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Touching lives with the truth of God's Word.

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Friday, February 25, 2005

TEMPTATIONS

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out [GENESIS 39:10-12]

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death [JAMES 1:14-15]

Temptations are subtle, persistent and often come when everything seems to be going well. The Tempter gives us many ways to rationalize our sins; Therefore we need convictions based on God’s word, we need the mind of Christ, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the Father’s abounding grace, if we are to resist and overcome. Paul says in 1CORINTHIANS 10:13 . There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it

The bottom line child of God; keep alert, stay in the word and focus on Jesus. You think about that.

THE BEREAN NOTEPAD
Commentary, notes, outlines and more.

Sunday, February 20, 2005

HEARING AND DOING

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like (James 1:22-24).

Anyone who hears the word preached, who reads or studies the word: but does not apply the word or incorporate the word into actions; the Bible says that person is engaging in self-deception and is like one who observes his face in a mirror with just a fleeting glance and soon forgets what he looks like. May I say child of God; that God's word is not going to have any impact or transforming power in your life if it is not acted upon. My prayer is that you and I will put into practice through the power of the Holy Spirit; the light that the Lord gives us. Let our lives bring glory and praise to Him and Him alone. Thank you Lord Jesus for your wonderful grace; amen.

THE BEREAN NOTEPAD
Biblical insights into theological and practical issues.


Thursday, February 10, 2005

MOVING TOWARD GOD'S GOAL

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

Dedication and determination are two principles that are involved in reaching spiritual goals. The Believer must be devoted to Christ and Him alone. Be no longer influenced or affected by the past. Be single minded in focus. Overcome stumbling blocks that stand in the way through the power of the Holy Spirit. And by faith continue to press on toward the heavenward goal, that God has called each of us to in Christ Jesus. God has promised to shape, mould and conform us into Christ likeness. He has said in His word that when He starts a good work He will bring it to completion. [Can you say thank you Lord Jesus for your amazing grace].

THE BEREAN NOTEPAD
Biblical insights into theological and practical issues.

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

BIBLE STUDY

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

The Bible is not merely a collection of entertaining stories or tips for living a successful life. It is the very Word of God. May I say there is no substitute for the study of God's Word, if we want to have a correct understanding of God's character, activity, and purpose. We need to pray and study Scripture with receptive hearts, submissive to the Holy Spirit, as He works in us, renewing our minds, transforming our lives, and deepening our love for the Savior. You thank about that.

THE BEREAN NOTEPAD
Biblical insights, into issues facing the Christian community.

Saturday, February 05, 2005

Some Thoughts About Prayer.

Prayer is talking to the Sovereign God, who encourages, hears, and answers the prayers of His people. Prayer is a high privilege and should be exercised often. Prayer needs to be God-centered and not self-centered. Prayer should be given in the name of Jesus, because He is the only mediator between God and man. Genuine prayer is always clothed in humility and in loving obedience and trust that God will answer, as He knows best. Prayer includes listening to God as well as talking to Him. Prayers always should be offered in a spirit of gratitude and humility. We can share with God our desires and hopes, but we should always seek His will. Thoughtful and concise prayer pleases God more that foolish ramblings. You think about that.
Some Biblical Illustrations.

1. THE LORD’S PRAYER [MATT. 6:9-13]
2. JESUS’ PRAYER IN GETHSEMANE [MATT. 26: 39,42]
3. JESUS’ PRAYER FROM THE CROSS [LUKE 23:34]
4. JESUS PRAYS FOR ALL BELIEVERS [JOHN 17:20-26]
5. DYING PRAYER OF STEVEN [ACTS 7:60]
6. DAVID’S PRAYER OF CONFESSION & REPENTANCE [PSALMS 51]
7. PRAYERS WE CAN ADOPT AS OUR OWN [PSALMS 4:1, 5:1, 8:1, 9:1, 18:1, 19:14, 31:9, 42:1, 51:1, 61:1]


THE BEREAN NOTEPAD
Freedom, joy and faithfulness to Christ.