Tuesday, July 31, 2018

BRAGGING



Friend: "Has your son's education proved of any real value?"
Father: "Yes, indeed; it has entirely cured his mother of bragging about him."

- The Lookout (moreillustrations.com)

Pro 9:8 (CEV): “Any bragger you correct will only hate you. But if you correct someone who has common sense, you will be loved.”

"By examining the tongue of a patient, physicians find out the diseases of the body and philosophers the diseases of the mind." - Justin.

Pro 28:23 (NABRE): “Whoever rebukes another wins more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.”

“Today's prophets seem to talk a lot ABOUT the 'sword of the Lord' but never actually bring it to bear. They bring no piercing word. And thus the entire movement is open to great deception.” -  Andrew Strom.

Sunday, July 29, 2018

CHILDREN



Pro 20:11 (TLB): “The character of even a child can be known by the way he acts - whether what he does is pure and right.”

“A child who has not been taught the meaning of the word ‘no’ by the time he is 4 years old has spent 4 years in the academic school of crime.” - Survey Bulletin.

“Train up a child in the way he should go - but be sure you go that way yourself.” -  Charles Spurgeon.

Pro 13:24 (CJB): “He who fails to use a stick hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.”

Eight-year-old boy's description of his mother's punishment procedure: "After the storm comes a palm!" - M. Dale Baughman.

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” -  Henry Ward Beecher.

Friday, July 27, 2018

BACKSLIDING



When Billy Sunday was converted & joined the church, a Christian put his arm on the young man’s shoulder & said:

“William, there are 3 simple rules I can give to you & if you will hold to them you will never write “backslider” after your name.

“Take 15 minutes each day to listen to God talking to you;

Take 15 minutes each day to talk to God;

Take 15 minutes each day to talk to others about God.”

Billy Sunday was deeply impressed & determined to make these the rules of his life.

From that day on throughout his life he made it a rule to spend the first moments of his day alone with God & His Word.

Source: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations, Paul L. Tan (ministry127.com)

“Demas has left me because he loved the things of this world. He has gone to the city of Thessalonica.”  – Paul (2 Tim 4:10 WE)

Heb 10:38 (GNT): “My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with them.”

Thursday, July 26, 2018

LIARS



A Sunday school teacher was giving her class the assignment for the next week. “Next Sunday,” she said, “we are going to talk about liars & in preparation for our lesson I want you all to read the 17th chapter of Mark.”

The following week, at the beginning of the class meeting, the teacher said, “Now then, all of you who have prepared for the lesson by reading the prescribed text please step to the front of the room.”

About half the class rose & came forward.

“The rest of you may leave,” said the teacher, “these students are the ones I want to talk to. There is no 17th chapter in the Book of Mark.”

- (ministry127.com)

1 John 2:22 (GNT): “Who, then, is the liar? It is those who say that Jesus is not the Messiah...”

Rev 21:8 (ISV): “But people who are cowardly, unfaithful, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will find themselves in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death."

“No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.” - Abraham Lincoln.

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

MASTER CARPENTER’S PLAN



My grandfather worked as a carpenter. On this particular day, he was building some boxes for the clothes his church was sending to orphanages in China. On his way home, he reached into his shirt pocket to find his glasses, but they were gone.

When he mentally replayed his earlier actions, he realized what had happened; the glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed, fallen into one of the boxes, which he had nailed shut. His brand new glasses were heading for China!

The Great Depression was at its height & Grandpa had 6 children. He had spent $20 for those glasses that very morning. He was really upset by the thought of having to buy another pair. "It's not fair," he told God as he drove home in frustration. "I've been very faithful in giving of my time & money to your work & now this."

Months later, the director of the orphanage wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in China, so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago.

The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithfulness in supporting the orphanage. "But most of all," he said, "I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my coworkers & I were much in prayer about this. Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses wedged between two blankets.”

The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued: "Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that." 

The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way. 

There are times we want to blame God instead of thanking him! Perhaps it is something we ought to try more often,
"Thank you, God, for not allowing my car to start this morning." He may have been saving your life from a car accident.
"Lord Jesus, thank you for letting me lose my glasses; I'm sure they'll be put to good use or there is a lesson to be learned."

- (aksermonillustrations.blogspot.com)

1 Thes 5:18 (KJV): “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 


Tuesday, July 24, 2018

CHURCHES ARE FOR MENDING LIVES



Jim Corley met his friend, Alex, at the dealership where Alex worked.

“Jim, I feel like a hypocrite every time I go to church because I fail to live for Christ so often.”

“Alex, what do you call this part of the dealership?” Jim asked, pointing to the area outside his cabin.

“You mean the showroom?”

“Yes. And what’s behind the showroom, past the parts counter?

“The service department,” Alex said confidently.

“What if I told you I didn’t want to bring my car to the service department because it was running rough,” Jim asked.

“That would be crazy! That’s the whole point of service departments - to fix cars that aren’t running right.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Jim replied. “Now, let’s get back to our initial conversation. Instead of thinking of church as a showroom where image is everything, start thinking of it as God’s service department. Helping people get back in running order with God is what the church is all about.”

- Craig Brian Larson (ministry127.com)

Ep 5:27 (ICB): “Christ died so that he could give the church to himself like a bride in all her beauty. He died so that the church could be pure and without fault, with no evil or sin or any other wrong thing in it.”

“I don't think the job of the church is to make people happy. I think it's to make them holy.” -  Chuck Colson.

Monday, July 23, 2018

SINCERELY



The next time you receive a letter that carries the word "Sincerely" above the signature of the writer, pause a moment & think of the origin of that word.

As you may recall, it was first used as "sincerely," meaning "without wax," by ancient sculptors to mark a flawless piece of work. Wax was then commonly employed to conceal defects, to patch a chipped nose, a poorly shaped finger, etc.

Sincerely is too honest a word to be used loosely, but it is a good word when consciously employed.

- (moreillustrations.com)

“When the honest, sincere Christian is faced with the decision regarding whether a thing is right or wrong, he should ask: Does it agree with all that the Scripture has to say on the subject?” -  Curtis Hutson.

Psalm 145:18 (ERV): “The Lord is near to everyone who sincerely calls to him for help.”

Sunday, July 22, 2018

CLAIMS OF CHRIST & OUR RESPONSE



Peter Waldo (1140-1205), the leader of the Waldensians, (a Christian spiritual movement) was a rich merchant of Lyons, France. He was saved through the death of a friend at a feast.

He then had the Scriptures translated by two well-read scholars into his own tongue & thereafter gave up all his wealth & followed the Lord.

Everywhere he went, he preached the claims of Christ, using the words:
“Look to Jesus! Listen to Jesus! Learn of Jesus!”

- (moreillustrations.com)

CAN WE DECLARE SOMETHING LIKE THIS? :-

Isa 38:3 (NIRV): “Lord, please remember how faithful I’ve been to you. I’ve lived the way you wanted me to. I’ve served you with all my heart. I’ve done what is good in your sight.”

Ps 86:2 (CEV): “Protect me and save me because you are my God. I am your faithful servant, and I trust you.”

Friday, July 20, 2018

AFFLICTION



Billy Graham commented how, "When a ship's carpenter needed timber to make a mast for a sailing vessel, he did not cut it in the valleys, but up on the mountains where the trees have been buffeted by the strong winds. These trees, he knew, were the strongest of all. Hardship is not our choice; but if we face it bravely, it can toughen the fiber of our souls."

And that's exactly why God disciplines us & allows us to go through trials. They are designed to strengthen us & help us to grow healthy & strong.

And while "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful," what we always need to remember is that "the Lord disciplines those He loves." (Heb 12:11 & 6 NIV)

- Dick Innes (aksermonillustrations.blogspot.com)            

Ps 119:71 (KJV): “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”

“A believer may pass through much affliction, and yet secure very little blessing from it all. Abiding in Christ is the secret of securing all that the Father meant the chastisement to bring us.” -  Andrew Murray.

Thursday, July 19, 2018

THE DIFFERENCE PASSION MAKES



A Dutch diamond collector was seeking for a very rare diamond. A dealer in New York by the name of Mr. Winston heard of this inquiry & contacted him letting him know that he believed he possessed the diamond he was looking for.

The diamond collector arrived & Mr. Winston had his salesman present the diamond. The salesman described all the technical aspects of the diamond; however within minutes, the diamond collector raised his hand & said that this was not what he was looking for.

Watching from a distance, Mr. Winston hurriedly intercepted him as he was walking out & he asked him if he could present the diamond again. The collector agreed.

Mr. Winston pulled out the same diamond & started describing his admiration for this particular diamond. Within minutes they were signing papers & he purchased the diamond. As the gentleman was walking out, he asked:

“What just happened? Why was it so easy for me to say no to your salesman a little while ago, while with you I purchased the diamond?”

Mr. Winston answered: “That salesman is the best in the business. He knows more about diamonds than anyone, including myself & I pay him a large salary for his knowledge & expertise. But I would gladly pay him twice as much if I could put into him something I have which he lacks. You see, he knows about diamonds, but I love them.”

The same is true in soul winning.

Many Christians have much Bible knowledge, but do not share Christ with the lost. While others may not have as much knowledge of the Bible, but they love Christ so much they tell others about Him & press them to accept Him as their Savior.

Source: ‘Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks’, Wayne Rice (ministry127.com)

Mat 9:36 (CEB): “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson .

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

A MOTHER’S LOVE



In his book, 'Moments for Mothers', Robert Strand wrote about the conflicts of a family in Scotland. After years of rebellion, a daughter finally rejected her parents, their values, & their faith. She set out on her own to enjoy a life without restraints, but soon became enslaved to her liberated choices.

Years of misery followed as she lived on the streets, sold herself for pennies & depended on rescue missions for survival. Because of her self-imposed detachment from family, she didn’t know her father died, or that her mother never quit looking for her.

One day she saw a picture that her mom had posted in each of the city’s homeless shelters. Scrawled across the photo of her mother were the words: “I love you still… come home!”

In wonder & disbelief she set out for her home in hopes that she was indeed still loved. By the time she arrived it was the middle of the night. Her heart raced as she stood & prepared to knock, but her countenance suddenly changed when she tapped on the door & it was open.

She ran to her mother’s bedroom in fear that someone had broken in & harmed her. She desperately reached for her mom & the woman awoke quickly to embrace her wayward daughter.

When the young woman explained her fears about the open door, her mother replied: “No dear. From the day you left, that door has never been locked.”

Source: 'Chicken Soup For The Mother’s Soul', Canfield and Hansen (ministry127.com)

Isa 49:15 (GNT): So the Lord answers, “Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.”

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

WHEN YOU PRAY, YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES



If you believe in prayer, you believe in miracles.

When you pray, you are requesting the supernatural intervention of God to come into a situation that would deteriorate without it.

Nothing is natural any more... everything has become supernatural.

The power of God is now over that situation. Therefore, when you pray, you are asking for a miracle.

- Albert Kang (aksermonillustrations.blogspot.com)

Ps 77:14 (NIV): “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”

“Prayer is often a temptation to bank on a miracle of God instead of on a moral issue, i.e., it is much easier to ask God to do my work than it is to do it myself. Until we are disciplined properly, we will always be inclined to bank on God's miracles and refuse to do the moral thing ourselves. It is our job, and it will never be done unless we do it.” -  Oswald Chambers.

Monday, July 16, 2018

TEMPTATION



Temptations divide the world into two classes; those who fail and go down under them & those who meet them successfully & gain strength of character through overcoming them.

To the one class they are stumbling-blocks; to the other they are stepping-stones.

To the one they are hindrances; to the other they are helps.

It is not our temptations but the way we respond to them that counts.

- H. O. Fanning (moreillustrations.com)

“In the deceitfulness of our hearts, we sometimes play with temptation by entertaining the thought that we can always confess and later ask forgiveness. Such thinking is exceedingly dangerous. God's judgment is without partiality. He never overlooks our sin. He never decides not to bother even if the sin is only a small one. No, God hates sin intensely whenever and wherever He finds it.” - Jerry Bridges.

Ecc 12:13-14 ( GNT): “After all this, there is only one thing to say: Have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that we were created for. God is going to judge everything we do, whether good or bad, even things done in secret.”

Sunday, July 15, 2018

DISAPPOINTMENT IS HIS APPOINTMENT



During a low period in the life of noted author Andrew Murray of South Africa, wrote the following words:

“He brought me here. He will keep me here. He will make this trial a blessing. He will bring me out again. Therefore, I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time.”

It is often said that “disappointment is His appointment.” We don’t see that in advance, only in reverse. Be encouraged. God knows what He is doing even when we don’t have a clue.

- Ray Pritchard (aksermonillustrations.blogspot.com)

Pro 3:5-6 (NIV): “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

“Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land tomorrow.” - D.L. Moody.

DISCIPLINE



I had two teachers last year who never said a harsh word to anyone, yet the discipline in the classrooms was "under their little finger."

In each case, the teachers were mannerly & respectful toward their students; therefore, the students were respectful toward the teachers.
 
Both teachers had variety in their classes which made sitting & listening for an hour a pleasure.

Wilmer A. Lamar, Teachers as Students See Them (moreillustrations.com)

Heb 12:10 (NCV): “Our fathers on earth disciplined us for a short time in the way they thought was best. But God disciplines us to help us, so we can become holy as he is.”

“We must face the fact that many today are notoriously careless in their living. This attitude finds its way into the church. We have liberty, we have money and we live in comparative luxury. As a result, discipline practically has disappeared. What would a violin solo sound like if the strings on the musician's instrument were all hanging loose, not stretched tight, not "disciplined?” -  A.W. Tozer.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE



A businessman well known for his ruthlessness once announced to writer Mark Twain:

“Before I die I mean to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I will climb Mount Sinai and read the Ten Commandments aloud at the top.”

”I have a better idea,” replied Twain. “You could stay in Boston itself and obey them.”

Source: Today in the Word, Moody Bible Institute (ministry127.com)

1 Sam 15:22 (CEV): “Tell me,” Samuel said. “Does the Lord really want sacrifices and offerings? No! He doesn’t want your sacrifices. He wants you to obey him.”

“Obedience is the only reality. It is faith visible, faith acting, and faith manifest. It is the test of real discipleship among the Lord's people.” -  J.C. Ryle.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

BE FOCUSED



In the cotton farming country around Texas, where I grew up, the land was flat and the cotton rows often were as straight as an arrow.

I asked a farmer how he made the rows so straight. He said:

"When I plow a new role I fix my eyes on an object at the far end of the field and never look back. You can't plow looking back."

- Calvin T. Partain, (aksermonillustrations.blogspot.com)

Jesus said, “Anyone who begins to plow a field but keeps looking back is of no use in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62 NCV)

“The more you trust Jesus and keep your eyes focused on Him, the more life you'll have. Trusting God brings life. Believing brings rest. So stop trying to figure everything out, and let God be God in your life.” -  Joyce Meyer.

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

THE LORD CORRECTS …



Ps 7:12 (GNT): “If they do not change their ways, God will sharpen his sword. He bends his bow and makes it ready.”

“No matter how dear you are to God, if pride is harbored in your spirit, He will whip it out of you. They that go up in their own estimation must come down again by His discipline.” -  Charles Spurgeon.

Pro 3:12 (GNT): “The Lord corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud.”

“Remind yourself of how much dross there is yet among the gold and view the corruption of your own heart and marvel that God has not smitten you more severely.” - A. W. Pink.

Pro 15:32 (GNT): “If you refuse to learn, you are hurting yourself. If you accept correction, you will become wiser.”

“Form the habit of heeding His taps, and you will be less likely to receive His raps.” - A. W. Pink.

PRIDE Vs OBEDIENCE



Roger Staubach who led the Dallas Cowboys to the World Championship in '71 admitted that his position as a quarterback who didn't call his own signals was a source of trial for him.

Coach Landry sent in every play. He told Roger when to pass, when to run & only in emergency situations could he change the play.

Even though Roger considered coach Landry to have a "genius mind" when it came to football strategy, pride said that he should be able to run his own team.

Roger later said, "I faced up to the issue of obedience. Once I learned to obey, there was harmony, fulfillment & victory."

The point of the story is simple; once you learn to obey that's the only time you'll experience harmony, fulfillment & victory in your life.

- Don & Dawn (aksermonillustrations.blogspot.com)

1 Pet 5:5 (EHV): “Likewise, young men, be submissive to those who are older…”

“You can only learn what obedience is by obeying.” -  Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Rom 13:1 (ERV): “All of you must obey the government rulers. Everyone who rules was given the power to rule by God. And all those who rule now were given that power by God.”

Sunday, July 8, 2018

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO BE SAVED?



A woman was telling in a testimony meeting about her husband's transformation:

"The first thing that happened the next morning, he built the fire in the cook stove.

Ever since our marriage I have brought water from a well outside the house. I had asked him many times if it could not be piped in. He always said, ‘No.’

Right away after he became a saved person he had a pump put in the kitchen. Then he suggested that I could have a new dress & shoes and that our meals should be simpler on Sunday so that we could go to church.

The children saw the difference right away. The home was a different place. Even the dog knew it. Where ill will & selfishness had ruled, there was kindness & service for others."

That is a home of blessing where God dwells.

- Baptist Leader.  (moreillustrations.com)

Mat 3:8 (NLT): “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.”

“Every day you are witnessing. What are you witnessing to? Your witness is the total package of your attitudes, character, and actions. It does not lie.” -  Winkie Pratney.

Friday, July 6, 2018

CAUTION IN IMITATING


A man had a Chinese plate he valued very much. One day it fell & cracked down the middle. He ordered 6 more made & to insure the exact pattern, he sent his broken plate as a copy.
 

When he received the package from China 6 months later, he was astonished to find the Chinese craftsman had so faithfully followed his copy that each new plate had a crack right down the middle. 
 

When we imitate even the best of men we may follow some of their imperfections.
 

- Purnell Bailey, "Bread of Life,” (moreillustrations.com)
 

3 Jn 1:11 (NABRE): “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does what is good is of God; whoever does what is evil has never seen God.”
 

“My brethren, let me say, be like Christ at all times. Imitate him in "public." Most of us live in some sort of public capacity - many of us are called to work before our fellow-men every day. We are watched; our words are caught; our lives are examined.” -  Charles Spurgeon.



Thursday, July 5, 2018

THE JEWS



Frederick the Great of Prussia asked his chaplain to prove the authenticity of the Bible in two words, and the chaplain immediately replied:

“The Jews!”       

- (moreillustrations.com)

Rom 3:2 (NIV): “Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.”

“We must not forget that it wasn't the Jews that put him on the cross, and it wasn't the Romans. It was my sins, it was your sins, the sins of this world.” -  Franklin Graham.

Ps 122:6 (TPT): “Pray and seek for Jerusalem’s peace, for all who love her will prosper!”

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

FAVOURITISM



Congratulating a friend after her son & daughter got married within a month of each other, a woman asked, "What kind of boy did your daughter marry?"

"Oh, he's wonderful," gushed the mother. "He lets her sleep late, wants her to go to the beauty parlor regularly & insists on taking her out to dinner every night."

"That's sounds lovely," said the woman. "What about your son?"

"I'm not so happy about that," the mother sighed. "His wife sleeps late, spends all her time in the beauty parlor & makes them eat take-out meals!"

- (aksermonillustrations.blogspot.com)

Js 2:9 (NLT): “But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.”

“The way you see people is the way you treat them.” -  Zig Ziglar.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

GOD HAS PLANS FOR YOUR LIFE



This “letter from God” shows His love & concern for you & me so beautifully:

My Precious Child,

I am in control. I am sovereign. I am able to make things happen the way I want them to go. Yes, I allow you to make your own choices. And I know you don’t fully understand how these ideas can operate side by side.

But I’m able to work within & around the choices you make to cause my ultimate purposes to succeed. For this, you must trust me. Ask me about your choices & plans. My wisdom is yours if you’ll ask.

I want you to cooperate with my plans. When the people around you don’t do that, be assured, I am still in control. I will fulfill my plan. Their choices are their own, but I’m still in control. Trust me. I’ll use it for your good.

Lovingly,

Your Heavenly Father.

- (ministry127.com)

Jer 29:11 (GNT): “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.”

“On judgment day, you and I are going to stand before God and answer for the gap that exists between where we are and where we could have been had we lived by God's plan.” -  John Hagee.

Monday, July 2, 2018

GREATNESS OF FAITH



Two Christians were once speaking of their experiences, and one said:

"It is terribly hard to trust God & realize His hand in the dark passages of life."

"Well, brother," said the other, "if you cannot trust a man out of your sight, he is not worth much; and if you cannot trust God in the dark, it shows you do not trust Him at all."

- Courtesy of Moody Monthly. (moreillustrations.com)

1 Cor 4:2 (ICB): “A person who is trusted with something must show that he is worthy of that trust.”

“At the end of your life on earth you will be evaluated and rewarded according to how well you handled what God entrusted to you.” -  Rick Warren.

Sunday, July 1, 2018

SIMPLICITY OF FAITH



An elderly woman was starting on a railroad journey from a terminal out of which many trains move, although in different directions. Not having traveled much on the trains, she got confused.

Afraid that she was on the wrong train, she showed her ticket to somebody in the seat immediately in front of her & said, "I want to go to Bay City, Michigan. Is this the right train?"

"Yes, madam."

Still, she was not quite at ease, for she thought that perhaps this fellow passenger might have got into the wrong train too; so she stepped across the aisle of the car & showed her ticket to another person & was again told:

"Yes, madam, this is the right train."

But the woman was a little uncertain still. In a few moments a man came in with the conductor's insignia on his cap; she beckoned to him & said, "I want to go to Bay City; is this the right train?"

"Yes, madam, this is the right train." And now she settled back in her seat & was asleep before the train pulled out!

This illustrates the simplicity of taking God at His word. She did nothing but just receive the testimony of that conductor. That is all; but that is faith.

- Arthur T. Pierson. (moreillustrations.com)

Heb 11:6 (GNT): “No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him.”