TARES AMONG THE WHEAT - APRIL 13

 TARES AMONG THE WHEAT - APRIL 13

Matthew 13:25, "But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way."

MATTHEW 13:24-30

Satan has secretly infiltrated the Church with some of his followers for the purpose of hindering the influence of the Church. This has been a more effective strategy than direct opposition.

These tares that are spoken of refer to the Old World variety of darnel, which is poisonous. Virtually all grains are almost indistinguishable from tares when they send up the first blade from the ground. By the time the tares become distinguishable, they are so well rooted that, if growing in close proximity to a productive grain, uprooting the tares would also mean uprooting the productive grain. Therefore, verse 30 admonishes us to let both grow together until the harvest. The grains of the tares are long and black in contrast to the wheat, and are easily recognizable at harvest time. Many will profess Christianity, but "by their fruits ye shall know them."

There will be those who are deceived and unaware that they are not born again, who will remain among the Church. Jesus warns us against trying to root them out especially since it is not always possible to discern other people's hearts. In an effort to destroy these tares, we might offend one of Christ's "little ones" and cause his or her profession of faith to waver.

It is important, though, for our own personal benefit that we be aware that the children of the Wicked One are placed among the true believers. Our best defense is to preach the Word of God without watering it down. False brethren will not endure sound doctrine. They leave when the Word, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, begins to expose the thoughts and intents of the heart. Stick to

 the Word!

Do You Ever Feel Too Needed?

 Do You Ever Feel Too Needed?

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3(NLT)

Philippians 2:3 says to regard others more than yourself. The Holy Spirit wants to develop in us a desire to prefer others and meet their needs. However, living this way can sometimes be tiring. Let’s face it – we all have days when we don’t want to go out of our way to help someone else.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed trying to help others the way I think I should. At times it seems all of my family members need me, my employees need me, my friends need me, and they all need me in different ways.

Do I ever feel too needed? Yes! And it’s OK if you do too. We all feel overwhelmed from time to time. But we must remember that God gives us grace to do whatever He’s asking us to do.

When you feel weary trying to meet the needs of others, go back to Philippians 2:3 and ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Humble yourself before God and He will strengthen you to be there for the people in your life that He’s asking you to help.

Prayer Starter: God, I want to obey Your Word and regard others more than myself. When I’m struggling, lacking a desire to help others and feel overwhelmed, give me Your grace and strength to love and help the people You’ve placed in my life.

THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2024.

SUBJECT: THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST!

Memory verse: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8 vs 1.)

READ: Romans 8 vs 31 - 34:

8:31: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

8:32: He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

8:33: Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 

8:34: Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is at the right hand of God, who als makes intercession for us.

INTIMATION:

When you believe in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work for us, and confess Him as your Lord and personal Savior, you are said to be “in Christ.” If you are in Christ, there is no condemnation for you (Romans 8 vs 1). 

“In Christ” is a metaphor that refers to one’s close spiritual and salvational relationship with Christ. When one has been immersed into Christ (Romans 6 vs 3), he or she comes into a saved covenant relationship with God wherein he or she is not in a state of condemnation. In a state where there is no condemnation, one is free from the bondage of sin. 

In Christ one is not directing his or her life according to the desires of the flesh, but according to the directions of the Spirit (Galatians 5 vs 16). He or she is not walking according to the pride of meritorious conduct, but to his or her submission to the word of God. If you are ‘in Christ,’ you have righteousness reckoned, imputed and imparted to you in the new creation. The Scripture in Ephesians 4 vs 24 says, "And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." The new man is created, according to God, in righteousness and holiness.

The Scripture says, "Who is He who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of the God, who also makes intercession for us" (Romans 8 vs 34). Now, if Christ gave His life for you, He isn’t going to turn around and condemn you, unless His sacrifice is for nothing! No one can bring a charge against the children of God except the One to whom the body of Christ belongs.  

No one has a right to condemn the members of the body except the One who saved them. However, since God so loved His children by offering His own Son, then it is not logical to believe that He would charge His blood-bought children with sin. If Jesus gave Himself on the cross to save the church—His body, then it’s not logical to believe that He would turn around to condemn those for whom He died.

Jesus is at the right hand of God. However, He is not there for the purpose of condemnation, but for the work of intercession on behalf of the saints (Hebrews 7 vs 25; 9 vs 24). His continued intercession means that the Christian has the continual cleansing of sin by His sacrificial blood (First John 1 vs 7). It’s through His blood and intercession, therefore, that we stand justified before God. 

Jesus is pleading for us in heaven. God has acquitted us and has removed our sin and guilt, so it is Satan, “the accuser of brethren,” not God, who accuses us. When he does, Jesus, our advocate, sits at God’s right hand to present our case. Jesus is our mediator between us and God. As humanity’s representative, He assures us of God’s forgiveness. Christ is always at God’s right hand, interceding for us. He is always available to hear us when we pray.

Prayer: Abba Father, I remain ever grateful for what a You wrought for me in Jesus Christ. My desire, in response to Your unalloyed gifts, is to live everyday of my life for You, and in You. Give me the grace, and strengthen me to lead the life of total trust and commitment to You, for by my own strength, I cannot do it, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Resist the Devil and Rejoice in the Lord

 Resist the Devil and Rejoice in the Lord

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4(NLT)

Depression is defined in part as “a hollow; being in a low state; a state of sadness; dejection.” The real cause of depression is not where we are, but our attitude about where we find ourselves. That’s why the devil wants to make you feel like you’re worthless and rejected.

But if you don’t let the devil impress you with what he does, then he can’t oppress you; and if he can’t oppress you, then he can’t depress you.

I think one of the best ways to resist the devil and achieve victory over depression is to let the Holy Spirit lead you into a time of rejoicing. The enemy wants you to look at the negative and have a pity party, but the Holy Spirit wants you to look at the positive and just have a party!

Philippians 4:4 says to “rejoice in the Lord always.” When we’re focused on God, rejoicing in Him, depression has no place in us. So the next time the enemy tries to make you feel low or sad, choose to rejoice in the Lord!

Prayer Starter: God, You are wonderful and amazing, which is why I can rejoice in You always. Depression has no place in my life because I am filled with You!

BE CONTENT WITH YOUR WEAKNESS!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024.

SUBJECT : BE CONTENT WITH YOUR WEAKNESS!

Memory verse: "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty." (First Corinthians 1 vs 27.)

READ: Second Corinthians 12 vs 9 - 10:

12:9: But He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

12:10: Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong."

INTIMATION:

Humans are imperfect. Each of us has a bundle of flaws and imperfections; physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. You may also have uncontrollable circumstances that weaken you, such as financial or relational limitations. We are God's creatures, and He has allowed these imperfections in our life for His predetermined purposes. Your weaknesses are not an accident. God deliberately allowed them in your life for the purpose of demonstrating His power through you.

A weakness is not a sin or a vice or a character defect that you can change, such as overreacting or impatience. A weakness is any limitation that you inherited or have no power to change. It may be a physical limitation; a handicap, a chronic illness, or disability. It may be emotional limitation; a trauma scar, a hurtful memory, a personality quirk, or a hereditary disposition. Or it may be a talent or intellectual limitation. We are not all super bright or talented.

The most important issue is that God loves you, even in your weakness or limitations. It is for our weaknesses that God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to the world, as a propitiation for our sins, since we can't handle sin ourselves. Come to think of it, if we are perfect, are we going to need God? The answer is no! 

God allows those weaknesses in us to always remind us of our need for Him. And He gives us the power to accomplish the seemingly impossible task, our limitations not withstanding. Knowing that the power is His, not ours, should keep us from pride and motivate us to keep daily contact with God, our power source. 

Sometimes we deny our weaknesses, defend them, excuse them, hide them, and resent them, instead of owning them up. And that prevents God from using them the way He desires. God has a different perspective on your weaknesses. He has His reasons for creating you the way He did, and that knowledge is known to Him alone. 

Be totally truthful, and allow Him to use you as He purposed. Although God's method and means are beyond our comprehension, He Himself is not arbitrary, He governs the universe and our lives in perfect wisdom, justice, and love. We think that God only wants to use our strengths, but He also wants to use our weaknesses for His glory.

God is always drawn to people who are weak and admit it. Jesus regarded this recognition of our need as being "poor in spirit." (Matthew 5 vs 3.) It is the number one attitude He blesses. If God considers perfection in using people, obviously nothing could be done, because none of us will be eligible since we are all imperfect. 

When you think of the limitation in your life, you may be tempted to conclude, "God could never use me." But God is never limited by our limitations. Rather He brings His great power to bear in our situations, haven considered us as ordinary containers—earthen vessels (frail and fallible human beings) (Second Corinthians 4 vs 7). 

Normally, we recognize our limitations, and will not congratulate ourselves and rest at that. We will want to be freed from our weaknesses, not be content with them! However, contentment is an expression of faith in the goodness of God. Therefore, in our limitations, we will turn to God to seek pathways for effectiveness, rather than relying on our own energy, effort, or talent. 

Our weaknesses not only helps us develop Christian character; it also deepens our worship, because in admitting our weakness, we affirm God's strength. When we are strong in abilities or resources, we are tempted to do God's work on our own, and that can lead to pride. 

God often attaches a major weakness to a major strength to keep our egos in check. A limitation can act as governor to keep us from going too fast and running ahead of God. In recognition of this fact, the apostle Paul said in Second Corinthians 12 vs 7, "...a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure." It's God design to always prove His strength in our affairs, so that we will always come back to Him in difficult times. 

When Gideon recruited an army of 32,000 to fight the Midianites, God whittled it down to just 300, making the odds 450 to 1 as they went out to fight 135,000 enemy troops. It appeared to be a recipe for disaster, but God did it so Israel would know it was God's power, not their own strength, that saved them. 

Prayer: Abba Father, I know by strength shall no man prevail. I will boast in my limitations because I know Your strength is made perfect in my weakness, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Give me the grace to put You first in all things in my life, that Your power will accomplish Your Will in my life, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen. 

PRAISE THE LORD!

Let Peace Rule Your Life

 Let Peace Rule Your Life

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15(NLT)

We all have emotions, and they’re here to stay. I believe one of the main goals of every believer should be emotional stability. We should seek God to learn how to manage our emotions and not allow them to manage us.

Think about this: You’re out shopping for a specific item you’re in need of. You’ve made a commitment to the Lord to get out of debt. You’ve agreed to really watch your spending and not purchase things you don’t need. But while shopping, you discover that the stores are having a big sale of 50 percent off the already marked down merchandise. What do you do? Do you follow your emotions and give in, or do you wait until your emotions settle before making a decision?

God wants you to make decisions ruled by peace. Letting His peace rule you often means waiting a little while until the emotions settle down, then checking to see if you really believe it’s the right thing to do.

Don’t let your emotions make your decisions. Always go with peace.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I choose to let Your peace rule in my heart. I don’t want to make decisions based on my emotions, but I want to calmly and peacefully choose the paths that You want me to take.

THE THOUGHT OF DEATH!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY APRIL 10, 2024.

SUBJECT: THE THOUGHT OF DEATH!

Memory verse: “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting. For that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart." (Ecclesiastes 7 vs 2.)

READ: Psalm 49 vs 10 - 13:

49:10: For he sees wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

49:11: Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever, their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.

49:12: Nevertheless man, though in honor does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.

49:13: This is the way of those who are foolish, and of their posterity who approve their sayings.

INTIMATION:

Death is used in the Scriptures to denote (a) the separation of the soul (the spiritual part on man) from the body (the material body), the latter ceasing to function and turning to dust. It also means the separation of man from God. Adam died on the day he disobeyed God (Genesis 2 vs 17), and hence all mankind are born in the same spiritual condition (Romans 5 vs 12), from which, however, those who believe in Christ are delivered (John 5 vs 24; First John 3 vs 14). Death, in whichever of the above mentioned senses it is used in Scriptures, is always viewed as the penal consequence of sin, and since sinners alone are subject to death. 

God, in His infinite mercy, love, and kindness, made a way for us in Jesus Christ—His only Son—whom He sent as a propitiation for our sins. Those who believed in atonement of sin by Jesus Christ for the world, and have so confessed Him as their Savior and Lord over their lives are known as “Believers.” Those who do not believe are called “Unbelievers.” To those who don’t believe in God, life on earth is all there is, and will strive to live to the fullest. Therefore, it is natural for them to strive for the world’s values: money, popularity, power, pleasure, and prestige. 

For many death is a darkened door at the end of their lives, a passageway to an unknown and feared destiny. But for God’s people, death is a bright doorway to a new and better life, it is just another step in the continuing eternal life we began when we started to follow Jesus. Many people avoid thinking about death, refuse to face it, and are reluctant to even attend funerals. Though it is not encouraging to think morbidly, but it is helpful to think clearly about death. It reminds us that we still have time to change, time to confess our sins and find forgiveness from God. Because everyone will eventually die, it makes sense to plan ahead to experience God’s mercy rather than His justice.

All of us have one similarity. When we die, we leave all we own here on earth. At the moment of death (and all of us will face that moment), we are naked and empty-handed before God. The only things we have at that time are those we have already invested in our eternal heritage. At the time of death, each of us will wish we had invested less on earth, where we must leave it, and more in heaven, where we will retain it forever. To have treasure in heaven, we must place our faith in God, pledge ourselves to obey Him, and utilize our resources for the good of His kingdom. 

For believers, however, death holds no terror because Christ has conquered all fears (see First John 4 vs 18). Death is only the beginning of eternal life with God. Every person must die, but death is not the end; instead, It is the doorway to a new life—eternal life with Christ or eternal condemnation with Satan and his cohorts. While nonbelievers fear death, and are victims of life, swept along by its current and wondering if there is meaning to it, believers can use life well because they understand its true purpose. Realizing that life is short helps us use the little time we have more wisely and for eternal good. 

As believers, we can be secured that God will not forget us when we die. He will bring us to life again to live with Him forever. This provides real security. The psalmist says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116 vs 15.) God stays close to us even in death. Believers are precious to God, and He carefully chooses the time when they will be called into His presence. Let this truth provide comfort when death knocks on the door. God sees, and each life is valuable to Him.

Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to face death as a believer, realizing it’s the beginning of life in eternity with You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!