I Will Bless the Lord

Ps 34:1

 
 

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

KJV

 
 

Bless the Lord at all times! Is that my life? The way some Christians live, you'd think they were told to complain at all times. Is my life blessing the Lord continually? Are my words and actions praising God?

 
 

Lord, help me to bless you at all times. Help me to live my life continually conscious of what You've done for me. Thank You for all the wonderful things that You are doing in my life. Help me to give my life back to You completely.

Arise, and Go Toward the South

Philip was preaching in Samaria in the early days of the church, when an angel came to him and told him to go toward the south. This likely seemed like a very strange command. What was in the South? What should he do there? Exactly where should he go? But, we don't have any record of Philip questioning. He just went and did as he was told. When he got there, he found a man in need of salvation and he eventually baptized him.

 
 

I was challenged by this passage in Acts. Am I that in tune with the Spirit of God? Do I respond to God's nudges, or I am too busy to notice? Do I take time to witness for God, or am I too involved in my own worries that I don't notice the needs of others? Lord, help me to be close to You and responsive to Your call. Help me to selflessly reach out to others who need you. Help me to live a life that tells others about You. Help me to live Your will for my life.

Are You a Citizen of Egypt?

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/2209.mp3

God Can Save Anyone

I was just reading in Acts 8 about how determinedly Saul (later called Paul) persecuted the early church. It seems that after witnessing the stoning of Stephen, Saul began persecuting Christians in earnest. Not only did he scour Jerusalem, but he also traveled to many other cities around the area. I'm sure many people would never have thought of him as a candidate for salvation, but sure enough, not long afterwards, Saul became a Christian. That challenged me never to limit the power of God and never to count someone out as a candidate for salvation. We all have people in our lives that are antagonistic to our faith, but let's not forget to witness to them. The very fact that they are opposing Christianity may be evidence that God is speaking to them and their conscience is working. Maybe they won't talk to us about Jesus, but we should be letting our light shine. Sometimes words can speak louder than actions. Let's also be sure that our actions are backing up our words. Nothing will turn them against Christianity more than a person who is a Christian in words only. Let's remember, God can save anyone. Let's be ready to be used to reach anyone that God calls us to.

Lord, Lay Not This Sin to Their Charge

What an amazing testimony as Stephen was being stoned! He was in extreme pain after being rejected by his own people. Yet, he forgave them from the bottom of his heart. He followed his supreme example, Jesus, as He was dying on the cross. He forgave those who crucified Him. Do I forgive like that? It's a challenge for me to forgive those who slander me or those that I disagree with. Lord, help me to become more like Stephen. Help me to respond like Jesus. Help me to forgive from the bottom of my heart. Help me not to hold grudges. Help me to want the best for my enemies. Help me to desire their good. Give me a burden for their souls. Help me to reach out and witness to them instead of arguing with them. Give me a heart of love for those who are unlovely. Help me to treat them as Christ would.

Worthy to Suffer

The apostles in the early church faced much opposition. Much of it came from the religious leaders of the day. They had been commanded not to preach any more. When they were caught preaching, they were put into prison, but an angel let them out of prison and commanded them to preach in the temple. When the council came together to hear their case, they found the prison empty. Then, someone brought news that the apostles were preaching in the temple. So, they quickly brought them. After the trial, they beat them and commanded them not to preach anymore. In spite of all this, the Bible says, "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."

 
 

Do I have that kind of attitude. Am I ready and willing to suffer shame for the name of Christ? Do I speak up boldly for Jesus? Am I willing to witness no matter what other people will think of me? Lord, give me Your boldness. Give me Your strength. Help me to be a bright, shining light for You in every area of my life. Help me not to be ashamed of the Gospel, but to boldly live my life for Your glory!

The Blood of Jesus Christ

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/4129.mp3