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The
Daily Devotional
with Bro. John Spade
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We pray the inspirational encouragement of the Word brings you knowledge, peace and joy.
Romans 13:12..."The night is far spent; the day is at hand; let us, therefore, cast off
the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light".
Whitedove Radio thanks Bro. John Spade for his thoughts and sharing
"God's Light...The Word" with us.
Sit with the Word, our Heavenly Father and Study awhile!
A Brief Bio of Bro. John W. Spade
Greetings all,
I just wanted to take a moment of your time to let you know who I am and what I am about.
My birthplace is upper New York. I grew up there and went to school in the inner city. After graduation I married my childhood sweetheart. We had four children three boys and one girl.
My daughter was four years old when we found out she had leukemia and at the same time my wife had just given birth to our youngest son. When he was examined we found out that he had spinal meningitis. Here we are, two young parents (24 and 27)not knowing if two of our children are going to live or not. If my son does live will there be any permanent damage resulting from the meningitis? So what do we do? My wife and I did not know the Lord at the time. We were both lost. But God is so good. My son recovered without any problems from the meningitis. All our thoughts, love and heart is still with our daughter.
I was working at General Motors at the time. A friend of mine I went to high school with was working there and heard my daughter was very sick. He handed me a Chick Tract titled "Holy Joe." As a result of his concern for my soul I was born-again at the age of 27. Isn't God wonderful! I immediately began witnessing, passing out gospel tracts, and learning all that I could. It was soon after the Lord saw fit to take my daughter home to be with Him (Isaiah 57:1,2.)
It was about two years later we settled into a church and became active there. I attended Bible School through our local church and have remained active for the Lord.
In 1981 we moved to Florida where we still reside today. We have been in the same church since 1989 serving the Lord. We intend to stay as long as the Lord wants us here.I am grateful for the opportunity to share Daily Devotions with you and pray they assist you in your walk with our Lord and Saviour Jesus. Bro. John W. Spade. You may e-mail me with any questions or assistance.
GIVING THANKS
Hello everyone, if you are reading this in the morning don't forget to start your day by spending some time with the Lord. If you are reading this in the evening don't forget to spend some time thanking Him for all the blessings that you had through the day.Psalm 118:1-29 (KJV)1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
4 Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
12 They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Let's look at Ten Reasons for Giving Thanks to God:
A. For He is good. vs.1, 20.
B. His mercy endures forever. vs 1-4, 29.
C. The Lord answered me, v.5.
D. He set me in a large place.
E. He is on my side, vs. 6.
F. He takes my part vs. 7, 13.
G. He is my strength vs. 14.
H. He is my song.
I. He is my salvation vs. 14, 21.
J. He has heard me vs. 21.
Thank you Lord for all that you have done, are doing, and will do for us as a body of believers and as individual believers.
YOUR BODY
Good day to you all, remember as we start the day and as the day progresses that our bodies belong to the Lord and they are to be a living sacrifice.
Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
God demands your body. God is not interested only in your spirit; He is vitally interested in your body. Your body is to be God's to be presented as a living sacrifice to God. What does a living sacrifice mean?
A living sacrifice means a constant, continuous sacrifice, not just an occasional dedication of your body. You do not sacrifice your body to God today, and then take your body back into your own hands and do your own thing tomorrow. A living sacrifice means that you dedicate your body to live for God and to keep on living for God.
A living sacrifice means you are to sacrifice your body wherever you are. A particular place is not needed. The sacrifice of your body is a living sacrifice; it is to be made while your body is living right where it is. And the offering of a living sacrifice is to be made today right now while your body is living.
A living sacrifice means that your body sacrifices its own desires and it lives for God. Your body is to live a holy, righteous, pure, clean, and moral life for God. Your body is not to pollute, dirty, nor contaminate itself with the sins and corruptions of the world. Your body is sacrificed for God and dedicated to live as He commands in Scripture.
A living sacrifice means that your body lives for God by serving God. It means that your body sacrifices and gives up its own ambitions and desires, and it serves God while upon this earth. Your body gives itself to the work of proclaiming the love of God and of ministering to a world reeling in desperate needs. Your body a sacrifice in order to serve God and Him alone. Your body is to be dedicated to God as a living sacrifice.
Wherever you are, whoever you are with, your body is to be a living sacrifice.
Let Your Light Shine
Greetings to you my friends - may your light shine bright in this dark world as the noon day sun on a clear day.
Matthew 5:16 (KJV) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The Lord didn't save us to keep us out of hell - that is just a side benefit of being born-again. God wants us to be conformed to the image of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. The way that we do that is to be like Christ, in order to be like Christ our life must be filled with good works.
The Bible tells us over and over again that we saved to do good works. Here are just a few.
Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2 Timothy 2:21 (KJV) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Titus 2:7 (KJV) In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works:
We are to preach the word 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
By our spreading the gospel (witnessing) and the good works that are done by us for the honour and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, then our light will shine and shine bright as the noon day sun.
Good Day to you all.
My prayer is that you have a blessed day and that you will be a blessing to all that you come in contact with this day.2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
Trusting the Lord
Proverbs 3:5 (KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Psalm 115:11 (KJV) Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
In Proverbs 3:5 we have a command and in Psalm 115:11 we see the result of applying that command to our life. We will have a healthy fear of the Lord. Not a fear like that of being in danger, but a fear of disappointing someone whom we love very much.
Why wouldn't we trust in the Lord and fear the Lord. He is our help and protector. The Bible tells us that He will hear us in the day of trouble, that His eyes are upon the righteous and His ears are open to their cry.
How comforting, knowing that the creator of the universe cares that much for us. It is not a wonder that we can have the peace that only God can give.
Philippians 4:7 (KJV) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
My question to you, do you have the peace that only God can give?
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
A WILLING SERVANT
Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.The death of Christ on the cross showed me that there was no salvation by the law. I was crucified with Him and I live with Him. It is not really my life. It is His life that I am partaking of. The life I now live in the flesh is one of faith in Christ, who loved me, and made it possible for me to live by faith.
This means that if I or any Christian applies this verse to our lives, we are no longer in control and that the Lord Jesus Christ is running our lives.We give up all control and independence over the decisions in our lives. We need to understand that this is not a one time event, but we must continually acknowledge that the old man is crucified with Christ and we are no longer under the power of sin.
Romans 6:6-7 (KJV)
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.If you have been born again, praying an "identification prayer" may help you to experience Christ's life of victory and peace. Before this prayer can be effective, you must be truly sick of your self-life; you must be under conviction by the Holy Spirit of trying to live the Christian life in your own strength, and you must be ready to give up control of your life. If this is your condition, pray in this manner.
"Father, thank you for forgiving my sins and taking me out of the life of Adam and grafting me into the life of Christ. Now that I am in Christ, I believe that I was crucified with Him, buried with Him, raised with Him and that I am seated with Him at your right hand. From this moment on, I choose to have your son, Jesus Christ, live His life in me and through me. I consider myself dead to sin and alive to you, and I am counting on the Holy Spirit to make me aware when I forget my death with Christ and try to live His life for Him in my own human wisdom and energy. I choose to yield my total being to you as an instrument of righteousness, allowing no part of me to be used for sin. Thank you for making Christ and his life real to me. Glorify yourself through me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
Praise Ye The Lord
Praise ye the Lord is found is found 28 times in the Bible and Praise ye him is found one time.
Have you ever wondered what it means to praise the Lord?
Is it to jump up and down? To roll on the floor? To yell and Scream? To sing?
Let's take a look at Scripture to find out.
Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
To praise God is to give thanks
Psalm 50:23 (KJV)
Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.
To praise God (give thanks) is to glorify God.
1 Peter 4:16 (KJV)
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
To suffer as a Christian is to glorify (give thanks) God.
Colossians 3:17 (KJV)
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Now we have a command, do all in the name of Jesus and give thanks to God.
In other words, everything we do is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and we are to give thanks to God Almighty.
In summary:
To praise God is to give thanks to God
To glorify God (to give great praise, honor, or glory to, especially in worship;
exalt; extol.) is to give thanks.
To suffer as a Christian is to glorify (give thanks) God.
May each one of us apply Colossians 3:17 to our lives, so that we will be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade and EdDefinition of abide: To continueTHE ABIDING LIFE
John 15:3-5John 15:3-5 (KJV) Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
According to the Bible, the first thing that is needed in order to live the abiding life is to be born again, that is when we have peace with God Romans 5:1 (KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: we are clean through the word and then to allow the word of God to continue to cleanse us daily. Once we are born again, then we make the choice of whether we will abide in Christ or not.
When we do abide in Christ, then and only then can we bring forth much fruit, Galatians 5:22-25 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
By abiding in Christ the fruit of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives and then all goodness, righteousness and truth will come forth from us, Ephesians 5:9 (KJV) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) and we will be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ Romans 8:29 (KJV) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
When this happens then the peace of God will be a part of your life
Philippians 4:7 (KJV) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. This is when we are able to face any situation that comes our way.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. SpadePsalm 143:8 (KJV)
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.As we see, the word "cause" when used as a noun: means any entity that causes events to happen. Of course that would be the Lord. When used as a verb (action): it means cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner, that cause of course is our hearts desire.
So, why would we want to hear the lovingkindness (which of course is found in the Bible) of the Lord in the morning?
Well maybe because of what He has done for us, (that we take for granted so many times) the mercy, grace, and love that He has shown us. That is why we would we should want to hear His lovingkindness. We should never tire of hearing His word. Now, why in the morning? What better way is there to start the day, than to spend time with the one who proved He loves us and that one of course is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Why would we not trust in Him, after all He is the creator and sustainer. He is the one who blesses us with blessings untold. Romans 4:6-8 (KJV) Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. We are told in 1 Timothy 6:8 (KJV) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. So anything above that is a blessing. Ever stop to think how much we are blessed?
With the end result being Romans 8:29 (KJV) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that as we go through this life when people see us they see the Lord Jesus Christ living His life in and through us. When this happens we become a living sacrifice for the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Now we are in line with what the Scriptures teach and we are in the perfect will of God.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. SpadeTHE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.How many of us that are born-again have the fruit of the spirit manifest in their lives. If we take a close look at the verse, there are nine items mentioned, but only one fruit. So in order to have the fruit of the spirit we should understand that the fruit has a number of components, but at the same time, all of them will be produced within each person
Paul points out that the source of the fruit is that "of the Spirit" to make us fully aware that these qualities do not flow from our natures. The "works of the flesh" listed in Galatians 5:19-21 are the product of our human heart. But the spiritual fruit is produced by means of a "foreign" influence, the person of the Holy Spirit. Even after conversion our heart is not the source of this spiritual fruit.
Reading closely we see that these nine are divided into three groups, each consisting of three qualities.
The first grouplove, joy and peaceportrays a Christian's mind, with special emphasis on one's relationship with God. The second grouplongsuffering, gentleness and goodnesscontains social virtues relating to our thoughts and actions toward fellow man. The final groupfaith, meekness, and temperance reveals how a Christian should be in himself with overtones of his spiritual and moral reliability.Each of these virtues is a quality we should greatly desire, for without them, we cannot live the life that the Lord would have us to live. The fruit of the Spirit reflects the virtues God would manifest before mankind. Indeed, when Jesus became a man, it was by his life that He glorified our Father in heaven. God, of course, is far more than this brief listing describes. But as it says in Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. This of course is obtained through yielding to His Word and then the fruit of the Spirit will be produced in our lives, and then these characteristics of God will show in us.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...Then, Romans 8:29 (KJV) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,
as we become like Christ, will take affect and we will be like Him, that is to glorify God. May each one of us have the desire to be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bro. John W. SpadeTHE WILL OF GODHave you ever wondered, or asked a question about the will of God? What is the will of God for my life, how can I be sure that I am in the will of God? Is there more than one will of God? I've heard
preachers say that there is the permissive and the perfect will of God, is this true? Then I reach in Romans 12:2 (KJV) "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Now it seems like there are four wills of God. permissive, good, acceptable, and perfect. Help.......can you give me some insight.
Ok, let's see what the Bible says, oh my, as I search page by page I can't find anywhere in the Word of God the permissive will of God. Well, that means that there is no such thing. It must be that whoever is using that term is doing it to justify their sin.
Now let’s look at Romans 12:1,2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." 2. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Here, it looks like there are three wills……. So I checked the rules of grammar…..
"Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that describe the same noun."
The three adjectives are good, acceptable, and perfect that describe the noun – will of God.
So there can only be the will of God……There are not different levels or degrees of God’s will.
What is the will of God for the lost?
2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." We find that the will of God for the lost is that they be saved.Let’s see what the will of God is for the saved......
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (KJV) "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."
1 Thessalonians 5:18-23 (KJV) "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." "Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil."
1 Peter 2:13-15 (KJV) "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God."The Lord seems to sum it up in the following verses:
1 Peter 3:8-18 (KJV)
Finally, "Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful (tenderhearted), be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit."
Twelve Commands for Christians
1. Be one of mind (1Pet. 3:8; Eph. 4:1-3).
2. Have compassion on one another (1Pet. 3:8).
3. Love as brethren (1Pet. 3:8; 1Cor. 13).
4. Be pitful (tenderhearted, 1Pet. 3:8).
5. Be courteous (friendly, 1Pet. 3:8).
6. Not rendering evil for evil (1Pet. 3:9).
7. Not railing for railing (1Pet. 3:9).
8. Be a blessing to others (1Pet. 3:9).
9. Control the tongue (1Pet. 3:10; Jas. 3).
10. Do not be deceptive (1Pet. 3:10).
11. Shun evil and do good (1Pet. 3:11).
12. Seek peace and pursue it (1Pet. 3:11).
Six things that constitute the acceptable and perfect will of God:
1. Present your bodies a living sacrifice to God (1Cor. 3:16-17) (1Cor. 6:20 )
2. Make the body holy (Rom. 12:1; 2Cor. 7:1 )
3. Make self acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1).
4. Render reasonable service (Rom. 12:1).
5. Be not conformed to the world (Rom. 12:2).
6. Be transformed from the world (Rom. 12:2).
Now we have no excuse for not being in the will of God....Any questions, please email me and may the Lord bless you......
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
Psalm 138:3 (KJV)
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
How many times have you cried out to the Lord? How many times have we as God's children cried out to the Lord when we face what seemed like hopeless situations. Look at some of the examples in Scripture, people who have cried out to the Lord when they faced hopeless situations and He brought them out of their distress.
2 Chron 18:30-31 (KJV)
Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel. 31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.
Psalms 18:6 (KJV)
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
Psalms 34:6 (KJV)
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psalms 107:6-7 (KJV)
Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. 7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
Psalms 107:13-14 (KJV)
Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. 14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
Now in this age of grace, when the Holy Spirit indwells the believer and we are the children of God. Knowing how much He loves us and what He has done for us, why would anyone feel as thought the Lord has abandoned us or doesn't care about us?
Here are some Scriptures that should encourage us:
Deut 31:6 (KJV)
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deut 31:8 (KJV)
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Heb 13:5 (KJV) for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Now with the examples we have seen and knowing what He has done in our lives thus far, how could we not trust in Him to come through in a time of need.
He will not only answer us but He will strengthen us in our soul. Showing that He is concerned about our spiritual condition.
After all that He has done and is doing for us, how can we not love and serve Him.
Heavenly Father we thank you for loving us, listening to us and answering our prayers in Jesus name......Amen2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
WINE IS A MOCKERProverbs 20:1 (KJV) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
The Bible instructs believers to avoid and or stay away from many things, today we will look at one. This one, once you begin to indulge will control you. There is a saying that goes like this, man takes drink - drink take man. Soon you are not in control of yourself or your actions, as the saying goes - the spirits take over.
Your actions are no longer yours, your language changes, your attitude changes, you no longer think rationally; it is as if you are no longer you. You do and say things that under normal conditions you would never consider saying or doing. You end up sick and shortening your life and maybe taking some ones life because of your drunkenness. Then the rest of your life you have to live with the results of sin, it's called reaping what you sow.
The Bible says,
Prov. 23:21 (KJV) For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty.
Isaiah 28:7-8 (KJV) But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. 8 For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.
1 Cor. 6:10 (KJV) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Why live with the heartache that sin brings, when it is so easy to do right and be right and as result reap the blessings from the Lord. Keep your heart right, apply the word of God to your life, keep your testimony what it should be and enjoy life.
Gods command:
Eph 5:18 (KJV) 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
If drinking wine and (or) strong drink is a problem let's ask the Lord for the victory.
Father we come to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy spirit asking that you give the victory over this sin in the lives of believers. We thank you in advance for what you are going to do.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
Psalms 5:11(KJV)11. "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."
We are told in the Scriptures numerous times to rejoice in or because of the Lord.
To the believer joy is a privilege. At the White Throne Judgment when sinners are destroyed our rejoicing shall be full (because it is the end of sin). The lost laugh first and weep ever after because they are cast into the lake of fire; we the believers weep now, but shall rejoice in eternity, because we shall be forever with the Lord. When they scream in pain, we shall rejoice with the Lord, and as they must groan for ever, so shall we ever shout for joy.The happiness that we have now and into eternity has a firm foundation, O Lord, we are joyful in thee. The eternal God is the well-spring of our happiness. We love God, and therefore we delight in him. Our heart is at ease in our God. We fare sumptuously every day because we feed on him.
We have music in the house, music in the heart, and music in heaven, for the Lord Jehovah is our strength and our song; he also is become our salvation.
The character of the righteous is faith and love.
There are two privileges of the righteous.
Our Joy is great, it is pure and satisfying.
Our defense is by God's power
Joy in the Lord both a duty and a privilege.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
Psalms 25:4-5 (KJV)
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Wouldn't it be tremendous if every born again believer when they woke up to start their day, would start it with the prayer from Psalms 25:4,5. Not only begin the day with that prayer but mean it with all our heart. If we were all serious about serving the Lord
as the Bible instructs us, can you imagine what a different world this would be.
How would we be different? What type of impact would it make in our lives as individuals? What changes would take place in our lives? As we think on these things, why isn't it taking place now? We know what the Bible teaches, we know how that we are to be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ, what is stopping us.
If we would determine in our minds and in our hearts that our desire is to be more like Christ, God will answer that prayer. He has broken the power of sin in our lives when we received our new nature at the cross. We are no longer under the bondage of sin, we are free, praise the Lord. Now I have the freedom to serve my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. After all, why would I want to continue to serve the devil after I have been set free?
If you would like to know more about what the bible says on this subject or any other of concern to you, please send me an e-mail with your questions and I will do my best to assist.2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
Romans 6:14 --- Not Under The LawWhat a blessing to be in a ministry where the preaching and teaching isn't legalism, you must do this or you must do that, you can't do this or you can't do that. You can't go here you can't go there. You must tithe all that God has blessed you with (from the gross not the net) or God will break your arm, or have your car break down or take your first born. What a relief not to be under a burden like that. Living like that as a believer is like being in a pressure cooker with the heat turned up to high.
Besides, the God of the Bible is not like that. He is not a demanding, do this or else, with the exception when He says - ye must be born-again John 3:3,7. When that command is rejected and someone dies in their sin, then the wrath of God is show (Romans 1:18). God showed His love for the lost by providing the sacrifice for their sin, His son the Lord Jesus Christ.The God of the Bible is a balanced God, balancing his wrath for those who reject His Son and die in their sins along with His love for the lost by allowing His Son to die for them (Rom. 5:6).
Now when it comes to His children, those of us who are born again we are promised by the Lord Jesus Christ that he would go and prepare a place for us. Redemption of the body, we will have a new body one without sickness and pain.2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
WHAT ARE WE CHASINGHow many of us have seen someone throw a stick and have their dog go chase after it to bring it back to them. They do this a number of times and finally the dog gets tired and refuses to go after the stick, when this happens the owner of the dog calls the dog stupid.
As I thought about that, I wondered how many times the devil throws a stick for us, a new toy of some sort, a new car, something that we really don't need but something that we may have a desire for and we go chasing after it. Many of us do go chasing after something new or different that we don't have, thinking that this will bring us the satisfaction or happiness that we think we are missing.
Then after we get tired of chasing the toys and no longer chase after them, he calls us stupid. But we as believers know that our happiness comes only from the Lord Jesus Christ and nothing else.
That's why it is so important that we stay right with the Lord, by continuing our study of the Word and applying it to our lives.2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
OUR GUIDEHave you noticed that it is a lot easier today, than ever before to find where you are going. No longer do we have to depend on the directions that someone tells us. We no longer have to depend upon maps, we are able to have a device on our dashboard called a GPS which when we type in the address that we want to go to - will take us right to that point turn by turn.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day
That reminds me of the Holy Spirit, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things,
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
So, if we want to know the things of God, all we have to do is read and study the word apply it to our lives and get into a church that teaches and preaches the word and depend upon the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth.2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
STAND IN AWEPsalms 4:4-5 (KJV) Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
Standing in awe is to stand with a very strong feeling of wonder, reverence, or fear, caused by something grand or powerful. Some synonyms for awe are reverence , wonder , and fear ,
Some similar words are amazement, and astonishment {astonish}. It is a feeling of great respect mixed with fear. That is how we are to come before an almighty, righteous, Holy, sinless, perfect God. We are not to address Him as the man upstairs, or the big guy or in any other way that shows disrespect to God almighty.
It seems that the evening time is one of the best times to get alone with God. When all the days activities have come to a halt and we are upon our bed reflecting on the days happenings. Communing with God, praising, extolling, giving thanks and then being very still allowing the Lord to speak to our hearts.
You may wonder, how can we offer the sacrifice of righteousness, the same as Abraham Romans 4:3 (KJV) For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. By believing what God says in His Word, which includes believing on Him Romans 4:5 (KJV) But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. After believing God and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ we apply the Word of God to our lives.
It is at this point in our Christian life that we believe God and draw near to Him and put our trust in the Lord GOD, Psalm 73:28.....2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
CASTING ALLYOUR CARES UPON HIM
Psalms 5:1 (KJV) Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.In this day and age we live in such a fast paced life, time just seems to fly by.As a result of this fast paced life comes more trials, more tribulations and much more hectic life.
The Lord tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Who else can we cast our cares upon? Who else loves us enough to take our cares upon him?
Who else is able to take our cares upon him?
Would a friend or a loved one be able to take all your cares upon them? All your heartaches, your troubles, your trials?
You know and I know that as much as someone loves us and wants to help, they are limited as to what they can do.
We see friends and loved ones going through trials and tribulations, and all we can do is sympathize and try and comfort them.
Who is able to give us peace in the middle of turmoil? The only one who is able to do that is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The first step in having peace and joy is to be born again (Romans 14:7).
The second thing that we must do is to be obedient to the Word of God (Galatians 5:16), applying it to our lives.
Our lives must line up with what the Bible teaches.
The last part of the formula for having the peace of God is found in Philippians 4:4-9 (KJV) Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
That's the formula that God Himself prescribed, now that we know, what will we do about it?2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
HOLY and REVEREND is MY NAME
Psalms 5:4 (KJV) For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.The Lord God is holy and reverend, in fact His name is holy and reverend according to the Bible in the book of Psalms. So being holy and reverend, God takes no pleasure in wickedness: Wickedness is departure from the rules of the divine law; evil disposition or practices; immorality; crime; sin; sinfulness; corrupt manners. Wickedness generally signifies evil practices.
Evil is having bad qualities of a moral kind; wicked; corrupt; perverse; wrong; as evil thoughts; evil deeds; evil speaking; an evil generation.
It is only natural that God would not take part in any thing that is contrary to His nature (wickedness or evil). In like manner we that are born-again shouldn't take part in any wickedness or evil, because we received a new nature when we get born again (2Peter 1:4). The power of sin in our lives was broken at the cross, sin no longer has dominion over us (Romans 6).
Wickedness expresses the corrupt dispositions of the heart. The lord tells us that as believers we were created unto good works (Eph. 2:10). So,let us be filled with the Spirit, and in so doing mortify the deeds of the flesh. If we follow the scriptural instruction to reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin, and at the same time continually open our lives to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit will put the carnal nature [the flesh] into a state of crucifixion, rendering it powerless.2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
Psalms 5:4 (KJV) For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness:
neither shall evil dwell with thee.The Lord God is holy and reverend, in fact His name is holy and reverend according to the Bible in the book of Psalms.
So being holy and reverend, God takes no pleasure in wickedness: Wickedness is departure from the rules of the divine law; evil disposition or practices; immorality; crime; sin; sinfulness; corrupt manners. Wickedness generally signifies evil practices.
Evil is having bad qualities of a moral kind; wicked; corrupt; perverse; wrong; as evil thoughts; evil deeds; evil speaking; an evil generation.
It is only natural that God would not take part in any thing that is contrary to His nature (wickedness or evil). In like manner we that are born-again shouldn't take part in any wickedness or evil, because we received a new nature when we get born again (2Peter 1:4). The power of sin in our lives was broken at the cross, sin no longer has dominion over us (Romans 6).
Wickedness expresses the corrupt dispositions of the heart. The lord tells us that as believers we were created unto good works (Eph. 2:10). So, let us be filled with the Spirit, and in so doing mortify the deeds of the flesh. If we follow the scriptural instruction to reckon ourselves dead indeed unto sin, and at the same time continually open our lives to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit will put the carnal nature [the flesh] into a state of crucifixion, rendering it powerless.2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
Psalms 5:3 (KJV) My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
I don't want this to be a Bible study, but I feel that the subject of prayer is very important and something that is lacking in the life of most Christians and as a result feel I need to cover some scripture in order to help bring home some important points.
What better way to start the day than to call upon the Lord. But thank God that we are not limited to calling upon the Lord only at certain times of the day. We can call upon the Lord at anytime day or night. We don't have to worry about Him not being there.
In the morning (Psalm 5:3; Psalm 88:13; Psalm 143:8), Day and night (Psalm 88:1), Morning, noon, and night (Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10)
All night (Luke 6:12), Without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17), Always (Ephes. 6:18), In time of need (Hebrews 4:16), This is the proper attitude in prayer (Mark 6:41; John 17:1).
From Matthew to Revelation prayer or praying in some form is mentioned 199 times. Within these verses we are instructed as to when to pray, where to pray, how to pray, and what to pray for. So briefly let me encourage you all to begin, or to continue, to seek the Lords face for the right reason.
We are to pray anytime, anywhere, any position and for the following.
For the lost - to be saved
For the saved to be preserved
For the sick
For the leaders of our government
That our "needs" be supplied
for the peace of Jerusalem2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
Psalms 5:1 (KJV) Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.In this day and age we live in such a fast paced life, time just seems to fly by.As a result of this fast paced life comes more trials, more tribulations and much more hectic life.
The Lord tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Who else can we cast our cares upon? Who else loves us enough to take our cares upon him?
Who else is able to take our cares upon him?
Would a friend or a loved one be able to take all your cares upon them? All your heartaches, your troubles, your trials? You know and I know that as much as someone loves us and wants to help, they are limited as to what they can do. We see friends and loved ones going through trials and tribulations, and all we can do is sympathize and try and comfort them.
Who is able to give us peace in the middle of turmoil? The only one who is able to do that is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The first step in having peace and joy is to be born again (Romans 14:7).
The second thing that we must do is to be obedient to the Word of God (Galatians 5:16), applying it to our lives. Our lives must line up with what the Bible teaches.
The last part of the formula for having the peace of God is found in Philippians 4:4-9 (KJV) Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
That's the formula that God Himself prescribed, now that we know, what will we do about it?2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
Bro. John W. Spade
You may write to Bro. John W. Spade.
FYI: Should you have any question regarding health and vitamin regiments I too get a lot of requests for that information as well. Please write and tell me what specifically what you are dealing with and give me your contact info I will gladly assist anyway I can.
In His Service, John Spade
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