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Prayer Is a Conversation

6/30/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
—Matthew 21:22

Prayer is a two-way conversation; it is our talking to God, and His talking to us. As a Christian, you have a heavenly Father who hears and answers prayer. Jesus said, “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Every man or woman whose life has counted for the church and the Kingdom of God has been a person of prayer. You cannot afford to be too busy to pray. A prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian. Jesus Christ spent many hours in prayer. Sometimes He spent the night on a mountaintop in solitary communion with God the Father. If He felt that He had to pray, how much more do we need to pray!
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The Hands of Jesus

6/29/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

. . . I was hungry, [and] you gave me food . . . 
—Matthew 25:35 (NEB)

During the war a church in Strasburg, Germany, was totally destroyed; but a statue of Christ which stood by the altar was almost unharmed. Only the hands of the statue were missing. When the church was rebuilt, a famous sculptor offered to make new hands; but, after considering the matter, the members decided to let it stand as it was—without hands. “For,” they said, “Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work on earth. If we don’t feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, entertain the stranger, visit the imprisoned, and clothe the naked, who will?” Christ is depending on us to do the very things which He did while upon earth. My friend, if the gospel we preach does not have a social application, if it will not work effectively in the work-a-day world, then it is not the Gospel of Christ.
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Who Am I?

6/27/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

What a glorious Lord! He who daily bears our burdens also gives us our salvation.
—Psalm 68:19 (TLB)

Edward Dahlberg, the writer, observed, “At 19, I was a stranger to myself. At 40, I asked, ‘Who am I?’ At 50, I concluded I would never know.” This unexplored personal wilderness is the home of millions of people. Ninety-two percent of all Canadian university students, according to June Callwood, the Toronto sociologist, don’t really know who they are. The Bible says that man is an immortal soul. When God made man in the first place, He created him and “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). One’s soul is the essence, the core, the eternal and real person. And he will be restless until he opens his life to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
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Energy Under Control

6/26/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

You are controlled by your new nature if you have the Spirit of God living in you . . . 
—Romans 8:9 (TLB)

​A harnessed horse contributes much more to life than a wild donkey. Energy out of control is dangerous; energy under control is powerful. God does not discipline us to subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness. In His wisdom He knows that an uncontrolled life is an unhappy life, so He puts reins on our wayward souls that they may be directed into the “paths of righteousness.” That is what God seeks to do with us; to tame us, to bring us under proper control, to redirect our energies. He does in the spiritual realm what science does in the physical realm. Science takes a Niagara River with its violent turbulence and transforms it into electrical energy to illuminate a million homes and to turn the productive wheels of industry.
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True Happiness

6/25/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward . . . 
—Luke 12:42

It is not wrong for men to possess riches. But the Bible warns that money cannot buy happiness! Money cannot buy true pleasure. Money cannot buy peace of heart. And money certainly cannot buy entrance into the Kingdom of God. Often money is a hindrance to these things. Money takes our minds off God. Riches, when used selfishly rather than for the glory of God, tend to corrupt in our hands. Money cannot be a substitute for God. If God has given you more wealth than your neighbors, dedicate it to Christ. Realize that you are only a steward of that which God has given you and some day you will have to give an account of every penny you have spent. The Internal Revenue Service wants a record of how you spend your money, but that is nothing compared to the books God is keeping.
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Mysterious World - Lost Receipt

6/24/2019

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I believe that strange things can happen when you start to rely on God and begin to put your hope and faith in Jesus Christ. I've noticed that as my spirituality becomes strengthened, the greater amount of situations occur that give me reason to pause and then thank my creator, God, for his blessings and wisdom. I've decided to start documenting some of these strange happenings on my blog. Perhaps you will be inspired or maybe you just enjoy an interesting read. Either way, here is my first blog post of "Mysterious World."

This morning, as I was preparing to leave for work, I looked through the window and noticed the car battery sitting on the back floor board of my car in front of the rear seats. The reason it was sitting there was because I needed to turn it in for a core charge (a charge they impose when buying a car battery that is refunded when the battery is returned), but had previously lost the receipt for the new battery, so I was unable to get my core charge refunded until it was found. Interestingly enough, I saw 4 chalk marks across the top of the old battery, in the back seat, that looked a bit like slash marks. One of the slash marks was even on top of one of the battery posts. I thought it was weird considering nobody rides in the back seat and I pretty much use the car for just commuting back and forth to work. When I put the battery in my back seat, it definitely did not have chalk marks on it. I stood there for a few moments sort of confused by it, but then decided it was probably explainable.

I then turned and opened the front driver's side door and was struck by what I saw laying on the floor board near the gas pedal. I saw a receipt lying there with the name of the auto parts store's name on it where I purchased my new battery. It was folded in half so I picked it up, thinking how weird it would be if it was actually the battery receipt. I had been looking for that receipt for several months and was fairly discontent about the fact that I would not receive my core refund for it, but sure enough, I opened the receipt and realized it indeed was the battery receipt I had been looking for. I immediately thanked the Lord for his blessing and am excited now to get my twenty bucks back! It definitely wouldn't been quite as strange if it weren't for the battery having marks on it, followed by immediately finding the receipt. I can finally get that thing out of the back seat.

Author: Jason Cook
​Searchlight Christian Organization


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An Angry World

6/24/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
—James 3:17

The world, in the last few years, has reverted to a sort of barbarism. As practical Christianity has declined, rudeness and violence have increased. Neighbors quarrel with neighbors. Fighting is a major problem in our schools and the “gang wars” of the teenagers have come to present a serious menace in our cities. Fathers and mothers wrangle and bicker. Homes are disintegrating. High government officials in Washington engage in name-calling and in heated disputes not at all in keeping with the dignity of their office. Why and how has all this savagery crept into our social life? It is because we have forgotten Jesus’ words, “Happy are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.” I have seen tough, rough, hardened men open their hearts by faith, receive Christ as Savior, and become gentle, patient, merciful gentlemen.
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Tears of Repentance

6/21/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord.
—Acts 3:19 (TLB)

There is a certain amount of sorrow involved in repentance that we don’t see much of today. That word means moaning and even groaning. I don’t mean that we have to have a great emotional experience, but I do believe that we need some tears of repentance. We need to be sorry for our sins, and to say, “Oh, God, I have sinned against You, and I’m sorry.” I am not an emotional person. I don’t know why, but I don’t cry easily. But of the few times I have cried in my life, some of them have been over sin that I committed many years ago.
The night I came to Christ, I didn’t have any tears. But later I went home and I looked out my window at the North Carolina sky and I cried over my sins. I said, “Oh, God, forgive me.” And the most wonderful peace swept over my soul. From that moment on, I’ve known that my sins were forgiven.
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Forgiveness in Marriage

6/20/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
—1 John 1:9

It is unfortunate in a marriage if there is an array of sordid memories of past sins on the part of either partner. If young people could only realize that a happy marriage depends not only on the present, but upon the past, they would be more reluctant to enter into loose, intimate relations with anyone and everyone. Many a marriage has been imperiled by the backlash of past sins, which were not just confessed, but “found out.”
As to the necessity of confessing past sins to one’s mate, I don’t think it is always advisable or necessary. I have known of homes that were wrecked by such confessions. The main thing is to confess any past wrongs to God, resolve to be true to your marriage vows; and absolve the black past by a spotless present.
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A Little Goes A Long Way

6/19/2019

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Several months ago as I stirred awake, I heard a word come into my mind: "Modicum." It was in my head, but so pronounced, it almost seemed like I had audibly heard it. I was somewhat curious by this because I didn't know what the word meant nor have I integrated it into my vocabulary. Sometimes I even forget what the word was, because it's not really a word you hear every day. I knew, however, the meaning of it must be important and relevant or I would not have heard it like I did; like a message. A bit of wisdom to start my day as well as inform me where my soon future would lead me.

Before I could forget the word, I jolted quickly, grabbing my phone off the night stand to look up its meaning. The definition of "modicum" read, "a small quantity of a particular thing, especially something considered desirable or valuable."

This one word I have been reflecting on many times since then. I feel as if it is my guiding principle these days. If God can speak to us, I believe it is this way. Giving us volumes of wisdom in short words and thoughts that are 100% relevant to us.

Through my reflection, I believe I was being led to understand that even a small bit of biblical truth and wisdom can travel indefinitely. A "modicum" of biblical truth can transcend time, transcend culture, transcend everything. They are words that transform into a living and breathing entity designed for transforming all those who are willing to take but a little time to meditate on its words. It will permeate you...change you. It will increase you, love you, permeate your soul. They are words being delivered from the center of the Universe, spoken to life by the most powerful force in existence at the beginning of time, resonating until that which there is no end.

The question that I must ask you now is, what small but valuable thing can you do a little of today that could be truly priceless for yourself or others? Something so valuable that money cannot buy it?
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Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

6/19/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

. . . set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven . . . 
—Colossians 3:1 (TLB)

Have you ever been separated from someone you love? A boyfriend or girlfriend whom you have not seen in three or four months? Wait until you see each other! My wife and I have said goodbyes to each other; but when we met again, it was a honeymoon all over again. And that is what it will be like on that glorious day when Jesus Christ comes. We will be caught up in the air to meet Him, and it will be like two lovers coming together. What hope we have!
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Comfort in Mourning

6/18/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

What a wonderful God we have . . . who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us . . . 
—2 Corinthians 1:3,4 (TLB)

The Bible teaches unmistakably that we can triumph over bereavement. The Psalmist said, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Self-pity can bring no enduring comfort. The fact is, it will only add to your misery. And unremitting grief will give you little consolation in itself, for grief begets grief. Sorrow, or mourning, when it is borne in a Christian way, contains a built-in comfort. “Happy are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.” There is comfort in mourning, because we know that Christ is with us. He has said, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Suffering is endurable if we do not have to bear it alone; and the more compassionate the Presence, the less acute the pain.
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Fully Surrender

6/17/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

Those who still reject me are like the restless sea. . . . There is no peace, says my God, for them!
—Isaiah 57:20,21 (TLB)

Searchlight Words:
At first glance, these words appear to be a warning, however, from my perspective, they are just stating common sense. It is in the Lord we find peace, so when people are living on their own terms apart from the Lord, in whom shall they place their trust? In their earthly belongings that break, rust, and disintegrate? In people whom grow old and wither or die? In false idols, spirits, or demons that are innately corrupt? All things here on earth are subject to fail. Why would you want to rely on such things or anyone but He who CANNOT die or wither or fail? The Lord has been proving himself already for thousands of years.

Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

More from Searchlight

Lord, I ask that you convict my spirit and allow me to see and identify the things that draw my attention from you. Give me the strength to put away all things that set myself apart from you. It is with you that I find ultimate peace and joy and therefore, all other things are made dim in your light. AMEN
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Who Is He?

6/14/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

. . . for they have rejected the word of the Lord...
—Jeremiah 8:9 (TLB)

The Apostle Paul once asked, “Who art thou, Lord?” That is a question each of us has to face. If Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, knowing He was not, then He was a deceiver, the greatest liar the world has ever known. If He thought He was God and didn’t know the difference, then He was a mental case. But if He was who He claimed to be, then He is rightfully the Lord of our lives. What keeps us from acknowledging this Christ, if He is what the Bible tells us He is?
Each of us has to face the question that Pilate asked, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called the Christ?” Pilate washed his hands and said he would have nothing to do with Jesus, but God does not let us off that way. We must say “yes” or “no.” We can make fun of Jesus, we can reject Him, we can neglect Him—or we can receive Him.

From Searchlight:
If we read the Lord's words and they move us to do what is right, what is just, what is kind, what is righteous, then how can we say He was not of our God? If any of His words move a mountain within you and you are moved to do God's will, then surely he is our Father's son and it is wise to follow His true example. If the Lord appears to you in a dream and moves you to do the right thing, is it not sensible to consider it?

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Believe in the Holy Spirit

6/13/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

. . . I [have] raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee . . . —Romans 9:17

Walter Knight tells the story about a little boy who had recently received Christ. “Daddy, how can I believe in the Holy Spirit when I have never seen Him?” asked Jim. “I’ll show you how,” said his father, who was an electrician. Later Jim went with his father to the power plant where he was shown the generators. “This is where the power comes from to heat our stove and to give us light. We cannot see the power, but it is in that machine and in the power lines,” said the father. “I believe in electricity,” said Jim. “Of course you do,” said his father, “but you don’t believe in it because you see it. You believe in it because you see what it can do. Likewise, you can believe in the Holy Spirit because you can see what He does in people’s lives when they are surrendered to Christ and possess His power.”

Words from Searchlight:
Heavenly Father we pray to you today to have eyes that consistently see and discern your works. Let us see the unseen and find hope in places where others cannot. Lord, fill us with your power and love so we may continue your work today, unhindered, and rise above the daily challenges we encounter. Help us to stay focused on you and be blind to all that distracts us from your will. In Jesus' name.  Amen.
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Chinese Christians memorize entire Bible in prison: Gov't 'can’t take what’s hidden in your heart'

6/12/2019

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Article from christianpost.com
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Chinese Christians imprisoned for their faith are memorizing Scripture passages smuggled to them on small pieces of paper because prison guards “can’t take what’s hidden in your heart,” one former prisoner revealed...
GO TO ARTICLE
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The Wisdom of God

6/12/2019

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
—Psalm 37:5

​To know the will of God is the highest of all wisdom. Living in the center of God’s will rules out all falseness of religion and puts the stamp of true sincerity upon our service to God. You can be miserable with much, if you are out of His will; but you can have peace in your heart with little, if you are in the will of God. You can be wretched with wealth and fame, out of His will; but you can have joy in obscurity, if you are in the will of God. You can have agony in good health, out of His will; but you can be happy in the midst of suffering, if you are in God’s will. You can be miserable and defeated in the midst of acclaim, if you are out of His will; but you can be calm and at peace in the midst of persecution, as long as you are in the will of God. The Bible reveals that God has a plan for every life, and that if we live in constant fellowship with Him, He will direct and lead us in the fulfillment of this plan.
Searchlight Commentary:
To some, it could seem unfathomable that with Jesus, that life could become stress free. I wish I could explain it, but I cannot because it is a supernatural and even paranormal situation. When we begin to read the Word, pray, meditate on that which is Holy, peace in all matters of your life WILL come to you. It is cannot be explained or even understood, but the peace of God tunes out all the noise that seeks to lead you astray and helps you keep a clearer path. Reading these devotions, reading some scripture, or one of my past favorites, doing a wiki search of the parables of Jesus; all of these serve to help us reach and plug into the true source of the universe. A source in which anxiety, fear, and oppression knows no existence.
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James 4:8 - Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts...
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We Are God's Children

6/11/2019

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Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the [children] of God . . . 
—1 John 3:1

As God’s children, we are His dependents. The Bible says, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.” Dependent children spend little time worrying about meals, clothing, and shelter. They assume, and they have a right to, that all will be provided by their parents. Because God is responsible for our welfare, we are told to cast all our care upon Him, for He careth for us.
Because we are dependent upon God, Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled.” God says, “I’ll take care of the burden—don’t give it a thought—leave it to me.” Dependent children are not backward about asking for favors. They would not be normal if they did not boldly make their needs known. God is keenly aware that we are dependent upon Him for life’s necessities. It was for that reason that He said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”



Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

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Where is Your Hope?

6/10/2019

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This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God himself . . . 
—Hebrews 6:19 (TLB)

What are you placing your hope in for the future? Your country’s government, educational system, some plan or organization? My hope is in a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, who sits at the right hand of God. I have hope and know that I’m going to heaven. And, right here and now in this present life, I have God’s presence to help me.
Suppose we had no Bible. Suppose there were no cross, no salvation, no empty tomb. Suppose we had nothing to hang on except, “Do your best, try to patch it up, do what you can.” Oh, but we have a hope. There is a plan of redemption, a plan for the future. The New Testament is an exciting Book to read, it is so full of hope and expectancy. And God is interested in you!

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

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God, the Peacekeeper

6/7/2019

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He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!
—Isaiah 26:3 (TLB)

​You have an ego-a consciousness of being an individual. Of course, you do. But that doesn’t mean that you are to worship yourself, to think constantly of yourself, and to live entirely for yourself. Common sense tells you that your life would be miserable if you followed that course. God is infinitely more concerned about your happiness than you could possibly be. He says, “Deny yourself, and follow me.” There is many a person in the insane asylum today who thought excessively about himself, to the exclusion of God and others. Hypochondriacs who have a fanciful anxiety about their health will never be well, regardless of their physical condition.

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org
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Strive for Thankfulness

6/7/2019

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Courage to Stand

6/6/2019

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It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being in Christ's family and being called by his wonderful name! —1 Peter 4:16 (TLB)

​A great problem in America is that we have an anemic and watered-down Christianity that has produced an anemic, watered-down, and spineless Christian who is not willing to stand up and be counted on every issue. We must have a virile, dynamic, aggressive Christian who lives Christ seven days a week, who is ready to die, if necessary, for his faith. We need Christians who are ethical, honest, gracious, bold, strong, and devoted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.


Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org
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Stay Focused on Joy

6/6/2019

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Light and Shadow

6/5/2019

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Stand steady, and don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Bring others to Christ . . . 
—2 Timothy 4:5 (TLB)

All the masterpieces of art contain both light and shadow. A happy life is one filled not only with sunshine, but one which uses both light and shadow to produce beauty. The greatest musicians, as a rule, are those who know how to bring song out of sadness. Fanny Crosby, her spirit aglow with faith in Christ, saw more with her sightless eyes than most of us do with normal vision. She has given us some of the great gospel songs which cheer our hearts and lives. In a rat-infested jail in Philippi, Paul and Silas sang their song of praise at midnight to the accompaniment of the jailer’s whip. But their patience in suffering and persecution led to the heathen warden’s conviction.

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Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org
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Salvation Through Trust

6/4/2019

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Thus did Noah according to all that God commanded him . . . 
—Genesis 6:22

One day God spoke to Noah about the wickedness of the human race. The actions of men and women grieved Him to the heart. God said that He intended to send a flood that would destroy mankind, and He told Noah to build an ark to save his household and the animals. The Bible says that Noah believed God. Now Noah had never seen a flood. He had never seen a 40-day rain. He had no weather map, no satellite photograph or meteorologist to tell him that a big storm was coming. All he had to go on was the Word of God. But when the flood came, Noah was spared and saved with his family, and the rest of the generation was swept away. Noah was saved because he put his trust in God. The days of Noah are returning to earth, and a catastrophe as great as the flood awaits those who refuse to enter into the ark of salvation, which is Jesus Christ.



Credit: Text and photo courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org
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