's earthly temple glorified God; we too can glorify Him in our bodies.

credits to :BIBLE PATHWAYS : http://www.crosswalkmail.com/ViewMessage.do?m=bzlppbfgfg&r=tvbvzhcbmlcc&s=kmtdhflsdtdlpsgrkqbwblfpmkkptvlbhhg&a=view
 credits to: http://www.passionofthechrist.com/splash.htm

The Precious Blood of Jesus: Why It Matters

  The Precious Blood of Jesus: Why It Matters

1 Peter 1:17-19

What do you consider precious? Perhaps it's an heirloom that not only is costly but also has sentimental value. Or maybe your first thought is your family—the ones you love the most. Other possibilities may include your salvation, the Bible, or your church family, but if you're truly honest, the blood of Jesus probably didn't make the list.

Today's Christian culture desires a sanitized version of salvation. We talk about the grace and forgiveness of God and sing about His love for us, but rarely do we mention the blood of Jesus. Yet that is the only basis for our salvation. Because the Lord is righteous and just, He cannot love sinners into heaven or forgive them simply because they ask. Every sin that has ever been committed must receive a just punishment, and the penalty for sin is death (Rom. 6:23).

The Lord had only two options in dealing with fallen humanity. He could let the course of justice lead to the condemnation of all mankind, or He could provide a substitute to pay the penalty for everyone. However, this substitute had to be sinless (Deut. 17:1). The only way to rescue us from eternal separation in hell was to send His beloved Son to earth as the God-Man who would live a perfect life and die in our place.

The blood that poured from Christ's wounds bought your salvation. If you want to truly value what He did, think of Him hanging on that cross just for you. With that thought in your mind, consider how you should live. He gave Himself freely for you; are you giving yourself fully to Him?

credits to: http://www.passionofthechrist.com/splash.htm

The Power of Prayer

The Power of Prayer

Matthew 7:7-11

Jesus knew the importance of prayer and practiced it regularly. He often slipped away from the crowds to commune with God. Then He would receive the guidance and strength necessary to carry on His Father's work.

In teaching about the power of prayer, Jesus promised us that God will always answer. He used three words to help us pray effectively:

Ask—We are to come to God with our requests. In doing so, we are acknowledging both our need and God's ability to meet it. Jesus assures us that every request will be granted in accordance with our Father's best for us and others.

Seek—Sometimes the Lord asks us to get involved in the situation about which we are praying. For example, we may be petitioning for Him to help us find a new job. He wants us not only to seek His wisdom and guidance but also to take practical steps to discover what's available. When we obey His directions, God promises to provide the answer.

Knock—In carrying out the Father's plan, we'll encounter obstacles along the way. For us to overcome them, sustained and persistent praying may be required. Knocking implies a level of force being applied so that a door will open. Once God presents the solution, we need no longer ask. When He opens up a path, we should walk on it.

Prayer accomplishes much (James 5:16). It engages the Lord in people's personal lives as well as in the affairs of government. It is the way we experience oneness with our Father and receive the essentials needed to carry out His work.