Isaiah 40:10 Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, And His arm  shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.

Revelation 22:12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”

Isaiah tells us that the LORD’S Arm shall rule for Him and that He is coming with reward — and a similar passage in Revelation declares that the Lord Yeshua (Jesus) is coming to reward His saints.

We live this earthly life recognizing that we are “strangers and pilgrims” [Hebrews 11:13] in this world — but are working now in full expectation of a heavenly future. C.S. Lewis once wrote, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world!”

We know we were made for another world, where the treasure we have stored while working here will neither rust nor corrode, nor be stolen. If you’re looking for a pat on the back now [not that praises shouldn’t be given or received], you’ve missed the point of ministry.

This reminds me of a story. There was a husband and wife who served many years in the ministry as missionaries in a far away land. As they returned to the States, the arriving ship was greeted by a brass band. Their initial thought was that this was an arranged greeting to honor them — but soon discovered that a dignitary was also on the ship. They collected their luggage and booked a cheap motel room. While sitting on the bed, the husband started to cry and said, “We’ve served God for many years. We’ve got no money, no house, and when we’ve returned home, there’s not even anyone to meet us!” His wife looked at him and said, “Hon, we’re not home yet!”

We’re not home yet! Don’t believe for a minute that your work in this world is going unseen in Heaven. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.” [Hebrews 6:10] Let’s be earnestly seeking His praise that when we see Him face to face, He may say to all of us, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” A true homecoming…and a true reward!

?Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Proverbs 16:3,4 “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.”?
Psa. 37:5 “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”??Introduction: Commitment is one of the words most people would like to remove from their dictionaries. Let go one step further to say that most people would like to remove it from their life style. God’s Word teaches that we should be committed in everything we do. ??I. Committed To God Jeremiah 7:23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.?A. Salvation – Giving yourself to God by faith! A Commitment! A New Way of Life.?B. Service – Serving Him! Living for Him!?C. Sacrifice – Time, talent, tithe!?Ps. 100:2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

II. Committed To Your Church – Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.?A. Attendance – Support -Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching?B. Contribution – 2 Cor. 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver! Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you.?C. Service – I Cor. 3:9,10 “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”??III. Committed To Your Mate?A. Marriage – Eph. 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;?B. Partnership Ruth 1:16 …. thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:?C. Lifetime Proverbs 18:22 “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”?
Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

By Ricky Smith

Through my travels on mission in India, a common phrase among believers is “Praise the Lord.” I imagine this started as a phrase learned from Dr. M.A. Thomas, who I imagine learned it from God’s Word.  The book of Psalms ends with a powerful and simple command: “Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150 serves as the grand finale of God’s songbook, calling His people to fix their eyes on His greatness and respond with wholehearted worship.

The word “hallelujah” appears throughout these final psalms. It comes from two Hebrew words meaning “Praise Yahweh” or “Praise the Lord.” More than a religious expression, hallelujah is a declaration of God’s worth and a command for His people to celebrate His goodness. It reminds us that worship is not reserved for special occasions. It is the natural response of those who know and love God.

Psalm 150 answers some important questions about worship.

Where should we worship? Everywhere. The psalm begins by calling God’s people to praise Him in His sanctuary and in His mighty heavens. Whether gathered with the church on Sunday or living faithfully throughout the week, every place becomes an opportunity for worship because God reigns over all.

Why should we worship? Because of His mighty deeds and His excellent greatness. We praise God for what He has done in creation, redemption, and daily provision. Most importantly, we praise Him for the salvation made possible through Jesus Christ. We also worship Him simply because of who He is. His holiness, faithfulness, mercy, and love make Him worthy of praise regardless of our circumstances.

What is worship? Worship is responding to God’s worth with every part of our lives. Psalm 150 mentions a variety of instruments and expressions, reminding us that worship involves more than singing. It includes our words, actions, attitudes, relationships, and daily obedience.

Who should worship? The answer comes in the final verse: “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!”

This statement carries profound significance. In Genesis 2:7, God breathed the breath of life into Adam. Human life began with God’s breath. Every breath we take today is a gift from Him. We were not simply created to exist. We were created to worship. The breath God has given us is meant to be returned to Him in praise.

As long as we have breath, we have a reason to worship.

At Calvary Baptist Church, our prayer is that every breath, every conversation, every act of service, and every moment of life would point people to Jesus Christ. May we carry hope, build intentional relationships, pursue Jesus, and make disciples as we live out the truth of Psalm 150.

Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.

Who Wants to be a Millionaire Show–Decisions

One day they had a contestant who made it all the way to the last question.  Her name was Debra.  Debra, has made it to the final plateau. If she answered the next question correctly, she would win $1,000,000. If she answered incorrectly, she would pocket only the $25,000.

And as she suspected it would be, the million-dollar question was no pushover. It was, “Which of the following species of birds does not build its own nest, but instead lays its eggs in the nests of other birds? Is it:

A) the condor
B) the buzzard
C) the cuckoo
D) the vulture

The woman was on the spot. She did not know the answer. And she was doubly on the spot because she had used up her 50/50 Lifeline and her Audience Poll Lifeline. All that remained was her Phone-a-Friend Lifeline. The woman hoped she would not have to use it because … Her friend was a really good friend but she lacked some common sense at times and she always did not good decisions. 

 

But Debra had no alternative. She called her friend and gave her the question and the four choices. Her friend said without any hesitation: “That’s easy. The answer is C: the cuckoo.”

 Did I mention that her friend was blonde?

 Debra had to make a decision and make it fast. She considered employing a reverse strategy and giving Merideth any answer except the one that her friend had given her. And considering that her friend was the way she was, that would seem to be the logical thing to do. But her friend had responded with such confidence, such certitude, that the contestant could not help but be persuaded.

“I need an answer,” said Merideth.  Crossing her fingers, the contestant said, “C: The cuckoo.”

“Is that your final answer?”

Debra crossed her fingers again and said, “Yes, that is my final answer.”

And  Merideth suddenly said, “That answer is …………………… Absolutely correct!

You are now a millionaire! Balloons flying, confetti coming down and Debra jumping up and down!

Three days later, the contestant hosted a party for her family and friends, including the blonde who h ad helped her win the million dollars. “Jeni, I just do not know how to thank you,” said the contestant. “How did you happen to know the right answer?” “Oh, come on,” said the blonde…

“Everybody knows that cuckoos don’t build nests. They live in clocks!”

Giving to God

The Junior Sunday School Teacher asked her eight eager 10 year-olds if they would give a $1,000,000 to the missionaries.

“Yes!” they all screamed!

“Would you give $1,000?” Again, they shouted “YES!”

How about $100?” “Oh, yes we would!” they all agreed!

“Would you just give a dollar to the missionaries?” she asked.

The boys exclaimed, “Yes!” just as before, except for Johnny.

“Johnnie,” the teacher said as she noticed the boy clutching his pocket, “Why didn’t you say ‘yes’ this time?”

“Well,” the boy stammered, “I have a dollar!”

2 Peter 1:1-15 These Things (Only read verses 8-15 – Draw attention to the repeated phrase “these things.”)
Who among us would like to be known as a failure in the Christian life? That’s a pretty stupid question isn’t it? After all, who wants to fail? The truth is, every one of us wants to be a successful Christian and we really want to bring glory and honor to God.
Well, you can have it either way you want it! We read of men in the Bible who failed in their Christian experience.

1. Demas – King David, Peter, Jonah, Damson….

v. 8-11 THE SUCCESS
Josh1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
(Here is a list of what “these things”, whatever they are, will produce in your life.)
A. v. 8 “These Things” Guarantee Your Fruitfulness – If “these things” are found in your life, then you will never be barren, but you will always be a fruitful branch for God’s glory. This implies that you will be a witness and a soul winner for Jesus. Whatever “these things” are, they must be pretty great because they promise us that we will always bear fruit. This, after all, is the goal of our Heavenly Father – John 15:1-2. It is also proof of our faith in Him – Luke 6:43-44.
(Ill. “These things” will prevent the Christian from being shelved by the Lord, but will keep us productive and fruitful,
1 Cor. 9:27 “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
(Whatever “these things” are, they must really be some big things! If they can do this, then I really want to know what they are. Don’t you?)
B. v. 9a These Things Guarantee Spiritual Discernment – Many people have absolutely no spiritual discernment. They are blind and easily lead astray, Eph. 4:14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”. But, when “these things” are active in our lives, we will be able to see the tricks, traps and temptations of the Devil. We will be able to see the needs of others and not be blinded by our own selfish interests. We won’t ever be blind and in spiritual darkness ever again. I don’t know about you, but whatever “these things” are, I want to know about them!
C. v. 9b These Things Guarantee You Absolute Assurance Of Salvation – Who among us hasn’t doubted his/her salvation? We have all doubted from time to time! Many people are so over come with their doubts that are of no use to the Lord. Evidently, they lack “these things.” Because, “these things” promise us that we can have assurance of salvation. They promise us that we can get to the place where we never doubt again! I tell you, “these things” must really be something! Whatever “these things” are, then I want to know them. I want to be secure in the knowledge that I am saved. ! John 5:11 “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
D. v. 10 These Things Guarantee That You Will Never Fall Again – This verse says plainly that “these things”, if practiced in our lives, will ever keep us from falling. How many have fallen as a Christian? Every single one of us has fallen from time to time. But, “these things” promise us a fall free life. If I can get my hands on “these things” then I want them really bad because I never want to fall again. Whatever “these things” are, they are worth going after if they will do all this.
If “these things” can guarantee: 1. That I will always be fruitful. 2. That I will always have spiritual discernment.

3. That I will never doubt my salvation. 4. That I will never fall as a Christian.

II. v. 5-7 THE STEPS
(Well, here we are, we are about to find out what these 7 great, wonderful, big “things” are. I hope they are something big. I hope they are something wonderful. I am really anticipating something-extra special if “these things” can produce all that wonderful stuff in our lives.) Here are “these things.”

1. v. 5 Virtue – (“Moral uprightness”; “Holiness”) This word literally means “Excellent living.” I don’t know about you, but I was looking for something really big. In one word, God is telling you and me that if we will live by the Bible and live morally pure lives, then He will guarantee those 4 invaluable gifts we talked about earlier.
   (Ill. Moral purity refers to every aspect of our lives. Physical, mental, spiritual purity must be maintained if we expect His blessings on our lives – 1 Pet. 1:16)
   (Ill. Maybe the next one will be some great thing!)
2. v. 5 Knowledge – (Literally “an understanding of the truth and how to live it out.”) Well, what a let down! This word is telling us that we can have all those things we discovered by having a sound knowledge of the doctrines of Christianity and by applying them to our lives and living them out.
   What we are to do is this: a. We are to get into the Word – 2 Tim. 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God”.
   b. We are to let the Word get into us – Jer. 15:16 “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: ”; 1 Pet. 2:2”desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”)
3. v. 6 Temperance – Oh brother! This word means “self-control.” It implies that I do not do as I please, I control myself and do as the Lord pleases! (Ill. Paul – 1 Cor. 9:27) (Ill. This is one of the fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5:23.)
   (Ill. This has application in every area of our lives. Often we lack those four benefits we talked of earlier because we lack self-control. There are several area where we need to practice temperance:
4. Our Tongues – (Gossip and telling another person off) Some people are doubting their salvation, being unfruitful, falling into sin, and have no spiritual discernment because they cannot control their tongues! (Ill. James 1:26; James 3:1-12; Ill. Pro. 26:20)
5. Our Tempers – (Flying off the handle, getting mad and getting even.) Some people lack the blessings because they cannot control their temper. Temper can get you into big trouble! (Eph. 4:26) (Never think that holding a grudge, or trying to get even will help you. When you do these things, you have assumed the place of God – Rom. 12:19)
6. Our Temptations – Ill. Everyone is tempted – 1 Cor. 10:13. However, not everyone falls into sin! The difference is self-control!
   Many people are experiencing a lack of those four great blessings simply because they have no self-control!
   (Well, “these things” are pretty important, but so far they are just common knowledge, if not common practice. Surely the next on will be something rare and special.)
7. v. 6 Patience – (Endurance) The patient person is the one not swerved from his devotion to God even by the greatest of trials. Many are suffering from the loss of the four great blessings just because they allow the slightest little wind to blow them off course. The patient person is one who has endurance.
   (Ill. He is like the vine clinging to the tree during a severe storm. When the wind is to his back, he is merely pressed more tightly against the tree. When the wind is in his face, he is sheltered from the storm by the bulk of the tree. Whatever the circumstance he finds himself in, he always has the tree! Ill. Heb. 13:5)
   (Ill. What I am saying tonight is this: If you want to have the four great blessings we mentioned earlier, then you must have endurance and stop allowing every little thing knock you down.)
   (Alright, we’re down to just 3 more. These are most certainly the really big ones. I can’t wait to see what big thing I can do to get these blessings in my life.)
8. v. 6 Godliness – This word literally means, “Walking in view of His greatness.” It has reference to the person who has every action and attitude yielded to the fear of the Lord. This person spends his life in a state of “God-like-ness.” He spends his days serving God and serving men.
   (Ill. Many are in doubt, in sin, in trouble, because they reached a place in their walk with God where they just didn’t care anymore what God thought about anything. They do what they please about church, the Bible, prayer, witnessing, sin, etc. Self is the motivation and not the fear of the Lord. These people have forgotten that God speaks loudly and carries a big stick – Rev. 3:19)
   (Ill. The person who practices godliness is one who understands that God truly is an awesome God. He fears the Lord, and strives at every turn to please Him and Him alone, Ill. Eccl. 12:13. He realizes that it doesn’t matter what others think as long as God is pleased. This person enjoys those four great blessings promised earlier.)
   (Only 2 to go, these have got to be the biggies!)
   F6 v. 7 Brotherly Kindness – (filadelfia – Literally, just plain old brotherly love.) If Christians would practice the second Great Commandment, Matt. 22:39, then they would experience those four great blessings that we all want so badly.
   (Ill. It’s no wonder some people doubt their salvation and are in trouble in their walk with the Lord. After all, all they do is bicker and fight with others. This is not the Lord’s way! Remember the lesson in 1 John 4:20-21 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (21) And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
   (Alright, this is the last one! Here comes the big one. This is the one we have waited for all night. This is the thing, that if we do it, will guarantee us those 4 great blessings spoken of earlier.)
   7 v. 7 Charity – (agaph – Love!) He is referring to that self-sacrificing, never-ending, all-encompassing love that Jesus exhibited when He came to the earth to die for sin. It is that very same love that God desires to see lived out in our lives today. It is also for the lack of this love that many do not have the peace and assurance they desire – 1 Cor. 13:1-3.(When a life is lived in pure agaph love, God will be first, others second and self will be relegated to last place. The single motivation of life will be to manifest the love of Christ to everyone.) v. 5 Notice the word “Add.” This little word means “to supply generously.” It does not teach here that we are to first get faith, perfect that then add virtue, then add knowledge, etc. What it means is, that “these things” are to be practiced as a whole and every one of them is to be active all the time. So, don’t pat yourself on the back if you have 3 or 4 out of the seven! God wants us to have them all operating in our lives all the time.
   Conc: Now, we know what “these things” are and what they can do for us. The final question of the evening is this, “Are ALL of them present in you life?” If you found yourself lacking in 1 or 2, or in all 7, then the place to deal with that is right here in this altar. As for me, I want:
9. To always be fruitful. 2. To always have spiritual discernment.
10. To never doubt my salvation. 4. To never fall as a Christian.
    Therefore, I am going to seek the Lord for all of “all these things.” How about you?

Promises

By Dr David Jeremiah

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen,
 to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20

When people talk about politicians, especially during heated races prior to elections, a frequently heard complaint is that politicians make promises they can’t keep. Politicians can promise change, but only Congress can legislate change. Not keeping a promise one can keep is bad; making a promise one can’t keep may be even worse. But that’s true for all of us, not just politicians. In Ecclesiastes 5:5 Solomon wrote, “It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it” NIV).

God is different on both accounts. He is capable of making any promise and keeping it—a reflection of His omnipotence (power). But He is incapable of making a promise and not keeping it—a reflection of His never-changing character. God’s words are always true and always trustworthy (Psalm 19:7-9). When God says something or makes a promise—about forgiveness, eternal life, grace and mercy, His love, His provision for our needs—those words are trustworthy.

That is why the proverb says to trust in the Lord with all your heart. In times of trouble, trust in the promises of God—He will keep every promise He has ever made.

Amidst the Sifter

Simon was about to be sifted as wheat,

God knew it would come, making his heart complete;

God’s hedge of protection was there to find,

Giving Simon strength & true peace of mind!

Simon was lead in many different ways,

Pressing him greatly in what to do & say;

The worst thing of all, before the cock crew thrice,

He denied knowing the Lord three different times!

Job passed his test with colors galore,

For he kept his faith in trusting the Lord;

God also kept His mighty hand on him,

Being his source of strength & faithful Friend!

God keeps His hedge of protection on us,

In each day we give Him our faith & trust;

He hears our heart cry in our darkest hour,

In whatever we face, He gives grace & power!

Dr. Charles Stanley

Many Christians struggle to discipline themselves in the area of self-gratification. There are so many things we want right now. And to make matters worse, we usually have the ability to follow through on our desires. That’s what the credit card industry is all about: Have it now; pay later.

But finances aren’t the only area where we get into trouble. Some people are in a hurry to be married and therefore make an unwise choice regarding a mate. Others don’t even see marriage as necessary and opt for premarital sex instead of waiting for the right person. Then there are those who are just in a hurry to become successful and well-respected in their career, never giving any thought to whether the pursuit aligns with God’s plans for them.

One reason the Lord wants us to wait is to protect us from our own self-destructive ways. Those who can’t say no to their own desires end up enslaved by them. God wants us to be mature believers with the character and self-restraint to wait for His provision in His perfect time. Because the heavenly Father is omniscient, He alone knows what’s best. You can trust that if He asks you to wait, He has something more wonderful in mind than you could ever provide for yourself.

Does anything seem to have power over you? If so, it may be an area that requires the practice of self-restraint. Yield to the Lord and submit your desires to Him. Then begin saying no to temptations as you wait for God to reveal His will for your life.

by Max Lucado

I once read a story of a youngster who was shooting rocks with a slingshot. He could never hit his target. As he returned to Grandma’s backyard, he spied her pet duck. On impulse he took aim and let fly. The stone hit, and the duck was dead. The boy panicked and hid the duck in the woodpile, only to look up and see his sister watching.

After lunch that day, Grandma asked Sally to help with the dishes. Sally said, “Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn’t you, Johnny?” And she whispered to him, “Remember the duck!” So, Johnny did the dishes.

For the next several weeks he was at the sink often. Sometimes for his duty, sometimes for his sin. “Remember the duck,” Sally would whisper when he objected.

One day he decided that any punishment would be better than washing more dishes, so he confessed to killing the duck. “I know, Johnny,” his grandma said, giving him a hug. “I was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. Because I love you, I forgave you. I wondered how long you would let Sally make a slave out of you.”

He’d been pardoned, but he thought he was guilty because he had listened to the words of his accuser.

You have been accused as well. You have been accused of dishonesty; of immorality; of greed, anger, and arrogance. Every moment of your life, your accuser is filing charges against you. Even his name, Diabolos, means “slanderer.” Who is he? The devil.

As he speaks, you hang your head. You have no defense. His charges are fair. “I plead guilty, your honor,” you mumble.

“The sentence?” Satan asks.

“The wages of sin is death,” explains the judge, “but in this case the death has already occurred. For this one died with Christ.”

Satan is suddenly silent. And you are suddenly jubilant. You realize that Satan cannot accuse you. No one can accuse you! Fingers may point and voices may demand, but the charges glance off like arrows hitting a shield. No more dirty dishwater. No more penance. No more nagging sisters. You have stood before the judge and heard him declare, “Not guilty.”

By Jerry Cross

Embrace And Extend Forgiveness

When we have dealt with our sin, fully repenting and turning back to God, He assures us that because of Christ’s work on the cross, He hears our prayers and fully forgives, placing our sins out of reach and behind His back (Isaiah 38:17) and hurling them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). We can rejoice that He will never remember them against us again (Isaiah 43:25) and that fellowship with Him has been restored (I John 1:5-7).

But revival involves more than dealing with our sin before God. We must also clear our accounts on earth. It is now time to clear your own conscience by seeking forgiveness from everyone you have offended and making restitution wherever possible. Then extend forgiveness to anyone who has wronged you, as difficult as that may be.

As Jesus has freely forgiven us, He commands that we forgive! When we do, we will see His freedom and power released in our lives.