Berean Outreach
Because of the length of the devotional this week it necessitated that the Berean Outreach be shortened. (We try to limit each mailing to eight pages). So, we leave you with the following Quotations.
ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
The promise of heaven does not remove the pains of this world, but it does give us hope, strength, and peace during life’s most difficult seasons. (John MacArthur).
Grace Does Not Mean
Grace does not mean we have permission to do as we please: it means we have the Power to do what God pleases. (John. MacArthur).
Why Do We Go Through Trials?
- To test the strength of our faith.
- To humble us.
- The Lord is weaning us from earthly things.
- Trials call us to heavenly hope.
- To reveal what we really love.
- To help others in their trials.
- God does what brings Him Glory. (John MacArthur)
Keep thyself pure. —1 Timothy 5:22
The Pharisees were not happy men. They had furrowed brows, nervous tension, frustration. They were full of resentments, bitter-ness, prejudices, and hatreds. Why? Simply because they had lost sight of God’s conception of the pure in heart. They thought that if they kept the letter of the law that was enough. But this was not God’s plan. This did not produce purity of heart. This did not bring about happiness of soul. Jesus taught that God looks deeper than the outside actions of an individual. He searches and ponders the heart. God judges not so much the outside as He does the inside. He looks at the motives, thoughts, and intents of your heart. (Billy Graham).
Perspective
Some people could be given an entire field of roses and only see the thorns in them. Others could be given a single weed and only see the wildflower in it. Perception is a key component of gratitude. And gratitude is a key component of joy. (Ann Weatherly)
Blessings to all.
Steve Lampman – facilitator of Jackson Street Baptist Church Berean Class