by lighthouse | Aug 27, 2021 | Uncategorized
I Corinthians 3:6-7 “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” The growth of your faith is the result of God living within you. We must greatly appreciate all who taught/teach us about God, His truths and all the Bible stories, but without God’s hand we would be without faith. Therefore, you can only conclude God, the Holy Spirit lives within you and is solely responsible for your faith taking hold of your life. Now, isn’t that the best thought you can possibly cherish for both today and the rest of your life.
by lighthouse | Aug 26, 2021 | Uncategorized
I Corinthians 2:14 “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Faith is not tangible. That is, one cannot touch and hold faith. Faith is spiritual. That is, it is from within a person’s heart. The Holy Spirit lives within one with faith. Those without faith cannot possibly understand either the truth of the Holy Spirit living within a person or the truths expressed in God’s Word. The faith of a Christian is foolishness to an unbeliever, but the faith of a Christian is his glorious salvation. What a difference!!
by lighthouse | Aug 25, 2021 | Uncategorized
I Corinthians 2:4-5 “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on man’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” Your faith is not the result of someone convincing you through human reasoning that God is real. Your faith is a gift of God with the Holy Spirit living within your heart. If faith was a result of persuasion, your faith would be as weak as a house built on sand with the next philosopher providing the thoughts of a salesperson as the foundation of a purchase. Unfortunately, many people buy. Talk with God, study His Word and open your heart.
by lighthouse | Aug 24, 2021 | Uncategorized
I Corinthians 1:25 “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” Man tries his hardest to attain knowledge, wealth, exploration in space, understanding in medicine and the human body and whatever his interest and talent leads him/her to conceive. The achievements can be admirable and beneficial; however, all the achievements are nothing compared to God and His phenomenal wisdom and strength. Man’s recognition of the glory of God leads him to true success on earth and an eternity of joy.
by lighthouse | Aug 23, 2021 | Uncategorized
I Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” To those who look on the Gospel message as just another human philosophy, the life, death and resurrection of our Savior is only an interesting story believed by the weak minded. To those who through faith value the Gospel message and everything else presented in our Bible by our Almighty God, it is the most valuable truth known to exist. Which category is your faith-security? The first totally lacks peace and security while the second thrives on peace and security.
by lighthouse | Aug 20, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 15:17 “Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.” Paul knew he had the responsibility of serving his Savior by spreading the Gospel. You and I also have the responsibility of serving our Savior in a manner God has placed in each of our hearts. Search your heart, talk with your Heavenly Father and serve as He directs. Then, some day, as you enter eternity, you will hear the wonderful words—Well Done! Could you all pray for Jake whom we brought to a Minneapolis detox facility last night. He is a middle aged man who needs God’s help in overcoming his addiction. Have a great weekend.
by lighthouse | Aug 19, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” What a wonderfully encouraging passage from Paul. Is there anything better than joy and peace? Paul did not write that your saving account be filled to overflowing because a full savings account can still leave you empty and lonely. But, hope and trust as free gifts will absolutely fill you with joy and peace, whereas assets cannot. There is NOTHING better than the Holy Spirit living within you! Thank God for this most precious gift.
by lighthouse | Aug 18, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 15:5 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” God abundantly gives material blessings to us all. We can touch them, see them and use them. He also gives us intangible blessings like endurance and encouragement. We do not have to go to motivational seminars to receive thoughts of perseverance or continual encouragement and positive attitude. To receive all the benefits of motivation we need to read and study our Bibles. And then to share these intangibles with each other is the joy of every Christian. Let us always practice caring for each other.
by lighthouse | Aug 17, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” The greatest Teacher with the most valuable lessons wrote a Book which has contents that if read and studied with an attitude of using its words and applying them to life will not only guarantee a successful life on this earth, but will guarantee happiness for all eternity. The Bible, though a short history book, is the most wonderful Book ever written. Why would any of us not be thrilled to read it, enjoy its contents and make it a most valuable part of our daily lives?
by lighthouse | Aug 16, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 15:1 “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” Conceit has never and will never be admired. Humility and strength of character has always and will always be admired. A truly humble person with a spirit of strength given by our Creator God should be the quality of every Christian. A weak faith will always be strengthened with encouragement from a faith filled Christian. You and I should always be thankful and humble.
by lighthouse | Aug 13, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 14:19 “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Our purpose in discussion with others should always be to help him or her have an increased or stronger faith. Nothing is accomplished with the mentality–I won the argument. Winning an argument only decreases friendship and eliminates both present and future opportunities for increased faith and friendship. Have a great weekend.
by lighthouse | Aug 12, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 14:8 “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” God owns everything. Everything includes you and me and everything we think we own and have full control of. When we realize that truth we also have to realize we all have one purpose and that purpose is to continually give glory to our God, serve Him, tell others of Him and joyfully live thanking Him for His unbelievable love for each of us, His adopted child.
