♥ Faith Makes People Renounce A LOT!

A group of people were speaking derisively about the Christian faith. They asserted that anyone who lived according to The BIBLE had to renounce so much in life.

"Yes", replied one Christian who was present, "I can confirm that. I know from experience. We do indeed go without a lot though believing". He then recounted what was now missing in his life. He continued by saying:

"First, a nagging conscience and an uneasy heart, for GOD forgave me everything when I became a Christian. HE granted me HIS peace."

"Secondly, I lost my bad reputation. Boys in the street used to make fun of me, but now they don't, because I no longer reel about drunk."

"Thirdly, I have lost my shabby suit and my slovenly appearance, because I used to spend all my money on alcohol instead of caring for my family and dressing decently."

"You do lose a lot when you are converted to Christianity. But I find that my loss really has meant an inestimable gain."

"If anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new."(2 Corinthians 5:17).

Taken from The Good Seed.

♥ Go And Tell The World What JESUS Has Done For You!

HE (JESUS) said to them, Go into all the world and preach The Gospel to every creature,(Mark 16:15).

When the evangelist D. L. Moody was returning home in Chicago late one evening, he noticed a man unknowns to him leaning against a lamppost. He went up to him, laid his hand gently on his shoulder and asked him if he was a Christian.

The man became very annoyed became of this question and raised his fists threateningly. "I am sorry if I offended you", said Moody soothingly. But the man retorted furiously, "Mind your own business!" -"That is my business", the evangelist responded calmly but resolutely before continuing on his way.

A few days later the stranger approached a friend of Moody's who was an elder in the Church, and suggested that he should put an end to the preacher's impudence, so that he did no more harm in the town.

One morning, some three months later, Moody was wakened very early. "Who is there?", he asked. An unknown voice answered, and the name, too, meant nothing. "What do you want?" -"I want to become a Christian". When Moody opened the door, he was faced by the man who had been so frightfully enraged by him under the lamppost. The visitor admitted that his conscience had given him no peace since. At that early hour Moody was able to show him the way to JESUS CHRIST, salvation and peace.

When believers invite others to accept CHRIST JESUS as their SAVIOR and LORD, they are simply fulfilling the mission that The LORD JESUS gave them. It is indeed their business, but primarily, it is HIS business, too.

★ We Stand By HIS Might Alone!

Not by might, nor by power, but by MY SPIRIT, says The LORD of hosts,(Zechariah 4:6).

This verse shows us clearly that The LORD's work is not carried out through human intelligence, ability or strength, but solely through The HOLY SPIRIT.

This was seen when the city of Jericho was conquered. It was not Israel's arsenal that caused the walls to collapse. It was The LORD GOD, who gave the city into the hands of the Israelite people, after they had marched round it thirteen times.

If a gigantic army had been necessary, Gideon would never have defeated the Midianites. His army had been reduced to 300 men. Moreover, their weapons were unconventional: clay pitchers with torches in them. None other than The LORD GOD gave them the victory.

On Mount Carmel Elijah excluded any possibility of human power or ability igniting the wood with the sacrifice on the altar. He had twelve buckets of water poured over it. When fire came down from heaven, nobody could doubt its divine origin.

Efforts that are purely human are futile. All the donations collected, massive propaganda campaigns for The Gospel, courses in Psychology to understand people's minds or in rhetoric to learn better articulation will not save a single soul. Everything must be left to The HOLY SPIRIT. The LORD's work makes HIM irreplaceable. Our spiritual warfare must be waged with spiritual weapons: prayer, faith and The WORD Of GOD. Without ME you can do nothing,(John 15 : 5 ).

Taken from The Good Seed.

♥ Surprise!

Behold! The LAMB of GOD who takes away the sins of the world,(John 1 : 29).

A writer for the Washington Post conducted an  experiment to test people's perception. He asked a famous violinist to perform incognito at a train station in the nation's capital one January morning. Thousands of people walked by as he played, but only a few stopped to listen. After 45 minutes, just $32 had been dropped into the virtuoso's open violin case. Two days earlier, this man -Joshua Bell- had used the same $3.5 million Stradivarius for a sold-out concert where people paid $100 a seat to hear him perform.

The idea of a person not being recognized for his greatness isn't new . It happened to JESUS. "HE was in the world", John said, "and the world did not know HIM", (John 1 : 10). Why did people who had been expecting The MESSIAH give JESUS such a cold reception?  One reason is that they were surprised. Just as people today don't expect famous musicians to play in railway stations, the people in JESUS' day didn't expect The MESSIAH to be born in a stable. They also expected HIM to be a political KING - not just the head of a spiritual kingdom.

The people in the first century were blinded to GOD's purpose in sending JESUS to this world. HE came to save people from their sins,(John 1:29). Receive GOD's surprising gift of Salvation that HE offers freely to you today.

C. P. Hia

Amazing thought!  That GOD in flesh
Would take my place and bear my sin;
That a guilty, death-doomed soul,
Eternal life might win, - Anon.
Totally on HIS merits, not on mine. 

GOD broke into human history to offer us the gift of eternal life.

★ Father Of Lies!

When the devil speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it, (John 8:44).

Satan's sway over mankind began when he turned the minds of Adam and Eve against GOD. In order to pull it off, he had to lie to them about GOD - and they had to fall for it. In that defining moment, he lied about GOD's Goodness, GOD's WORD, and GOD's intentions,(Genesis 3:1-6).

Satan is still up to his old tricks. JESUS said that when the devil speaks a lie, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar,(John 8:44). It should not be surprising, then, that when troubles interrupts our lives, the father of lies whispers in our ears and suddenly we are questioning GOD's Goodness. When we are told to follow HIS commands, we wonder if HIS WORD is really true in the first place. When JESUS tells us things like, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth",(Matthew 6:19), Satan tells us that the good life is about piling up things here on earth, causing us to doubt GOD's good intentions. Satan also lies to us by twisting The WORD of GOD by saying GOD wants us to prosper, so there is no harm in hoarding wealth.

Satan just wants to make us end up in breaking even the smallest of commands in The WORD Of GOD.  And when he does that he has achieved his goal,  which is to hurt our sweet LORD. The laws that our LORD has given us to follow are not burdensome as Satan leads us to believe. The Laws of GOD are actually given for our benefit. Only we stand to gain blessings and life and Satan knows that. That is why he tries so hard to get us to disobey the Laws and Commands of our GOD ALMIGHTY.

Our problem is that we, like Adam and Eve, believe Satan's lies. And when we do, our loyalty to GOD is compromised. Then our enemy slithers off to his next assignment, leaving us alone
to face our regrets and
to face the punishment for the wrong he instigated us in doing and
To face the realization that his lies have seduced us away from our truest and dearest FRIEND, JESUS.

Satan never stays to help us mop up after the mess he has created. Whereas our JESUS waits lovingly to take us into HIS wonderful arms to console us and offer us a way out.  Who have you been listening to lately?

Satan can catch you by surprise
And stop you in your tracks,
So keep on guard and trust GOD's WORD,
Resist his strong attacks.  -Branon

The power of Satan is no match for the power of GOD's WORD. AMEN to that!

★ Oppressed And Afflicted, Yet Silent!

HE was oppressed and afflicted, yet HE did not open HIS mouth; HE was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so HE did not open HIS mouth, (Isaiah 53:7).

When they hurled their insults at HIM, HE did not retaliate; when HE suffered, HE made no threats. Instead HE entrusted HIMSELF to HIM who judges justly, (1 Peter 2:23).

HE committed no sin, and no deceit was found in HIS mouth, (1 Peter 2:22).

The LAMB of GOD was silent. When The LORD JESUS CHRIST was being ill-treated, HE uttered no malice nor any word of revenge or threatening words. When HE was falsely accused, HE made no complaints from and expressed no bitterness, nor did HE call for retaliation, although all this was in HIS power. How we wonder at HIS silence,; how different from us! We are often so ensnared in self- sympathy or self-justification that we fail to keep silent. Yet we are called upon to follow our LORD’s example,(1 Peter 2:19-23).

The LAMB of GOD was sacrificed. The death of JESUS CHRIST was historically no chance happening. Seen naturally, it appears that JESUS of Nazareth was in the wrong place at the wrong time. If only HE had stayed in Galilee! If only HE had defended HIMSELF or escaped when HE had the chance!  However, from the divine viewpoint everything occurred  according to GOD's plan at just the right time, not a moment too soon nor a moment late.

The LAMB of GOD is now standing. If the epistle to the Hebrews states that JESUS CHRIST sat down as a priest, we understand that HIS vicarious work of suffering and dying for our sins has been accomplished. The question of our sins has been settled. The LAMB standing expresses the same fact of faith. Having been slain once for all time, The LAMB of GOD now stands in  the  triumph of HIS resurrection.  GOD be praised!

Taken from The Good Seed.

♥ Mighty Waters!

HIS Feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and HIS voice as the sound of many waters, (Revelation 1:15).

While in Brazil, I went to see Iguazu Falls, one of the greatest waterfalls in the world. The massive falls are breathtaking, but what impressed me most at Iguazu was not the sight of the falls or the spray of the water. It was the sound. The sound was beyond deafening - I felt as if I was actually inside the sound itself. It was an overwhelming experience that reminded me of how small I am in comparison.

Later, with this scene in mind, I couldn't help but think about John in Revelation 1:15. While on the island of Patmos, he saw a vision of The risen JESUS CHRIST. The apostle described JESUS in the glory of HIS resurrection, noting both HIS clothing and HIS physical qualities. Then John described CHRIST's voice "as the sound of many waters", (Revelation 1 : 15).

I'm not sure I fully appreciated what that meant until I visited Iguazu and was overwhelmed by the thundering sound of the falls. As those mighty waters reminded me of my own smallness, I better understood why John fell at the feet of JESUS CHRIST as if dead, (Revelation 1 : 17).

Perhaps that description will help you grasp the awesomeness of JESUS CHRIST's presence and prompt you to follow John's example of worshipping The SAVIOR.

Bill Crowder

Pay honor to our marvelous SAVIOR
Daily HIS wonders proclaim;
Dwell always in the presence of JESUS,
And worship HIS Holy NAME.  - Branon

True worship of JESUS CHRIST changes admiration into adoration.

♥ Just Do What's Right!

That you may become ... children of GOD without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, (Philippians  2 : 15).

On a trip out of the country, I happened to meet an attorney who was from my hometown in New Jersey. We were surprised at how much we had in common. In the course of the conversation, he asked, "Did you say your name was Stillwell?" I said, "No, it's Stowell". He then mentioned that he had a client named Stillwell. "Is it Art Stillwell? ", I asked, and to my surprise, he said yes. Art Stillwell attended my church and was an influential businessman in the community.

The attorney admitted that he had no client quite like Art. He explained that most of his clients want him to do whatever it takes to get them out of their problems, but Art was different. Whenever he asked Art what to do in any given situation, Art always replied, "Just do what's right! " Obviously it had made an impression on the attorney.

Yielding to JESUS CHRIST in all of our desires and decisions regardless of the outcome is what sets us apart in a world full of people consumed by their own interests. When we live blameless lives "without fault" - courageously reflecting the integrity, love, and grace of JESUS - we clearly  "shine as lights in the world"(Philippians 2:15).

So, if you want to light up your world in a compelling way, JUST DO WHAT'S RIGHT!

Joe Stowell

Dim not, little candle,
Show JESUS through me!
Glow brightly till others
The light clearly see! - Adams

Light up your world by reflecting the light of JESUS.

★ Unexpressed Gratitude!

Give thanks to The LORD, for HE is good!  ... Let the redeemed of The LORD say so,(Psalm 107 : 1 - 2).

The whole reason for saying thanks is to let the giver of a gift know how much you appreciate something. G. B. Stern once said, "Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone".

When our son was young, he sometimes needed to be reminded that avoiding eye contact, looking down at his feet, and mumbling some unintelligible words was not an acceptable thank you. And after many years of marriage, my husband and I are still learning that it is important for us to continually express our gratitude to each other. When one of us feel appreciative, we try to verbalize it - even if we have said it many times before about the same thing. William Arthur Ward said, "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it".

Showing our gratitude is obviously important in human relationships, but its even more essential in our relationship with GOD. As we think about the many blessings we have received, do we express our thanks to HIM throughout the day?  And when we think about the most amazing gift where our FATHER GOD sent HIS own beloved SON, JESUS CHRIST, to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, do we feel overwhelmed with gratitude? When we think of JESUS' death and resurrection for the  forgiveness of our sins, do our hearts bubble over with awe and thanksgiving? (Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 9:15).

Take the reminder in Psalm 107:1 to heart each day: "Give thanks to The LORD, for HE is good"!

Cindy Hess Kasper

How great should be our gratitude
To GOD our unseen friend!
The volume of HIS gifts to us
We cannot comprehend. - Hess

GOD's highest Gift should awaken our deepest gratitude.

If we were to thank GOD every minute of every day for the rest of our lives, it would still not be enough. How much do we thank GOD  for all that HE has done for us,

Inspired by The HOLY SPIRIT.

♥ Accept JESUS Today! You Might Not Get Another Chance!

How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling,(Matthew 23:37).

On my way to the grocer's shop I have to pass a piece of land that is carefully tended and pleasing to the eye. I have regularly had the opportunity to chat over the fence with the owner, who was often working in his garden.

We didn't just talk about the weather; we even spoke about the matter of life after death. My neighbor was genuinely curious to know where the journey went when he left this scene for ever. It gave me the opportunity to speak to him about eternal life, which JESUS CHRIST grants to all who believe in HIM.

I proposed giving this friendly gentleman a Gospel calendar. So I rang the doorbell to hand one over personally. His wife opened the door, but rejected my gift. Some time later I read in the newspaper that they were celebrating their diamond anniversary. I went there again, and once more the wife opened the door. After congratulating them and wishing them GOD's blessing, I again raised the subject of The Gospel. Unfortunately, their reaction was negative: they did not need the Gospel, they had so many other things.

So many other things may fill our lives, but they are insufficient to ensure us a peaceful death and afterlife in eternity. Whoever rejects CHRIST JESUS will learn how terrible it was not to want HIM. Just as JESUS cared for the people of HIS own day and their eternal security - like a hen with her chicks - HE exhorts us today to take refuge in HIM in good time.

Taken from The Good Seed.

★ Must We Fear The Judgment Seat Of CHRIST?

He who hears MY word and believes in HIM who sent ME has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but is passed from death to life, (John 5 : 24).

We must all appear before the judgement seat of JESUS CHRIST, that each one may recieve the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad, (2 Corinthians 5 : 10).

The two verses above state: believers will not suffer judgement but they must appear before CHRIST's judgement seat. How can they be reconciled? Now the second verse speaks only of appearing there for a manifestation; no sentence will be pronounced.

Whoever rejects CHRIST JESUS will appear before GOD's judgement seat, (Romans 14:10;  Acts 20:12) and be condemned. The evil he has committed cannot be effaced by any good he has done.

If I accepted CHRIST JESUS, on the other hand, I shall not come into judgment because the punishment my sins merited has already been borne by JESUS CHRIST, my SAVIOR. However, I still must appear before HIS judgement seat so that all can be revealed. My whole life, all that I have forgotten or concealed, will be placed before me. No condemnation, but loss regarding any evil I have done. The SAVIOR will reward me for all the good done on HIS behalf, even a cup of water given in HIS NAME.

The thought of the judgment seat does not terrify me anymore because The JUDGE seated there will be my SAVIOR, who bore all my sins. There I shall be aware of HIS perfect grace. I SHALL REALIZE THE GRAVITY OF MY SIN, BUT ALSO THE IMMENSITY OF HIS DIVINE LOVE.

This perspective makes me conscious of the earnestness of life and encourages me to live close to my SAVIOR.

♥♥♥ HIS Love Letter To Me!

O LORD, YOUR thoughts are very deep,(Psalm 92:5).

When I offered a lady a Christian tract, she refused it by remarking that she had read The BIBLE and knew it. Every Christian is only too glad to converse with such people;  so I asked her what had impressed her most in The HOLY BIBLE. The lady could not give me a definite answer: the conversation appeared to embarrase her. She had apparently finished with The WORD Of GOD and no longer wanted to enter into any discussion about it.

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

How many of us do the same thing. We think that reading The BIBLE once from cover to cover makes us perfect Christians. We read The BIBLE in a detached manner. We don't personalize it. We read it like its some novel.

What we don't realize is that
EVERY WORD IN THE HOLY BIBLE IS LIFE AND IT IS TRUE.
EVERY WORD IN THE HOLY BIBLE IS LIVING AND ACTIVE,(Hebrews 4:12).
EVERY WORD IN THE HOLY BIBLE IS EITHER GOD-BREATHED OR HOLY SPIRIT INSPIRED,(2 Timothy 3:16).

THE WORDS IN THE HOLY BIBLE SHOW ME HOW PRECIOUS I AM TO THE KING, IT BRINGS HEALING, FREES US FROM BONDAGE, ASSURES US OF HEAVEN, BRINGS ABOUT FORGIVENESS FOR OUR INNUMERABLE SINS, ENABLES US TO KNOW THE THOUGHTS ABOUT THE GOD OF ALL gods, etc.

And what has made me fall in love with The HOLY BIBLE is the fact that IT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOVE LETTER WRITTEN TO ME BY THE ONE WHO HAS MY NAME ENGRAVED IN THE PALMS OF HIS HAND.

The thought that comes repeatedly to me as it did to the Psalmist, what is man and who am I that The KING of all kings and THE GOD of all gods, is mindful of me?

Brothers and sisters in CHRIST, I plead with you to take out your dusty BIBLE that is in a forgotten corner in your home and read it, study it. The BIBLE is a deep well with life giving water inside it. You can never fathom the depth of the well by looking at it from the top. You need to jump right in. You need to drink it, savor it, relish it.

The typical thing about a love letter is that one cannot keep away from it. No matter how many times we read it, its simply not enough. We keep reading it till the words are imprinted on every part of our brain and heart. We just cannot keep silent, we just want to scream it out from the rooftops about this incredible love letter.

Let me leave with you a few captivating lines from my ABBA FATHER's love letter to me. Its written for you too if you just realize it.

♥ Isaiah 49 : 15, 16 --> Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the baby she has borne?  Though she may forget, I WILL NOT FORGET YOU! See, I have engraved you on The Palms of MY Hands.

♥  Isaiah 43 : 1 - 4 --> But now this is what The LORD says - HE who created you, HE who formed you, Fear not, for I have redeemed you;  I have summoned you by name;  you are MINE.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am The LORD, your GOD, The HOLY ONE of Israel, your SAVIOR.
SINCE YOU ARE PRECIOUS AND HONORED IN MY SIGHT, AND BECAUSE I LOVE YOU,
I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.

♥ Isaiah 53:4, 5 --> Surely HE took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. But HE was pierced for our transgressions, HE was crushed for our iniquities;  the punishment that brought us peace was upon HIM.(HE took my place on the cross to cleanse me from my sin).

♥ Zechariah 2:8 --> For this is what The LORD ALMIGHTY says: FOR WHOEVER TOUCHES YOU TOUCHES THE APPLE OF MY EYE.

♥ Haggai 2:23 --> I will make you like MY signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares The LORD ALMIGHTY.

♥ Isaiah 62:5 --> As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will GOD rejoice over you.

♥ 2 Corinthians 2:15 --> For we are to GOD the aroma of CHRIST JESUS.

♥ 2 Corinthians 6 : 18 --> I will be a FATHER to you, and you will be MY sons and daughters, says The LORD ALMIGHTY.

♥ Zephaniah 3:17, 20 --> The LORD your GOD is with you, HE is mighty to save.
HE will take great delight in you,
HE will quiet you with HIS love,
HE will rejoice over you with singing
At that time I will gather you,
at that time I will bring you home.
I will give you honor and praise,
among all the people of The Earth, says The LORD.

♥ Isaiah 62:3 --> You will be a crown of splendor in The LORD's Hand, a royal diadem in The Hand of your GOD.

♥ 1 Peter 2:9 --> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to GOD, that you may declare the praises of HIM who called you out of darkness into HIS wonderful light.

♥ Song of Solomon 1:15 --> Oh, how beautiful you are, MY beloved.

♥ Psalm 139:14 --> I praise YOU because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

♥ Psalm 91:11 --> For HE will command HIS angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways, they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

♥ Deuteronomy 4:24 --> For The LORD your GOD is a consuming fire;  HE is a jealous GOD.

♥ John 142-3 --> JESUS said,  in MY FATHER's house there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me (forever).

These are just a few lines from the love letter that my Heavenly FATHER wrote to me. There are more than a thousand such verses that will make you feel over the moon. I often wonder what could make my Great and Mighty GOD love in this small unworthy sinner like me.

I don't deserve the Perfect love of JESUS, but I humbly accept it.
Thank YOU, ABBA FATHER.
Thank YOU, JESUS.
Thank YOU, HOLY SPIRIT.

HOLY SPIRIT inspired.

★ Are You A Person After GOD's Own Heart!

JEHOVAH has sought a man (David) after HIS Own Heart, and JEHOVAH has appointed him ruler over HIS people,(1 Samuel 13:14).

I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after MY Heart, who shall do my will,(Acts 13:22).

What would cause GOD to call David "a man after HIS Own Heart" even though HE knew of the many sins that he would commit in his lifetime? 

For example:
He committed murder to cover up his adultery with another man's wife,(2 Samuel 11:4, 14-17). He was moved by Satan to number Israel and did so knowing better,(1 Chronicles 21:1; 2 Samuel 24:10).

Even with all his failures, David was preeminently a man of confession and repentance. When confronted with his sins, he was quick to acknowledge and confess them. Thus, when confronted by Nathan, he immediately replied, "I have sinned against JEHOVAH",(2 Samuel 12:13). See also his broken hearted response in Psalm 51. In Psalm 32, he describes an occasion in which he sinned but had "kept silence",(Psalm 32:3) for a while, but when the conviction of that hidden sin took its toll on his conscience and in his body, he confessed his "transgressions unto JEHOVAH",(Psalm 32:5) and obtained forgiveness for his sin.

Let each of us ask himself or herself, "Am I maintaining a tender, sensitive conscience before GOD? " When The HOLY SPIRIT convicts us of sin, whether by witnessing to our spirit directly or through our fellow man, how do we deal with it? Do we try to deaden the pangs of conviction by pleasures? Do we go half-way, just acknowledging our sins to GOD while justifying ourselves before men, or by blaming others? Or do we readily acknowledge our guilt before both GOD and man. It is only by our habitually doing the latter that GOD can come to regard us as men and women  "after HIS Own Heart "!

P. L. Canner

♥ HE Took my Place!

I am The Good SHEPHERD. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep, (John 10:11).

When we were still sinners, still without strength, in due time JESUS CHRIST died for the ungodly, (Romans 5 : 6).

An Italian female reporter in Iraq had just been freed from captivity as a hostage. With a secret service agent, who had played a decisive part in her liberation, she was on her way to the airport. Almost half a mile before arriving they came under heavy fire. The agent immediately covered the journalist with his body to protect her from the bullets. He was fatally wounded, but she escaped with her life.

That makes us think of the voluntary sacrificial death of The SON of GOD, JESUS CHRIST. GOD is Holy: He cannot simply ignore sin. HE must expose all that is wrong, and put it right. That corresponds to HIS nature. But GOD is also love. So HE sent HIS own SON, JESUS CHRIST, and gave HIM unto death for us. In HIS great love, HE wishes to save the godless;  that also corresponds to HIS nature.

The SON of GOD came to earth to suffer and die in the place of guilty people. There was not the slightest trace of sin in HIS Person. Therefore HE was the only ONE who could protect us from the judgement we deserve. And HE did so! On the cross of Calvary,  JESUS underwent indescribable suffering: GOD turned away from HIM and abandoned HIM. HE laid on HIM the iniquity of us all, (Isaiah 53:6).

Who benefits from that? All who acknowledge that they deserved GOD's condemnation and now trust in JESUS CHRIST. In HIS sacrifice, made for us, they find protection and redemption.

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

★ Reality Check! Does GOD's Light Make You Uneasy?

Everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his evil deeds should be exposed, (John 3:20).

Everyone practicing evil should not make us think of wicked practices or coarse crimes. It involves everyone who does not want his life to be disturbed by GOD and HIS light.

To the outward appearance they may lead an upright life that is in many respects exemplary. But JESUS CHRIST, who observes the innermost recesses of our hearts pronounces a solemn judgement on them: they hate the light.

In the final instance they prefer darkness, where they feel safe. Everything is the same grey or black. The light of GOD casts no shadow, and no one need feel ashamed before other people. They have their excuses and reject GOD's yardstick of good and evil. They prefer seeing nothing - either of GOD or man - so as to avoid looking harmful reality in the face. But what use is it all, and where does it lead to?

Whoever recoils from GOD's assessment of him already here on earth will have to concede that it is indeed futile, for in the resurrection he will have to enter GOD's light and HIS Holy Presence. And the just sentence pronounced will bring him into eternal darkness.

For this reason it is imperative to seek the light of GOD now and admit that things are not right with HIM. That is the first step on the pathway to eternal light. The second is putting one's faith in The LORD JESUS CHRIST, who came into this world and died on the cross to save sinners like us. "HE said, I am the light of the world. He who follows ME shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life", (John 8:12).

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

★ Are You Like Mary or Martha!

JESUS answering said to her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things;  but there is need of one, and Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken from her, (Luke 10:41, 42).

Among the large circle of The LORD's acquaintances and disciples there was a family in Bethany that HE was especially close to. In fact, it is said that "JESUS loved Martha, and her sister Mary and Lazarus", (John 11:5). Bethany was situated on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives almost two miles from the city of Jerusalem. The LORD would often retire there after a long day in Jerusalem and find refreshment in the affections and devotion of this dear family, (John 12:1-3)!

It appears that it was Martha who had extended the invitation to The LORD JESUS to supper, for it is said that she "received HIM into her house", (Luke 10:38). But on this day, Martha, usually a most gracious and hospitable person, was becoming irritated with her sister, Mary. When The LORD JESUS arrived it would have been with a crowd of hungry disciples; and so Martha was "distracted" trying to prepare everything in the kitchen.  She took her complaint to The LORD, and asked HIM to speak to Mary to give her help with the work. She even questioned The LORD, "Dost THOU not care that my sister has left me alone to serve? " Martha's trouble was not that the workload had drawn her away from hearing The LORD, but that her sister was not helping her!

The LORD responded, "Martha, Martha," pointing out to her that her trouble and anxiety was due to her occupation with "many things". HE defended Mary for having "chosen the good part" while at the same time graciously encouraging Martha that the food for the body could wait, but the food for the soul which is HIS WORD - the "one important thing" was The priority.  To serve is important, but to sit  "at the feet of JESUS" is a necessity.

B. Reynolds

★ Satan: A Liar and The Father of Lies!

Satan is a liar and a master counterfeiter. He does not hesitate to transform himself into an angel of light,(2 Corinthians 11:4). So it should not surprise us to know that he also has many false prophets serving him, seeking to lead astray GOD's people. Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 show us how he fell from his original glorious state. He rebelled against GOD, and ever since he led our first parents astray by sinning, he has been trying to lead mankind to rebel against GOD.

Our GOD is a jealous GOD who will not share HIS glory with anyone. HE warned HIS earthly people against listening to anyone trying to lead them to follow and serve other gods, even if they would do signs and wonders to back up their proposal. HE termed such attempts revolt against HIMSELF and commanded that whoever might make such efforts be put to death. Also, Deuteronomy 18:21-22 shows us that if a prophet's word did not come to pass, it was not the Word of The LORD, but was the prophet's own presumption.

In 2013 we too are faced with many who try to win us away from simple obedience to GOD's WORD, The HOLY BIBLE. No matter how this is presented, it is revolt against GOD that we must categorically refuse. Our remedy for this is to love The LORD JESUS CHRIST with all our heart and soul, to fear HIM, to keep HIS commandments, to hear HIS Voice, to serve HIM, and to cleave to HIM. No matter what the wrong proposals are, we are to put evil away from our midst.

E. P. Veddar, Jr.

★ How To Walk With The LORD!

He who walks in his uprightness fears The LORD, but he who is perverse in his ways despises HIM,  (Proverbs 14:2).

A man's conduct is a reflection of his attitude toward The LORD. The righteous man is guided by what he knows will please GOD.

His deepest desire is to bring a smile on His heavenly FATHER's face.
His deep desire is to walk closer and closer to his GOD no matter how long he has been walking with The LORD.
His deepest desire is hear the "Well done" from his ABBA FATHER.

The apostle Paul had been walking with The LORD for about 30 years, but he wasn't content with his past. His desire was to walk closer with HIM and to know HIM in a much deeper way, (Philippians 3:7-10).

We cannot walk with GOD and walk in sin, (Proverbs 3:7; 8:13; 14:16; 1 John 1:5-10).
We cannot walk with GOD and walk in pride, (Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6-10).
We cannot walk with GOD and walk with the world,(Proverbs 23:17; James 4:3-4; 1 John 2:15-17).

In Psalm 73 we have recorded for us a man doing just what John warns us against. He looked at the world with envy. He thought he was missing out. He saw the wicked seemingly getting away with so much, and it almost cost him his faith. He almost compromised with the world he envied. It would seem that he might have even tried to get as close to it as he could without crossing the line! But what was the antidote for Asaph?  What is the antidote for us?  Psalm 73:17 tells us that Asaph went into the presence of The LORD. This helps us clean the lenses of our spiritual eyes.

I would suggest that Asaph then began to fear The LORD! Getting into the presence of The LORD helps us to realign our thinking to be in tune with GOD's thoughts. We begin to see things from HIS point of view!

When we begin to fear The LORD, hate what HE hates, and love what HE loves, we realize what Asaph realized in Psalm 73:25-28, that HE is enough, the heart and mind to fill!  But it all begins with whether or not I fear The LORD!

T. P. Hadley

★ Conditions For Entry Into Heaven!

If a tree falls to the south or the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it shall lie. (Ecclesiastes 11:3).

The first time I went on a favorite walk of mine in the pine forests surrounding my home, I noticed a very tall tree lying full length on the ground. I took a photograph of it, as it confirmed the truth of today's verse. That was 35 years ago. It is still there, though its condition has deteriorated considerably in the meantime.

There are many people about who believe that they will undergo a similar process when they die. They will be lowered into a grave, where their body will rot away, and that will be the end of them. But they are wrong!

The WORD Of GOD makes it clear that death entails the separation of the soul and spirit from the body. The corruption of the body in the grave is not even its end. The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear HIS voice (i.e. the voice of The SON of GOD) and come forth (John 5:28, 29) as a complete person. All will be resurrected, but not at the same time. There will be the resurrection of life for those who trust solely in JESUS CHRIST and HIS atoning death on the cross for their Salvation. Later the resurrection of condemnation will take place for those who did not believe in JESUS CHRIST by being born again.

But what of the soul and the spirit in the intervening space of time?  Luke 16:19-31 and Philippians 1:23 show that those who are born again believers will rest in paradise in the enjoyment of CHRIST's presence. Those who are unbelievers have to endure the torment of hades before being summoned to the judgement where they will be banished to hell for all eternity.

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

WE ALL CAN AND MUST CHOOSE OUR OWN FATE BEFORE WE DIE! AFTER WE DIE, WE WILL NOT GET ANY MORE CHANCES. That is why The BIBLE says in 2 Corinthians 6:2 , "Today is the day of Salvation", for who can say for sure if they will see tomorrow.

Let me leave with you John 3:3, 5  which says, "JESUS replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of GOD unless they are born again'."  "JESUS answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of GOD unless they are born of water and the SPIRIT.

So as JESUS HIMSELF said, heaven is for those
Who are baptized in water ONLY after accepting JESUS CHRIST as their SAVIOR and LORD, with their full understanding and willingness and
Who are baptized in The HOLY SPIRIT.

But here again there is an exception. The thief on the cross who was beside JESUS, went to heaven with JESUS just by his faith without being baptized. He did not have a chance to be baptized.  In the same way, there are many who on their death bed give their lives to JESUS and are unable to be baptized. GOD understands. But what about you, my dear brothers and sisters in CHRIST JESUS?

Being born in a Christian home and being baptized as a baby because of the traditions and rules made by man will in no way get you a free pass into heaven. JESUS HIMSELF was baptized as an adult, leaving us to follow HIS example. No one can be saved by the faith of his/her parents, and no one else can make that decision for us. We need to decide and then as a symbol of that decision to follow JESUS, we decide to be baptized by water, simply because JESUS commanded us to do so, and JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF did so. And as we all know, one can make such decisions only when they are mature enough to do so, definitely not as a baby. Let us be a people whose laws and rules are what is in the BIBLE.

Mark 7:8 hits the nail on the head when it sadly quotes JESUS saying, "You have let go of the commands of GOD and are holding on to the traditions of man".

There is no other way but absolute faith in JESUS. For JESUS HIMSELF said, "I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME". (John 14 : 6).  "The Way" means "The Only Way", otherwise JESUS would have said, I am a way, which means there is more than one way.

Inspired by The HOLY SPIRIT. 

★ It Cost JESUS A Lot! What has it cost you?

Then shall appear the sign of The SON of Man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the land lament, and they shall see the SON of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, (Matthew 24:30).

This prophecy about HIS return in glory was made by CHRIST HIMSELF. Israel knew well that their nation was to be very great - indeed the center of greatness and blessing previously unknown to all the earth. This subject was the great subject of the prophets who labored, therefore, to bring Israel back to JEHOVAH, since HE alone could accomplish this marvelous change. Messiah,  The CHRIST, will accomplish it!

The great change that we Christians look for when HE returns, however, is not that of being transferred from one earthly condition to another earthly one, but from an earthly condition to a heavenly one. Therefore, how sad the state of those professing Christians who reduce Christianity to a condition of bodily health or financial prosperity!

How soothing, in the midst of the increasing groans of a groaning creation, it is to know that creation soon will not only cease to groan, but will echo and re-echo with joyful praise from one end to the other. How productive of worship it is to the Christian's heart to know that even before this great change takes place on earth, he or she will have been transferred from earth to heaven to be associated with CHRIST in HIS reign over Israel and all the earth! To be witnesses in word, ways and character of such a calling is no trifle.

Our Salvation was very costly to our LORD JESUS CHRIST and to be true to HIM will cost you too . When you consider what it cost HIM, is that too much?

P. J. Loizeaux

We shall behold HIM,
Whom not seen we love;
We shall be with HIM,
Whom we long to see;
We shall be like HIM,
Fit for realms above,
With HIM, and like HIM, for eternity.

J. G. Deck

Keep one thing in mind. We shall, all those who believe, be with JESUS one day and be like JESUS one day, but we will never ever become JESUS. We are the created, and HE is The CREATOR. The created, however much we try, can and never become GOD, The CREATOR. Satan thinking that he could become GOD is what got him into trouble, where he got thrown down from the highest heavens into earth and his fate became sealed in the lake of burning Sulphur.

Inspired by The HOLY SPIRIT.

★ Are You Like The Church of Thyatira!

I know thy works, and love, and faith, and service, and thine endurance, and thy last works to be more than the first, (Revelation 2:19).

The address to Thyatira forecasts the condition of the professing Church in medieval times. The LORD is presented as The SON of GOD with eyes like flames of fire, discerning all evil, and with feet like fine brass, prepared to act against the evil.

During this period the professing Church had great devotedness expressed by love, faith, service and endurance. History confirms The LORD's words, for in spite of much ignorance and superstition there were, during the Middle Ages, a great number of individuals who denied self and patiently suffered for CHRIST's sake.

But despite the devotedness of individuals, during the period the professing Church reached "the depths of satan".For then the Papacy, that system symbolized by "that woman Jezebel" came to the fore. In it we see the exaltation of the flesh, for this woman  "calls herself a prophetess". The Church took the place of a teacher to enunciate doctrine, leading to an unholy alliance with the world, and setting up a system of idolatry in the worship of images and saints. In time the professing Church sought to exalt itself by ruling over the world and pandering to its lusts. The outcome is a professing Church that comes under the searching judgements of The LORD and the sentence of death.

Nevertheless, The LORD still had a remnant who were free from this false teaching and were  strangers to Satan's depths. Such do not look for repentance or reformation of this awful system, but hold fast as individuals to the truth until The LORD JESUS CHRIST comes. Tgen tgey will have their reward.

H. Smith

★ A Letter On Guidance!

The Secret of Jehovah is with them that fear HIM, (Psalm 25:14).

We do not expect any revelation or anything extraordinary, but HE, by laying on the mind what is pleasing to HIM, or by some other providential way, will indicate HIS will. This may be so distinct that it virtually amounts to a certainty in the mind, though we may not be able to prove it to another. The great thing is nearness to The LORD, and a subject mind, with the desire, "Show me THY way". HE sets before us an open door, with something to indicate that we may enter. We see HIS hand in it, recognize it and act accordingly.

This is something we have to learn experimentally. It is not easy to teach it to another, because it is not a mere mental or intellectual operation. Some years ago I passed through a great exercise of soul as to how I could know The LORD's will to go here or there. I spoke of it to J. N. Darby once when I met HIM at Alton, Illinois. The answer I got was, "The secret of The LORD is with them that fear HIM". I never forgot it. And I have found since then that when I could get no light, there was some cause, something in my state that hindered full communion.

Often there has been misgivings as to whether I had HIS mind;  but generally I have found that when any step was taken in HIS fear, sooner or later it became manifest that HE had guided. Sometimes it is "bit and bridle", some restraint, some hindrance, but this is where mere nature is working, or will work, and the eye is not clear. But the simple, normal thing is, "I will counsel thee with MINE Eye", (Psalm 32:8-9). GOD's WORD gives us the great principles. GOD's SPIRIT forms our heart in these principles;  and the little details fall into line with them.  We exercise our judgement;  but it is the judgment of a "sound mind"; that is, a mind formed in its workings by The WORD Of GOD.

A. H. Rule

★ Litmus Test: Do You HATE Evil!

The fear of The LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate, (Proverbs 8:13).

How do we look at sin? Often we are concerned more about the consequences of sin than than committing the sin itself. Sometimes it seems that many of us try to see just how close we can get to sin without touching it, or actually getting involved with it. We'll watch it on television or on the Internet without realizing the effect it has on us. In Luke 3:7 GOD likens sin to venomous snakes. HE likens sin to the stench of a sepulcher (a place where human flesh has rotted) in Romans 3:13. In 2 Peter 2:22, HE likens sin to the vomit of dogs, and in 2 Timothy 2:17 GOD likens sin to gangrene or cancer. These are all things that we naturally shy away from. We would not want to get close to any of these things, we run from them! Is this how we treat sin?

GOD hates sin so much and must deal with it, and has dealt with it at Calvary! HE sent The LORD JESUS CHRIST to die and by doing that, to pay the penalty of sin, which is death. So why would we run back to that which we have been set free from and which has cost HIM so much?

Someone has once said, "What The LORD is looking for is men and women who fear GOD and hate sin!" These two things go hand in hand and are illustrated for us in Job's life. We read in Job 1:1 that Job was a blameless man, meaning that the life he lived he lived before others was one of integrity. He also was an upright man, meaning that he sought to live his life in a way pleasing to GOD. But the foundation for Job's character was the fact that he feared GOD and shunned evil. Job sought to live out the words he later repeats,"Behold, the fear of The LORD, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding, (Job 28:28).

Can that be said of me too? 

★ A Word For Today!

Thus saith The LORD: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth , and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake the nations, and the desire of all the nations shall come. (Haggai 2:6-7).

But this yet once again, signifies the removing of what is shaken, as being made, that what is not shaken may remain, (Hebrews 12:27).

No one will deny that we have recently experienced an unknown degree of natural disasters. The number of forest fires, most of which have originated from lightning strikes, which have been in excess of those reported in the previous years. So are the number of tornados that have devastated whole towns in Alabama, Kentucky and Ontario. Floods have covered great tracts of rural and urban land. Earthquakes that shook the Indian and Pacific Oceans a few years ago were followed by one near Japan that, through its accompanying Tsunami, they destroyed great swaths of land and greatly affected much of Japan's nuclear industry. Many who have felt the impact of these disasters firsthand readily agree: Both earth and heaven have been shaken. The August 2011 earthquake in Virginia surprised many people. Who had ever expected such a strong earthquake in the eastern United States!  Yet, it was felt in places well over a 1000 miles from its epicenter.

IS THIS THE HAND OF GOD, GIVING US THESE WARNINGS, IN HIS GREAT MERCY?

Sad to say, most people will not even think of GOD, though some may cry in their distress: "Oh GOD, save me", yet soon forget that they ever called on The GOD whose existence they thus far have denied. Still, GOD has spoken!  HE has told us that, "Yet once again I will shake the heavens and the earth". Those who know HIM as their GOD and FATHER through The LORD JESUS CHRIST realize that "The desire of all the nations shall come". The day is at hand!  Indeed, The LORD's coming is very near, almost at the door. LORD JESUS CHRIST, come!

J. Van Dijk

♥ Do Not Follow A Crowd!

When the wicked are multiplied, transgressions increases; but the righteous will see their fall. - Proverbs 29:16.

The English Philosopher and Noble prize winner, Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), tells in his autobiography that he was given a BIBLE as a present from his grandmother. On the fly-leaf were inscribed her favorite passages. One of them was: "You shall not follow a crowd to do evil", (Exodus 23:2). That verse, which she had selected and emphasized, had preserved him later in life from the fear of "belonging to a minority".

This recommendation from The WORD Of GOD that Lady Russell had passed on to her grandson is still worth heeding. We live in an age in which many follow the motto: "Wrong is right if it is what the majority want" or in other words, "Right is what the majority want". What a fatal error that is! How often has general opinion a totally subjective, emotional basis, or it is dictated by purely egotistical tendencies. No wonder that righteousness and morality suffer as a result. If people do not inquire after GOD and HIS will, but make their own interests their yardstick for right and wrong, the  "fall" of which the verse speaks of is sure to take place.

However, belonging to a minority is also insufficient, for minorities can also err. We need to belong those who actually do the will of GOD. We c find HI will in the WORD of GOD, The HOLY BIBLE.

"The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of GOD abides forever", (1 John 2:17).

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

♥ The End Will Come Like A Thief! Be Ready!

You yourselves know perfectly that the day of The LORD so comes as a thief in the night. For when t say, Peace and safety! Then sudden destruction comes upon them. 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3.

17 year old Fred Kamaka had just reached his school in Hawaii on an early December morning in 1941. It was just after half past seven and "a wonderful, quiet morning; the sky was like velvet and the air full of the fragrance of blossoms", as he remembered it. There were only a few white cotton-wool clouds hovering over the mountains. The view went down to Pearl Harbor, where eight big battleships were moored for all to see. In addition there were eight cruisers, 29 destroyers and submarines, mine-layers and supply vessels of the American Pacific fleet.

"When I saw the first planes coming over the mountains, I thought nothing of it", our eye-witness reported. "But more and more came. They tipped their wings and started dive-bombing. I saw balls of fire and clouds of smoke before I heard the detonations." No one was prepared for the Japanese attack. But suddenly it was clear that war had broken out for the U.S.A. and the entire Pacific. It had terrible consequences, e.g. the later atomic bomb attacks on Japan.

The judgement day of The LORD will be even worse. Both the prophets of the Old Testament and JESUS CHRIST and HIS apostles speak of it. That day, too, will come unexpectedly, but not without a timely warning. GOD's wish is not that people should be lost, but that all should be saved. That is why believing Christians give the warning on HIS behalf: "Be reconciled to GOD before it's too late", (2 Corinthians 5:11, 20).

♥ GOD Is Not Dead!

Thus says The LORD, ... Is MY Hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? - Isaiah 50:1, 2.
I have surely seen the oppression of my people, ...I have heard their groaning. - Acts 7:34.

The famous black American leader, Frederick Douglas (1818-1895), a former slave, made a moving speech in Boston, when the situation of the colored people was part critical: "We can't go to Africa ; it wouldn't solve our problem. We can't g to Canada, the climate doesn't suit us . And here, deprived of all our rights, we are intimidated and ill-treated.

When he sat down, there was an overpowering silence. Then an elderly lady, worn out by work, stood up and asked loudly, "Frederick, is GOD dead then?" Murmurings of hope wen through the hall. A light had been lit and the dark picture painted by Douglas had vanished. Through that woman's question everyone's attention was fixed on the power of The Sovereign GOD who can thoroughly change any situation, whatever it is, and respond to the most difficult questions.

Doesn't this resemble our life when we see worries piling up like clouds before the storm?  Are we so preoccupied by an inextricable situation that discouragement overcomes us? Let us turn our thoughts to our faithful GOD. Let us remember that HE loves us and is omnipotent. For all our problems HE has unexpected solutions, and whatever HE does, or fails to do, HE wishes to fill us with unlimited peace. The apostle Paul wrote: "HE said to me,  MY grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness", (2 Corinthians 12:9).

♥♥♥ Redemption Is Buying Back!

Thus says The LORD, ...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name.  You are MINE. - Isaiah 43:1
You were redeemed not with silver or gold but with the precious blood of JESUS CHRIST, ... who through HIM believe in GOD. - 1 Peter 1:18-21

Quentin spent hours constructing a magnificent model yacht. He carved the hull from a block of wood, made the masts, and with his mother's help the sails. One day, at last, the yacht was finished. The only thing to do now was to test it on the nearby canal. It worked! The breeze distended the saiks, and the boat floated. But suddenly three fellows appeared and jostled Quentin, seized the yacht and made off. The boy was flustered and sad. Some days later, passing the shop of a second-hand dealer, Quentin could not believe his eyes. There was his boat displayed in the shop window."Sir, that's my boat. I made it. Give it back to me, please! "  - Certainly, young man, " the dealer replied, "if you pay the price on the tag. I bought it only last week from a couple of boys." How could he get together the sum asked?  His parents when they heard of their son's desire to get back what he had spend days making, were only too happy to put up the money for him. He rushed to the shop and bought back the boat he had so enthusiastically made.

This account reminds us of our own story. GOD created our race with so much of love and in HIS OWN image. Man was the work of HIS OWN Hands. But by disobeying GOD, man became the slave of sin and satan. To end this bondage GOD paid the highest possible price: HE GAVE HIS ONLY PRECIOUS SON JESUS CHRIST, WHO DIED AT CALVARY TO PAY THE PENALTY FOR SIN, WHICH SEPARATED US FROM GOD. By faith in HIS work everyone can not only enter into a relationship with GOD but actually know HIM as FATHER and JESUS CHRIST as the ONE who redeemed us by paying the highest price anyone could ever pay for the worst of sinners like us.

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

Now let us ask ourselves this question. Was there any need for GOD to pay any price at all for something that was already HIS? The ONE who could command the stormy seas to quieten down with just a word, the one who commands the countless of HIS Angel armies, and before whom the mountains skip like rams, The ONE who can make even the stones praise HIM, could HE not with just a word make the people HE created do anything that HE wanted, make us HIS slaves. But HE did not do that. HE wanted us to come to HIM and love HIM willingly. And for that, HE payed such a great price, simply because HE loved us so much. The perfect definition of love is given by what The FATHER did for you and me, and by what JESUS CHRIST did for us in the cross . As The BIBLE tells us, There is no greater love than this, FOR while we were still sinners, The GOD of the heavens and the earth and under the earth, send HIS only precious SON, JESUS CHRIST, to die in our place so that our sins could be dealt with once and for all.

I was inspired by The HOLY SPIRIT in writing this. So the writer was and is The HOLY SPIRIT, I'm just the pen HE has used to get the message across.

♥ My Way To GOD!

We can do nothing against the truth. - 2 Corinthians 13:8

I spent my youth in the former Soviet Union. There I read lots of books that opposed the Christian faith. But on one day the question crossed my mind: If GOD does not exist, why all these efforts to resist HIM?  In our communist society the whole system -schools, the media, science and arts - fought against the faith. How were Christians able to maintain their assurance of faith and their peace, although they were ostracized? My own parents' example was always before me: they were committed Christians.

One day I decided to accompany them to a Christian gathering. During the sermon I considered the question: How can anyone pray to some they cannot see? It seemed absurd to me. Nevertheless the question plagued me.

Six months later I again heard a Christian preacher and was touched by the Gospel. Then I was overwhelmed by persuasive thoughts not to give way. The thoughts said, "If you get involved in the Christian faith, you will have to give up everything. You will lose your friends. Your studies and your prospects for the future will be frittered away." However I knelt down and my tears flowed - not for what I would lose, but because of the newly found knowledge that The great GOD loved me immensely. I called on HIM asking HIM to forgive my unbelief and my sins. And GOD answered me. HE granted me forgiveness and peace!  Now it was no longer an assumption that GOD might exist. I knew it. And I also knew that JESUS was my SAVIOR and my dearest LORD.

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

How many times do we believe in things that we have not seen? We believe because some great people said so. How much greater is JESUS?  How much more should we believe in HIM?

Inspired by The HOLY GHOST. 

★ Difference Between Christianity and Other Religions!

The base things of this world and the things which are despised, GOD has chosen. - 1 Corinthians 1:28.

All the religions devised by mankind make demands as to things that people should do or should not do. These must be fulfilled in order to come to GOD. Right from their conception these religions are basically only for people who have a religious disposition or are confident of their ability to lead a particularly good life. For those who are lost, desperate, inferior or weak these religions offer no help, counsel or way of escape. Such persons are left coldly and mercilessly to their fate.

The Gospel of the grace of GOD, on the other hand, appeals to precisely such persons who need a helper, a redeemer, ONE who can grant them salvation. Our merciful GOD deigns to meet all whom other people, even the religious, fail to heed. That is why The LORD'S people consists of those who recognized their lost state and know that they need salvation. Therefore they accept The Gospel.

The wise and religious of this world find it difficult to come to the light;  their self-righteousness stands in their way. They think too highly of themselves and belittle GOD's righteousness and grace. They mock the redemption that GOD offers them in CHRIST.

Whoever entertains thoughts like the Pharisee in the temple of Jerusalem: "GOD I thank YOU that I am not like other men", cannot be helped. But whoever suffers from his burden of sin, like the tax-collector in this incident, and confesses their sins before GOD wholeheartedly, will be forgiven, (Luke 18:9-14). CHRIST JESUS is his SAVIOR and HELPER, and HE will never leave HIM.

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

♥ A Testimony From Eastern Asia!

JESUS spoke saying, ...I am the light of the world. He who follows ME shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. - John 8 : 12.

"At my secondary school I thought a lot about the important question of life. My parents loved me deeply, but I was suffering because I saw no sense and no aim in my life. In addition I had often seen how young people slid into a corrupt life despite their good upbringing. For a long time I tried to find a way of keeping temptations and sinful tendencies under control. And although I was so young, the question of what followed death left me no peace."

"Buddhism failed to appeal to me, because it spoke only of the future and had no answer for the present. On the Contrary, Confucianism dealt with the present, leaving no hope for the future. So I rejected these two religions. The Christian faith offers answers concerning the present and the future, but I was greatly prejudiced against it, as it seemed to me to be a western religion that was foreign to our culture."

"When I was eighteen GOD drew me toward HIM. When I was alone in my room one night, it became crystal clear to me how unjustified my prejudice of The BIBLE was. I knelt down and confessed my sins to GOD. That evening I received The LORD JESUS CHRIST into my life. That changed everything for me. I found freedom and happiness."

"My later life did not go smoothly. Because of,my faith I was imprisoned and exiled. But I can testify that GOD has always remained faithful."

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

★ Cheating? So What?

Each of us shall give account of himself to GOD. - Romans 14 : 12.

There is no creature hidden from HIS sight, but all things are naked and open to The Eyes of HIM to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13.

A flagrant foul, a goal allowed by the referee, and the team has qualified. One of the patrons of football responded to all the criticism indifferently: "Cheat?  Cheat?  Let people look around the world. Cheating - I could find plenty of it."

This is the common attitude, not only in the field of sport. We can always find people worse than ourselves, and take advantage of the fact and use it to stifle our conscience, thinking that, being no worse than others, we'll get to Paradise.

GOD does not see things in this light;  HE will accept no one in heaven on the basis of what is commonly called "normal behavior". HE does not compare one with another to determine who is "better". HE assesses everyone according to the same criterion, HIS own Holiness. A referee may make a mistake; GOD never does. HE sees all our deeds and our actions and knows all our intentions, too. HIS verdict is the same for all:
"There is none righteous, no not one".- Romans 3:11.

Let us not imagine we can escape from GOD's sight. Let us rather confess our sins and accept HIS grace. JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON, came to this earth in PERSON to undergo the judgement we deserved in our stead. HIS love led HIM to do so, in order that we should not perish. HE wished to give us a pure heart and teach us what truth and right really are, so that we no longer cheat or deceive.

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

★ Only Sinless Blood Can Save You and me!

It is the blood that makes atonement. - Leviticus 17:11.

At a public function in San Francisco a Jew told me how his faith had affected his life. Having grown up in a strictly orthodox parental home in the land of his fathers, he had been well acquainted with the commandments of the Mosaic law from childhood and endeavored to live accordingly.

Early on he had been struck by the significance of the blood of animal sacrifices in GOD's law. As early as the Exodus, when the children of Israel left Egypt, the blood of the Passover lamb had played a decisive part. It had to be distinctly visible on the Israelites' houses or the angel bringing death and judgment would not pass them by and spare them, (Exodus 12).

In many other passages of The Torah (the first five books written by Moses), the atoning blood was mentioned. Our Jewish friend understood its necessity very well. He and all other members of his nation were not in a position to keep GOD's commandments unexceptionably. They were therefore dependant on the Propitiation made for their failings. So animals had to be slain, as GOD had commanded Moses.

Finding a total lack of blood in all the ritual that his brethren in the faith practiced, that Jew was surprised. A Rabbi answered his nagging question: "GOD is angry with us: HIS people are scattered, and The Temple is destroyed. On the mount where it should stand, the only place where sacrifices can be made, now stands an Islamic mosque. That's why no blood can be shed for our sins." Our friend understood that, yet his own sins and the lack of the blood of atonement still troubled him.

Our GOD-fearing Jewish friend was worried because it was no longer possible to make sacrifices as decreed in the law of Moses. What would become of him, if no atonement ensued through the blood of animals sacrificed? This compelling question occupied our friend for years to come.

Later when he lived in Istanbul, he went through the town one evening and saw a notice announcing a meeting for Jews. Curious, he entered and sat down. The speaker was just saying, "The blood of JESUS CHRIST cleanses us from all sin".

The visitor listened tensely as JESUS was presented as "The LAMB of GOD" who came to earth to shed HIS blood for the forgiveness of sins. That evening he realized: "Atlast  I have found the atoning blood!" Through faith in The LORD JESUS CHRIST, he obtained the forgiveness of his sins and peace with GOD. How he had longed for that?  GOD knew his heart's desire and GOD lead him to the truth.

Later our friend learned from the New Testament that the blood of the animals sacrificed could never take away a single sin. Those offerings merely pointed to the unique, perfect sacrifice that GOD HIMSELF gave in HIS great love toward us: JESUS CHRIST on the cross of Calvary. THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY MEANS OF PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS.

WHOEVER BELIEVES IN THE SON OF GOD AND HIS ATONING BLOOD HAS GOD'S ASSURANCE THAT He HAS BEEN PRONOUNCED FREE FROM HIS SINS. -Romans 3:21-26.

Without the shedding of blood there is no remission. - Hebrews 9:22.

The blood of JESUS CHRIST, The SON of GOD, cleanses us from all sin.- 1 John 1:7.

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

♥ His Small Daughter's Prayer!

Before they call, I will answer;  and while they are still speaking, I will hear. - Isaiah 65:24.

A freethinker had held an address before a large congregation. He had attacked faith and poured scorn on those "naive people" who still believe in prayer. Suddenly a man in the audience stood up and asked for permission to speak.

"You see before you a man who was once one of the most wretched man in the whole town. I was addicted to alcohol and gambling. I used to beat my wife. I was nothing but a lout. My wife and daughter were terrified whenever they heard me enter the house. Yet my wife prayed for me for years on end. And she taught our young child to pray for her father too.

"One evening I returned home earlier than usual. This time I was not drunk. When I opened the door, my wife had just gone upstairs to put the little one to bed.i kept quiet and pricked up my ears. My small daughter prayed,"LORD, save my dad. Please, LORD JESUS, save my dear dad!"

They did not know that I was listening. I left the house without making a sound. I was thunderstruck. Was I still  "dear dad" to my child?  I do not think I had ever given her a kiss up to then. I was choked. Desperately I prayed, "LORD, help me! Answer my child's prayer!" And The LORD did answer.

"Today I am grateful for the strength that GOD gives me to be a proper husband and father. We are now a happy family. That is why6i believe in GOD, for HE does hear and respond to prayers."

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

♥ Only One Thing Counts!

If the Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the gods of this age have blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the Gospel of the Glory of CHRIST, who is the image of GOD, should shine on them. 2  Corinthians  4 : 3, 4.

Only one thing counts for Kouri, a Japanese sailor, and that is pleasure. He wants nothing to do with JESUS CHRIST. For Kouri HE is just the GOD of foreigners. One day Kouri was again in one of Tokyo's most disreputable districts. He suddenly felt a hand touching his arm. Someone handed him a printed leaf. Was it one of those Christian tracks? He screwed it up and threw it away.

Not long after Kouri was in the same street again. A group of Christians were singing hymns of faith. Kouri approached and listened. Finally a Japanese young man stepped forward and read aloud: "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." -1 Corinthians 1 : 18.

Kouri was attracted: the start of the verse sounded interesting. It appealed to him: "The message of the cross is foolishness", just what he was telling himself it was. But then came the annoying thing: the young man added loudly: "Yes, it is foolishness for those who are perishing. If anyone here considers the Gospel madness, then this is a sure sign that he is one of those!" The words struck Kouri like lightning. Was he one of those who were perishing?

When finally the group broke up, Kouri went up to the young preacher with the courage and strength that GOD gives at such decisive moments. He was filled with the desire to learn more about "The message of the cross" and to know the power of GOD that brings Salvation which is available ONLY in JESUS CHRIST.

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

♥ Saved From The Fire!

The WORD of GOD is living and active. -Hebrews 4:12.
JESUS said, The Words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. John 6 : 61, 63.

A farmer in South Korea had bought copies of the Gospels by Matthew and Luke and read them with interest. When he was working in the fields away from his home one day, his house caught fire and was totally destroyed. On returning, he could only ascertain that all the contents had been destroyed, except the two Gospels. Someone had saved them from the fire, not really knowing what they were.

That made a deep impression on the farmer. He read the two booklets again, now with increasing interest. Then he told the people in his village about them. At first his neighbors made fun of him and avoided him. But because he was always so friendly and helpful, they again began to make closer contact with him.

The result was that eighty villagers turned to JESUS CHRIST, and that because of the two booklets containing Matthew's and Luke's Gospels;  they never met a preacher of The Good News.

This shows once again that The WORD Of GOD possesses its own living and life giving power. Whoever reads The BIBLE attentively and is prepared to listen carefully to what GOD has to say will understand its message and receive the tons of blessings it contains.

"MY WORD...shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it". -Isaiah 55 : 11.

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

♥ The Most Treasured Book, The BIBLE!

When you received The WORD Of GOD, which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, The WORD Of GOD. -1 Thessalonians 2:13.

At first I had to smile when I saw the cartoon, but then it made me think. It depicted a customer in a bookshop who wanted to buy a BIBLE. The saleslady at the computer had some difficulty with the order and asked, "The BIBLE - do you know the name of the author? "

I think the cartoonist had hit the nail on the head. That is how far things have come: The B is fast becoming an unknown book. As Christians we know that this is the reason for much of the trouble of our day and age: IMMORTALITY, ADULTARY, FORNICATION, ADDICTION, CRIMINALITY, Etc. However, even intelligent people do not recognize this nowadays.

In people's personal spheres the lack of knowledge of The BIBLE is all to clear. Many seek sense and guidance where it cannot be found: in art, in outward and new age religious forms and practices, in Science or pseu-science (which has the appearance of scholarship). The BIBLE, The Book of GOD's communications to us, even though is  available in almost every bookstore, we hardly want to purchase it. That is where the seeker finds the answers to almost all the decisive questions of life. In Christian households, there are many BIBLE's which we have never even touched.

A young nurse had always wanted to read The BIBLE. One day she saw it on special offer by the cash desk in a bookstore where she was shopping and bought one. The more she read only increased the frequency with which she came across questions that she never thought about before. GOD led that young woman to meet someone who showed her the way to JESUS CHRIST. Now The BIBLE is her most treasured book.

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

My brothers and sisters in CHRIST, is the BIBLE your treasured book, too. Unless we were to take time out and spend it on reading The BIBLE, we would never find the treasures hidden in it.

Inspired by The HOLY GHOST.

♥ The GOD of Love and Goodness!

Do you despise the riches of HIS goodness, forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of GOD leads to repentance?  - Romans 2:4.

No one is good but one, that is GOD.  - Mark 10:18

In one of his last works published in 1968, the French novelist, Henry de Montgerlant wrote: "My earthly adventure is coming to an end...Soon my soul will fly away, and if the GOD of the Christians proves good, as they maintain, in spite of everything, I shall be untroubled." Four years later he took his own life.

Did the writer die with such illusion and misunderstanding? The GOD of the Christians is The ONE GOOD GOD AND THE ONLY TRUE GOD;  THERE IS NO OTHER. But HE is not the GOD of Love as many lightly assert without knowing HIM. Strangely enough, they do not hesitate to make HIM responsible for all mankind's misfortunes.

The GOD of the Christians is indeed good;  HE iS THE ONE TRUE GOD. And HE is also good in that HE wishes all to be saved. But HE is more than that: HE IS A HOLY GOD AS WELL. HE condemns sin inexorably and allows nothing to pass HIM by. HE is the GOD of truth who censures every lie and keeps account of even the slightest injustice committed on earth.

Let us not be deceived: GOD'S GOODNESS IS BY NO MEANS INDULGENCE. It consists above all in leading souls to repentance so that they turn to HIS SON, who submitted to the punishment that  they deserved in their place.  That is the gift of GOD!

Shall we despise the riches of GOD's immense goodness and forbearance?

Taken from the book, The Good Seed.

★ Propitiation and Forgiveness!

For a person's sins to be forgiven, GOD's holiness must first be satisfied: Propitiation (or atonement) must take place, for every sinful deed is an offense against HIM. Only then can GOD forgive.

Let us glance at the Old Testament. When an Israelite had sinned, he had to make an offering for sin. The blood of the animal sacrificed was poured out at the foot of the altar, the fat was burnt on the altar, and then we read: "So shall the priest make atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them". - Leviticus 4 : 20, 26, 35.

There was thus first the propitiation and then forgiveness. But where could we find an offering that would satisfy GOD's Holiness?  Our verses above tell us: GOD gave one HIMSELF in HIS great love. JESUS, The SON of GOD is the Propitiation for our sins. JESUS fulfilled GOD's Holy claims and demands at the cross. Now everyone can come and for himself lay hold of the Propitiation made by CHRIST.

Whoever does so receives forgiveness. That is the outcome of Propitiation for the believer. GOD never remembers sins that have been forgiven: "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more" -Hebrews 10 : 17. The LORD JESUS said, "This is my blood...which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins" -(Matthew 26:28). Can all our readers be counted among the "many"?

This wonderful reading is taken from the book, The Good Seed. It has wonderful articles that will make you fall in love with your MAKER.

♥ Will I Be One Of The Chosen???

Many are called, but few are chosen. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, HIS own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of HIM who called you out of darkness into HIS marvelous light. - Matthew 20:16; 1 Peter 2:9.

When slavery held sway in North America it was no rare thing for unbelieving slave-owners to have Christian slaves who were far happier than the owners themselves. One such slave-owner used to frequently make fun of his slave's faith and embarrassed him with his questions.

One day he asked him,
"Sam, do you really believe that you will get to Paradise one day? "
-"Yes, sir."
- "Then you belong to the elect?"
- "Yes, sir."
- "And what about me? Will I belong to the elect, too?"

The slave wanted to answer according to his conviction, but without degrading or insulting his master. In a spontaneous prayer he asked GOD for wisdom and then replied, "Sir, I don't believe anyone can be chosen without applying. "  Taken aback, his master quickly turned away;  he had been silenced by such a simple yet apt answer.

We wonder whether that man sensed that GOD was speaking to him. How often has he spoken to us, yet so many have turned their back on HIM like that foolish slave-owner. Whoever hears GOD calling and obeys the call is one of those who "apply". Such will be given the assurance that GOD truly loves them. No sincere application will ever be turned down. Whoever accepts JESUS CHRIST as his SAVIOR, GOD counts as "CHOSEN".

And what an honor that is! Can you even begin to comprehend, how wonderful it indeed is to be chosen by The KING of kings and LORD of lords.

Taken from the daily devotionals, The Good Seed.

♥ JESUS' Way of Responding!

Do not marvel, my brothers, if the world hates you. -1 John 3:13

Know that it hated me before it hated you. -John 15:18

Do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your FATHER in heaven. -Matthew 5:44, 45

After a hard and tiresome mountainous trek with the rain beating down on them, a group of soldiers arrived back in their camp. The men were tired and "wet to the bone". They wanted only one thing: to lie in their beds and sleep. Among them was a new recruit, a Christian, who every evening knelt down beside his bed and prayed, which greatly irritated his roommates. But that evening, owing to their fatigue their cup overflowed. If the newcomer had sworn, fumed or cursed GOD, they would have accepted it. But he prayed and that bugged them. One of the soldiers took one of his muddy boots and threw it at the young man while he was praying. It hit him on the back, but he continued praying. The soldier then threw threw the second boot, but seeing no reaction, went back to bed and fell asleep.

How surprised he was the next morning to find his boots cleaned and shining at the foot of his bed. That gesture confounded him and proved to be the start of a work in his conscience that led him to faith in CHRIST JESUS.

The apostle Peter, addressing Christian women whose husbands did not obey The WORD Of GOD recommended that they should win them not by their words but by their conduct (1 Peter 3:1-4). Whatever our relationship with others is, our behavior speaks more convincingly than any number of words.

Taken from the daily devotionals, The Good Seed.

★ ACCEPT THE ONE AND ONLY TRUTH THAT CAN SAVE YOU!

All the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or hear some new thing. -Acts 17:21

Some years ago a book entitled "A Manual of Useless Knowledge" was published. Here are a few samples: "A scorpion can survive upto three weeks frozen in a block of ice. "  -  "In the Middle Ages rhubarb was one of China's most expensive exports to the west. "  -  "The shortest Burmese surname is H."

Many other remarkable things are listed. Apparently there are enough people who fill their heads with such unimportant facts, just as there were in Athens in Paul's time. What useless ballast and what a waste of time this all is, for both our capacity to grasp things and the extent of our life are limited.

For most Athenians Paul, GOD's messenger, was a welcome change;  what he preached was at any rate an interesting item of news. Whoever entertains this ancient and yet so tropical concept of life can, like the Athenians, hardly be shaken up by anything.

However, the eternally valid message that Paul brought with him IS NOT DEBATABLE. It states, "IN THE PAST GOD OVERLOOKED SUCH IGNORANCE, BUT NOW HE COMMANDS ALL PEOPLE EVERYWHERE TO REPENT. ALL MUST TURN TO GOD, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE WORLD BY THE MAN WHO HE APPOINTED FOR THE PURPOSE, THE SON OF GOD, JESUS CHRIST. HE HAS GIVEN US PROOF OF THE FACT BY RAISING HIM FROM THE DEAD" - Acts 17: 30, 31. Perhaps some will now say: "This is rubbish", But let us not shrug the matter off too quickly!  That Man is JESUS CHRIST, The SON of GOD, and HIS resurrection has been credibly testified. Allow me to repeat it once again for clarity,  "This matter HAS BEEN CREDIBLY TESTIFIED".

Some of the apostle's hearers actually became thoughtful and believed. In our day, too, there are some people who are prepared to consider the matter.

Taken from the daily devotionals, The Good Seed.

To the rest I plead, please do not take this matter lightly. Ponder the truth about JESUS CHRIST, that GOD has mercifully given you a chance to hear and hold on to it with all you have.

Inspired by The HOLY SPIRIT.

♥ Don't Blame Just The Devil!

We shall all stand before the judgement seat of JESUS CHRIST. So then each of us shall give account of himself to GOD. - Romans 14:10, 12

John Thomas, a missionary in India, was standing on the banks of the River, Ganges, preaching the Gospel to a crowd of people. A Brahman, a religious leader, approached him with a question: "Didn't you say that it is the devil who tempts people to sin?" Thomas affirmed what he had said, whereupon the Brahman drew this conclusion: "Then Satan is the guilty party; so the devil, not the person who zins should be punished." From the facial expressions of the people around him the missionary saw that they agreed with this objection.

At that moment Thomas noticed a boat coming up the river. He asked his audience, "Do you see that boat? Imagine I were to give some of my friends the order to kill everyone in the boat and bring me their possessions. Who would deserve the punishment? Would I, as the instigator, or they, who carried out the dreadful deed?" Without any hesitation the Brahman exclaimed, "You would all be guilty of murder! "  - "Right", answered Thomas, "and when you and the devil sin together, then you will both be condemned together."

When people appear before GOD to give an account of themselves, it will not help to point a finger at the devil. No-one will be able to make anyone else responsible. So the way that GOD offers us in HIS SON is all the more astounding. Out of love, JESUS CHRIST, The Innocent ONE, took upon HIMSELF the place and the punishment of the guilty. All who recieve HIM by faith benefit thereby.

Taken from the daily devotionals, The Good Seed.

♥ The ONLY Way Home!

5The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD. 1 Corinthians 1:18

A young lad had lost his way in Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city. He felt absolutely forlorn and burst into tears. A policeman noticed him and asked him kindly why he was crying. "I've lost my way", the boy sobbed. "Please take me to the cross. From there I can find my way home. "The boy meant the Glasgow cross, one of the city's landmarks.

This incident illustrates what happens to those who take refuge in the cross of The LORD JESUS CHRIST. That is where we can find our way to GOD, The only way back home through JESUS CHRIST. The cross of Calvary really is the only meeting place between lost erring people and our Holy GOD. It is only through the cross and The ONE who hung on it for us, that we can ever get to know GOD as The GOD of righteousness, love,  forgiveness and peace.

JESUS gave HIS life on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for sins. And it is there that the sinner who turns to GOD, believing in the atoning work of JESUS, is freed from the burden of his sins and reconciled with GOD.

Many consider the cross of JESUS CHRIST to be foolishness. They refuse to admit that they are helpless and lost and can be saved ONLY through the death of The SON of GOD. But the way home must go via the cross at Golgotha.

JESUS shows us the way back
Home from the cross;
It goes via Calvary.
It's the way GOD HIMSELF
foresaw for our need:
In the SON HE can make us free.

Taken from the daily devotionals, The Good Seed.

♥ The Greatest Privilege! Having and Knowing The BIBLE!

I will praise YOUR NAME for YOUR lovingkindness and YOUR truth;  for you have magnified YOUR WORD above all YOUR NAME. In the day when I cried out, YOU answered me and made me bold with strength in my soul. -Psalm 138: 2, 3.

Sabine Wurmbrand had to suffer a long period of imprisonment during the communist rule in Romania.

Conditions in the prison there were exceedingly difficult for women. They had to undertake hard work; so despair soon spread among them. Only few had the spirit to endure, which helped them get over their losses and gave them fresh strength and hope in the unrelenting routine that was their lot day by day.

After work some fellow prisoners used to come to the Christian women and ask them to tell them stories from the BIBLE or recite encouraging verses. They were hungry for words of hope, consolation and life. Sabine relates: "We had no BIBLE there and felt more hunger for that than for bread. If only I had learned more verses from The BIBLE by heart when younger! "

Everyday the believers repeated the passages they had once impressed on their minds. And these complemented each other. Again and again they were joined by Christians who had longer passages by heart when they had still enjoyed their freedom. They had foreseen the probability of arrest and taken precautions. Thus they brought a great treasure into prison with them.

In this way an unwritten BIBLE went the rounds of various prisons and brought countless inmates salvation, peace and consolation. What a privilege it is to know one's BIBLE well!

Taken from the daily devotionals, The Good Seed.

♥ Reduced To The Size Of An Ant!

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of GOD. - Hebrews 11 : 3

One day during the year 1892, an elderly gentleman was sitting in a compartment of a train reading The BIBLE on his journey. Next to him sat a young student who was engrossed in a scientific journal. After some time the young man asked his neighbor, "Do you really still believe in that ancient book full of fables and fairy tales? " - "Indeed I do, and most certainly! " That reply irritated the student, who retorted: "You ought to learn something about our history. At the time of the French Revolution about one hundred years ago religion was unmasked as a pure illusion. It was only people without any education or culture who believed that GOD created the world in six days. You should hear what science has to say about this fantastic story of creation. " -"Well, what do today's scientists say about it? " inquired the elderly gentleman. -"Oh, I haven't time to explain that in detail now, " replied the student. "You see, I have to get out at the next stop. But please give me your address; I'll send you some scientific literature on the subject. " The elderly man took out his wallet and handed the student his visiting-card. When he read it, the student felt reduced to the size of an ant. He left the train with his head bowed low.

On the card stood:

Professor Dr. Louis Pasteur
General Director
Institute of Scientific Research
National University of France
"A little knowledge separates us from GOD.
Much knowledge brings us closer to HIM. "
Dr. Louis Pasteur.

♥ The Name On The Gravestone!

PREPARE TO MEET YOUR GOD. - Amos 4 : 12

Our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST ... has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. - 2 Timothy 1:10

A Swiss industrialist named Charles Mez, who lived in Bale, was crossing a cemetery one winter's day. Snow covered most of the gravestones, making it impossible to read the inscriptions. Suddenly he stopped. On one gravestone sheltered by a pine tree a name could be read. It had his own name: Charles Mez.

He did not know who that namesake of his might be, whose body rested there, but the fact that the only legible name in the whole cemetery was his own, made a profound impression on him. "Where would I be now?" he wondered, "if my body, separated from my soul, lay under that stone? "

Standing alone in the middle of that icy landscape, a scene of death illustrating the state of his soul, he acknowledged his sins, his indifference, his scorn for GOD's love. The Gospel, heard on other occasions without his paying attention to it, suddenly impressed itself upon him as something living and personal. He turned to JESUS, prayed and obtained the peace of heart and forgiveness of his sins that faith in The SON of GOD gives. From that day the life of Charles Mez showed that he belonged to JESUS CHRIST. His joy was to serve HIM.

GOD can bring about similar coincidences to awaken our attention. He stops us in our tracks, speaking in various ways. Do we hear HIS voice in such situations? Let us take time to pause and ask ourselves:"Is JESUS CHRIST my SAVIOR? Could my name be inscribed on a tombstone sooner than I expect?  Where would my soul be then? "

♥ Shall I See You Again in Heaven?

I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD.  - Romans 8:38, 39.

The only son of a businessman was suffering from an incurable disease and was being nursed at home. When the doctor came to pay his last visit on the day the young man died and entered the room quietly, the patient said with the hint of a smile, "Goodbye, doctor! Shall I see you in heaven? "

The question struck the doctor like lightning. He suddenly realized that the Christian faith, the faith of The BIBLE, was not merely a vague ideal. Here he was confronted by an unshakable certainty that held out and gave the dying lad strength even in the face of death.

The doctor was unable to give a straightforward, positive reply at that moment. But the memory of the confidence and assurance that he had perceived not only in the words but also on the face of the dying young man gave him no peace for the next few weeks. Eventually he accepted JESUS CHRIST as his SAVIOR and LORD and himself found that assurance of faith.

"If GOD is for us, then who can be against us? HE who did not spare HIS own beloved SON, but delivered HIM for us all, how shall HE not with HIM also give us all things?"- Romans 8:31, 32.

★ Turning A Deaf Ear!

I spoke to you, ...But you did not hear. Come to ME, hear, and your soul shall live. - Jeremiah 7:13; Isaiah 55:3

The bicycle of my fifteen-year-old son was standing in the garden in the rain. I called his attention to it and told him to put it away. He turned a deaf ear. When I came home that evening, I noticed that the bicycle was still there.

At work I spoke to one of my colleagues to show him precisely what was necessary to get a certain order done urgently. He seemed to agree.  ...The next day I ascertained that he had not worked on the order at all.

Are such attitudes out of order? Definitely, for I have a position of authority over those two persons. Do I despise my son or my colleague by giving them an order? Not at all, I am acting consistently with my position of responsibility. Am I infringing on their liberty? In one sense, yes, however, it was done within the bounds of our known and accepted relationship. No institution or undertaking can function without the appropriate authority. A child cannot grow up properly without a benevolent and just authority.

GOD, who is sovereign, has given valuable moral instruction to all human beings for our own good. HE is the CREATOR, we are HIS creatures. We have the responsibility to listen to what GOD demands. If HE speaks with authority, HE also speaks lovingly. Today, HE still gives one simple, clear order: "WE MUST REPENT AND COME TO HIM". How shall we respond? Are we going to turn a deaf ear, as though GOD has never spoken?

★ No Time For GOD?

The Holy Scriptures...are able to make wise for salvation through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS. All Scripture is GOD breathed and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. -2 Timothy 3:15, 16

This morning, I opened my letter-box and found it full of advertising material, sensational special offers and enticing suggestions. When I had looked through everything and thrown most of the printed matter away, the thought struck me that our life often resembles an over-full letter-box. Through the abundance of offers we risk overlooking what is essential.

There are lands where reading the BIBLE is forbidden. But most of us live in places where we can easily obtain a BIBLE. But do we look into it every day, as we do in our letter-box? And do we listen to its message, without it being submerged in the flood of other impressions that sweep over us?

What is really important? Maybe we need to begin sorting out uncompromisingly. Our great GOD, who made heaven and earth, has taken the trouble to speak to us. Shouldn't HIS message take precedence over everything else?  Let us take time to examine what HE has to say to us. Whoever is very busy can easily say, "I haven't a moment free". Have we honestly not a moment for GOD?

Think of the letter-box and examine the order of priority of your activities. Maybe you will find something unless there is that which can be omitted and consequently be blessed through reading The WORD Of GOD.

♥ Don't Go By Appearance!

The LORD said to Samuel, Do not look at the outward appearance nor at his physical stature...For The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but The LORD looks at the heart. - 1 Samuel 16 : 7

A Jewish legend tells of a man who one day knocked at the door of a rich man's house. Wearing tattered clothes, he asked for hospitality. The wealthy man send him off with scornful remarks and insults. A few days later he returned clothed in a magnificent coat. The rich man failed to recognize the beggar. He did him the great honor of inviting him in and made him sit at his table. There he offered him a glass of his best wine. The visitor took the glass and, pretending to be clumsy, poured it over his clothing. The glass was filled a second and a third time, and each time it was emptied over his fine garments. The guest then made this remark to the dismayed wealthy host: "Recently I came in rags and you repulsed me. Today I have come well-dressed, and you welcomed me. To be honest, you haven't received me but only my clothes. So it is appropriate that they should have the wine that you offered me." And with that the mysterious visitor took his leave.

What lesson can we draw from this short tale? Love does not look at the outside appearance. It shows us how the LORD JESUS CHRIST used to act, so much so that even HIS enemies were obliged to admit: "Teacher, we know that YOU are true, and teach the way of GOD in truth;  nor do YOU care about anyone, for YOU do not regard the person of men" - Matthew 22:16.