Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon" (Luke 18:31,32 NKJV).

What will stretching (reaching) forward take? Like the physical body requires exercise, the spiritual body requires the same (action). As the physical uses every muscle in the body, the spiritual must have every member actively involved. It will require: faith and trust in God and His promises; every member must be enthusiastic about the work; diligence is a key ingredient; there must be a vision for great things; there will be no successes if there isn’t work, work, work!!!

When we are wrong about something, the right response is the humble response. We must be willing to admit when we are in the wrong, and change our minds. 

William Cowper writes: “God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform; he plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.

"The goal of Christianity is not to get people to act like Jesus, but to think like Jesus." The apostle Paul wrote, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5 NKJV). If we think like him, then the way we act will be like him. 

This is a broad statement, and it includes everything which pertains to the Christian life. Too many professed Christians are content with merely having their names on the church record, but anyone who is acquainted with the New Testament knows that the Lord expects more of them than that. (Read Titus 2:14-3:1).

 How is your prayer life? If I could list some of the things I would like to improve in my walk with God, my prayer life would have to be on that list. I believe I am not alone and that many other Christians feel the same way.

In these two little Psalms, which are plainly one, we see the conflicting emotions of gloom and sunshine, which comes to a close with sunshine in triumph.

Though one must not change the word of God, one ought to be changed by the words of God:  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2 NKJV).

We often talk about the concept of restoration. There are some in this room who know vastly more than I do about what is sometimes referred to as “the Restoration Movement.” In a nutshell, that movement was meant to bring people back to the original New Testament church; in other words, to “restore” what Christ said and what the Holy Spirit inspired men like Paul and Peter to write down in the pages of the New Testament.

We often talk about the concept of restoration. There are some in this room who know vastly more than I do about what is sometimes referred to as “the Restoration Movement.” In a nutshell, that movement was meant to bring people back to the original New Testament church; in other words, to “restore” what Christ said and what the Holy Spirit inspired men like Paul and Peter to write down in the pages of the New Testament.

Opportunities for serving God are in abundance all around us but so nearsighted are we that we fail to perceive their presence.

For the Bible says, And to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 NKJV).

There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave,
There are souls that are pure and true;
Then give to the church the best you have,
And the best will come back to you.

It is natural to have concern for your brethren, whether that is to defend them when they are wronged, or to help them when they are in need. In addition to your siblings, your brethren are also fellow Christians. In regards to Christian bondservants and their duty toward their Christian masters, Paul noted that they were both brethren: And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort (1 Timothy 6:2).

JUST FOR TODAY I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don’t want to do, just for exercise. I will not show that my own feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

The Bible paints beautiful pictures of the Lord's church. As we read it, we are given a picture of marriage, as the church is the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-33). As the groom, Jesus exhibits sacrificial and loving leadership for his bride, as she submits to him willfully and gratefully. Also, the church is pictured as a flock of sheep (Acts 20:28), which needs oversight, guidance, and protection. Another picture of the church is that of a family.

Accuracy in listening is important, whether it be to the radio, the television, the conversation of friends, your wife, or your boss giving you instructions. Careful listening will not only help you to become a more effective individual, but in religious matters it will make you a more effective Christian.

 I walk with bare, hushed feet the ground
Ye tread with boldness shod;
I dare not fix with mete and bound
The love and power of God.

 Do you fall short from time to time in your walk? Though we may try, and we must, we can never truly walk worthy of our Lord and earn it. But instead of quitting, this should make us aware of how much we need our Savior. Jesus did indeed always please the Father and walked worthy of Him. If His blood covers our sins and shortcomings, then we can keep walking with God.