Month: November 2018

C – Comfort. The Christ of Christmas promises, “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5)

H – Hope. “…Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27)

R – Redemption. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)

I – Inspiration. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16)

S – Salvation. The Bible says, “…now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

T – Truth. Jesus said, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6)

M – Mercy. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8)

A – Assurance. “…the effect of righteousness guietness and assurance for ever” (Isaiah 32:17)

S – Satisfaction. “…he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9)

 

All these longed for blessings can be yours today. They are all wrapped up in one “…unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15) – Jesus Christ. What better time is there than this sacred season to receive Him into your heart and life?” “Bust as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12)

 

Long ago David was searching for a way to show thanks for all his blessings. He cried out, “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12). In Psalm 116:13, he answered his own question, “I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD,”

Strange words, aren’t they? Showing gratitude by taking some more. Yet, it shouldn’t be so hard to understand. The cup of salvation is the finest gift God has to offer us. It was prepared at great cost because it meant the blood of His own son. None of His blessings in nature have cost that much. He created all the marvelous resources of this earth out of nothing, but the cup of salvation was costly-God had to surrender His own Son for that!

We are quick to take whatever we can get our hands on in the way of earthly abundance. We even set aside a national Thanksgiving Day. But don’t we look ridiculous when we refuse the cup of salvation for our souls?

How can you say thanks to God for food, shelter, health, freedom, and happiness if you have refused His cup of salvation? The real test of your thanksgiving is what you have done with Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

On the walls of a large room in a public building are two small instruments. As one glances at them casually, their appearance is similar. Upon closer inspection, however, we find that the one is a thermometer, while the other is thermostat.

The thermometer does its job well. It records the temperature in the room. It is affected by its environment, but it does nothing to change the environment.

The thermostat, on the other hand, is also affected by the heat or cold of the room, but instead of merely reflecting the temperature, it proceeds to do something to make the temperature as it should be in case it is too low or too high. It determines, in fact, what the temperature of the room shall be.

We meet people like that sometimes. Some are “thermometers.” They are affected by their environment, associates, circumstances – whether good or bad, they reflect that environment. They take on the mannerisms, habits, and conversation of associates. They “do as the Romans do.” They go up or down with their environment, but they never do much, if anything, to make that environment better, more helpful.

Then we occasionally meet some “thermostat” folks. They too, are affected by environment, in that they quickly sense whether it is good or bad, proper or improper, helpful or degrading. If it should be raised in its standard, they proceed to do something about bettering it.

The thermometer cannot do anything to change the temperature of the room because it hangs by itself. It has no connection with the source. The thermostat, on the other hand, is connected with the heating plant. It reaches and controls the source of power. It can and does, change things. A Christian is like a thermostat in some respects. He is sensitive to conditions around him, and he knows that it is his duty to do something to help make them better, both for himself and others. He is connected with the Source of Power – God. He can reach the throne of grace through prayer. That makes the difference, and the results are according.

A thermometer and a “thermometer person” conforms to the environment about him. A thermostat and a “thermostat person” transforms the environment.

If we are merely conforming, merely reflecting present conditions about us, thermometer-like, perhaps we are out of touch with the Source of Power. T thorough check-up would be helpful.

Everything is new when you become a Christian. The Bible says, “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You Have A NEW FATHER

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12)

You Have A NEW HEART

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

You Have A NEW LIFE

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

You Have A NEW HOME

^“ In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2-3)

You Have A NEW HOPE

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” (Titus 2:13)

You Have A NEW WALK

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:” (Colossians 2:6)

You Have NEW THINGS TO DO:

Talk to God

“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” (Psalms 55:17)

Let God Talk to You

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105)

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Tell Others About Jesus

“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” (Mark 5:19)