Providence of God, April 2

Providence of God, April 2

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you...

Peter 1:3-10, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You have told us that you have reserved a place for us in heaven. We do not know a lot about heaven, but this we know. It will be a place of perfection, in You, reserved for us because of Your grace and mercy and the enabling atonement of Jesus.

You called us and we responded. We choose righteousness over evil, joy over depression and love over hate. Following You is so obviously right. You have taught us that we have a physical self that will perish and a spiritual self that will live forever.

Help us not to get too caught up in nurturing the physical while casually or seldom seeking Your Spirit to witness afresh, every day, to our spirit. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=21165727&l=19402&s=K5SR&m=259642&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/core/message/forward?m=259642&s=21165727&c=K5SR&cid=207588

Providence of God, March 7

Providence of God, March 7

Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless.
Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
...Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm."

Psalms 105:15, 108:12-13, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know there are those who dislike or hate us, especially if we are very public about our commitment to you. You promise to intervene on our behalf, many times without us even knowing we were being persecuted, and You assure us that whether now or later, Your love for us will prevail.

O' God, we know of cases where Your children are persecuted, even unto physical death. First, we know this life is as a vapor when compared to eternity and that Your children are safely in Your hand, forever. We also see here that revenge belongs to You and those who set out to harm Your children will be dealt with on Judgement Day.

We look to you constantly but never enough. Your thoughts toward us exceed number. Help us we pray to respond to your love, today, all day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=21165727&l=19402&s=K5SR&m=255033&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/core/message/forward?m=255033&s=21165727&c=K5SR&cid=207588

Providence of God, March 5

Providence of God, March 5

... the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:26-28, www.solascriptura.com

Father, these are wonderful verses, the kind we ought to memorize. Thank you for interceding for us with feelings and words we can not even express. We do become impatient as we wait upon You. Increase our faith, we pray. You are Omniscient, we are extremely limited by contrast and yet You call us saints.

This day Father, remind us that all things do work to the good for those who love You. You see what we can not see and you lead us in paths toward Your goals for our lives. Such intercession is too marvelous to fully grasp. Give us faith, every moment of every day to experience Your Holy presence, Your leading. In Jesus' name, Amen

Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=21165727&l=19402&s=K5SR&m=254428&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=254428&s=21165727&c=K5SR&cid=207588

A Chuck Smith commentary, March 3

This is a point of view/experience Chuck Smith (Founder of the Calvary Chapel movement)posted on his web site. It may give you a new perspective on an important matter.

Now this last week I had a very interesting experience. We have a fellow in our church who is the president of a polygraph firm, and so he has been doing some experiments with his polygraph machines. By hooking the connections up to a plant leaf and then watching the responses on the polygraph as the electrodes are hooked up to a plant. And he had been doing these experiments and he wanted me to come over and observe some of the things that he had discovered. And I found them very interesting.

As we are thinking about the earth showing His handiwork and day unto day they're uttering speech. And the question is, just how much understanding or knowledge is there in a plant? And so, as he hooked up the electrodes to the plant, and the needles started just moving up and down as it was measuring the responses within the leaf, he said, "Now move the needle upwards. Move in an upward position on the graph." And as he commanded it to do so, the needle started moving upward. And he said, "Now show us the downward movement." And the needle moved down on the graph. And then he said, "Now show us some violent motion," and the needle began to swing all the way across. Then he said to me, "Now you choose a number in your mind." And so he said, "Is the number one?" And of course I didn't answer. But he was just measuring the graph. "Is the number two? Is the number three?" And the needle was just going up and down, and when he got to my number seven, the needle goes way up and then came
back down again and leveled off, and then, "Eight? Nine? Ten?" And I looked at the thing and I thought, "I can't believe it." What kind of communication, you know.

Now I am certain that there are many things of God's creation that we don't understand. That there are vast facets within nature that we have only begun to scratch the surface. That God has coded in many things, wisdom that is phenomenal, things that are just amazing. And I think that there is much to be learned and much to be discovered. God says that day unto day they are uttering their speech. That it's a universal language. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. You say, "Well, what do you make of it?" I don't know what to make of it; it was weird. But it was interesting. And it just sort of opens up your mind to the fact that God's creation is far vaster than what we ever dreamed. What kind of intelligence is just in a cell itself?

There was a gal who pinched the leaf, one of the leaves on the plant, not the one that the electrode was attached to, and the needle began to move violently. She went out of the room to get something and the needle settled down. When she came back in the room, the needle started moving violently again. The way this was all discovered is a fellow had attached the electrodes to a plant and he was just watching the movement of the needle, sort of fascinated with it. And he decided to water the plant, and as he picked up the water to water the plant, the needle started going crazy. So instead of watering it, he stopped and he put the water back down, and the needle settled back down again and so he picked it up as though he was going to water, deciding he wasn't going to do it, but just see what the needle would do, and this time it didn't do anything. And he made several gestures like he was going to water it, but not intending to do it, and the needle did nothing. And this guy started
getting bugged. And so he finally decided, "Okay, I really will water it this time. I'll go ahead and really water it." And the needle started jumping again and he watered the thing. Now I don't know the explanations of it. I have no explanation for it. But it's interesting. "All nature," we sing, "All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres." Who knows? The wisdom of God who has created life forms, the infinite variety of life forms. What kind of understanding has He put into some of these life forms? I don't know. It is fascinating.

"The heavens declare the glory of God, the firmament shows His handiwork, and day unto day they utter their speech." They are talking to us. "Night unto night their voice goeth forth. There is not a speech nor a language where there voice is not heard." God speaks to man universally through nature. But though nature speaks to you of the existence of God, the testimony or the witness of nature then falls short because it cannot tell you of the love of God and the redemptive plan of God for your life. For that we needed the special revelation, and God has thus given us the special revelation that we might know His love and His plan for our lives. But the fact that God exists, we all know just by the fact of life around us and life forms around us.

This is Bruce talking now and I just want to say this "story" awakened a sense in my heart that I have always had: God is omnipresent, He is the Living Water, He knows when a hair falls from your head, the air we breathe is as the Holy Spirit made alive, the Scriptures say that the very rocks would cry out if we did not declare God. In another place the Bible says a dove descended and said "this is My Son in whom I am well-pleased". We know that not a bird falls from the sky of which He is unaware, the trees clap their hands in praise of him and on an on as the Bible teaches us how it is that He cares about us, loves us, protects us and encircles us in a more complete way than we may have ever imagined. Our God is present in every created thing. We truly never walk alone. Acknowledge Him as you feel the breeze, see the flowers, breathe the air and drink the water He has provided. He is truly omnipresent.

Praise God for His revelations. He is indeed Abba, Father, as a caring Dad and He sent His only Son, Jesus, who makes it possible for us to stand in the Father's presence. We could never encounter God's presence and experience His leading if we were approaching him as sinners, haters of the Word or enemies of all that is good.

One final point; we are sinners, saved by grace and we are servants of our Father, the Living God, all day, every day. The following words characterize the fruit of a servant and they open us up and enable us to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit: love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. If we are angry, impatient, depressed and unkind, we are missing what our God intends. Father, we are alive in You, we shed Your Light, we are energized by Your indwelling Spirit. Jesus, our worthiness is in You. In Jesus' name, amen.
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=21165727&l=19402&s=K5SR&m=254210&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=254210&s=21165727&c=K5SR&cid=207588

Providence of God, February 6

Providence of God, February 6

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. ...If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.
If you say, "Surely we did not know this," does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?
My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 4:23, 24:10-14, www.solascriptura.com

Father, Solomon, according to Your word, was the wisest man who ever lived. We know his wisdom was a gift from You. He tells us that "from our heart" all the issues of life come forward. He says that we must warn others and that You notice when we do not.

Father, the wisdom from You, freely given to those who ask, makes witnessing of Your love, a sweet experience. We read of our individual accountability and ask You to help us O'God to do Your will every day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=21165727&l=19402&s=K5SR&m=248429&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=248429&s=21165727&c=K5SR&cid=207588

Providence of God, January 11

Providence of God, January 11

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit";
whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."

James 4:13-15, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we do plan our days and our future and we often say, "Lord willing". Let us always know that what is to happen today, tomorrow and forever is known to You. We naturally focus on the days of our lives as important and we sometimes forget that they are as a vapor compared to eternity.

Teach us and lead us as we seek to fulfill Your expectations. It seems right to plan and to pray for certain things to happen and You have told us that is exactly what we should do. We do not control outcomes but we do trust You to know what is best for us. We pray that our hearts and minds are in sync with You, Your word and Your will. Help us O'God to meditate and pray for Your will to be done in our lives this day and forgive us for our lack or patience. In the name of Jesus, Amen

Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=21165727&l=19402&s=K5SR&m=243622&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=243622&s=21165727&c=K5SR&cid=207588

The Providence of God, November 1

The Providence of God, November 1

God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God.
Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work.
Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple.
By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, you who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of the far-off seas;

Psalms 62:11-12, 65:4-5

Father, the world will witness your power. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that you are Lord, including those who have not yet done so. It is your mercy that we seek. You have chosen us and even now You draw us near to You in spite of our weaknesses.

You have taught us that one day in your court is better than thousands elsewhere. Give us the necessary faith to look to our eternal future with confidence and joy.

We know that You provide for us materially but Father, please renew within us a right Spirit, one that responds to your constant presence and love. It is the serenity of Your presence in the midst of challenges that we seek. Help us today to observe Your wonderful creation afresh. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=20232055&l=19402&s=4CB9&m=246778&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=246778&s=20232055&c=4CB9&cid=207588

Sanctification, October 31

Sanctification, October 31

...God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,
comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

II Thessalonians 2:13-17, www.solascriptura.com

Father, it could not be more clear. You chose us for salvation. We see that we are sanctified by the Spirit, as we decide to accept Your Son, Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and when we demonstrate our belief in that truth. And what is the truth but Your Holy word. That, Father, is the Good News in a nutshell. Your Spirit, and our spirit, becomes as one and the process of sanctification ensues.

Father, sanctification is such a lofty word and it is surely the highest goal. Through that process we become more and more like You Jesus. Our lives then bring glory to You, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Help us not lose track of the fact stated above; our sanctification is by the Spirit. We endeavor to obey but lacking the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, our works emanate from our initiatives, not Yours. We pray that You will direct us and that our will does not get ahead of Your will.

Since you grant us freedom to decide, moment by moment, about our next thought, our next move, help us always seek Your counsel, your light on our path. We have certainty about our salvation, now help us Father to seek certainty from You about our decisions, our attitude and our demeanor. We know that volition is ours but we pray for Your will in our lives; in Jesus name, amen,

Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=20232055&l=19402&s=4CB9&m=248439&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=248439&s=20232055&c=4CB9&cid=207588

Providence of God, October 8

Providence of God, October 8

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust."
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; his truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."

Psalms 91:1-16, www.solascriptura.com

Father, such promises should serve to bring us to the foot of the Cross, accepting your forgiveness and claiming a personal relationship with You, our Friend, our Redeemer, our Comforter and Strength.

Thank you for placing Your angels in our life, protecting our souls and guiding us into righteousness. We pray this day for clarity of purpose. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=20232055&l=19402&s=4CB9&m=246596&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=246596&s=20232055&c=4CB9&cid=207588

Providence of God, September 17

Providence of God, September 17

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
And gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; they found no city to dwell in.
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.
And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Psalms 107:1-9, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we have felt like life was a journey too difficult, at times. Your guidance and Your mercy, in the midst of our troubles, is undeserved, your grace is beyond rational thought.

How O'God do you look at this sea of humanity with an eye toward each of us individually? We do cry out for Your Presence, for Your leadership of our lives. When we say to You that we are never alone, that is literally true. Our hearts are the host of Your heavenly presence. Help us look to the Light within and to be comforted.

Let us, every day, proclaim Your goodness to someone. Let the redeemed, say so and help us to reflect Your love even when things seem to be going wrong. Thank You for being an unchangeable constant in our lives. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=20232055&l=19402&s=4CB9&m=246491&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=246491&s=20232055&c=4CB9&cid=207588

Providence of God, August 31

Providence of God, August 31

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; he shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.

Psalms 105:15, 108:12-13, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You have taught us to "look up" as we seek You, that Your glory is in the heavens. There is a lot of stuff to look at as we look down, but even the beautiful flowers will wither. We appreciate the beauty of all Your creation, but help us as we seek to focus on the eternal, the heavenly reward that has been prepared for those who love You.

Here You teach us that in heaven, the sun will not strike us in the day or the moon by night. You have taught us elsewhere that there will be no night and day in eternity. You, Father, will be the Light eternal in this place of eternal joy.

We also learn that in that place we will not encounter evil, our souls will be preserved forever and Your hand will protect us as we move about in this place of eternal peace.

Thank You Father for slipping Your testimony about heaven into a Psalm, teaching us that we must study all of Your word to get the complete picture of what You have prepared for us. You have greatly blessed us and we thank You. In Jesus Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=20232055&l=19402&s=4CB9&m=246137&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=246137&s=20232055&c=4CB9&cid=207588

Providence of God, July 21

Providence of God, July 21

Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in His commandments.
His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
...How precious... are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.
...Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalms 112:1-4, 139:17, 18, 23-24


Father, Your promises are both complex and wonderful. Help us each day O’God to know You as You know us. Draw us to Your well of knowledge and wisdom, Your Holy Word, daily. Clarify Your expectations of us, individually, that we might serve You.

Keep us from anxieties and depression we pray. Help us know that Your thoughts towards us are greater than the sand. When we tend to drift away from You, allowing the world around us to establish our agenda, forgive us. Teach us to seek Your will in every circumstance.

Keep us from evil relationships and a worldly focus that we might serve You in the perfection of Jesus. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Providence of God, August 10

Providence of God, August 10

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; he shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.
...This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD.

Psalms 121:1-8, 102:18, www.solascriptura.com

Father, Your eyes are always fixed upon Your people; You do not slumber or tire of reaching out to help us, to comfort us. Help us know that we always stand in the shadow of Your love even when we feel distant from You.

Help us realize that when we feel distant from You that it is not You that have moved. Strengthen our resolve to draw near to You when we feel so alone. What a friend we have in You, Jesus.

Lead us as we seek to know Your will this day and help us to simply do it. "Just do it" is more than a slogan. It is a call to action. In Jesus Holy name, invigorate us to act, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell
This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=20232055&l=19402&s=4CB9&m=246066&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=246066&s=20232055&c=4CB9&cid=207588

Providence of God, June 26

Providence of God, June 26

I will sing a new song to You, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You,
The One who gives salvation to kings, who delivers David His servant from the deadly sword.
Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouth speaks lying words, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood--
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style;
That our barns may be full, supplying all kinds of produce; that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields;
That our oxen may be well-laden; that there be no breaking in or going out; that there be no outcry in our streets.
Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the LORD!

Psalms 144:9-15 , www.solascriptura.com

Father, we are indeed happy that we are Your people. Help us teach our children Your ways that they may bring honor and glory to Your name.

Your blessings, both small and large give us joy. May we spread that joy among Your people. Lift from us those temporal worries and anxieties that prevent our joy from being fully realized.

Teach us God to look up and consider Your presence, all day, knowing that You direct our footsteps if we ask it of You. To whom else could we look? There is no one like You. Bless us this day, we pray. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=245305&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=245305&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, June 7

Providence of God, June 7
... the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
"Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
"And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
"and said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went.
"Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.
And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, 'Why have you been standing here idle all day?'
"They said to him, 'Because no one hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.'
"So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.'
"And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.
"But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.
"And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner,
"saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.'
"But he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
'Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.
'Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?'
"So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."
 
Matthew 20:1-16 , www.solascriptura.com
 
Father, we know, from your word, that our good works and the length of time we serve You, are not, by themselves, the determining factors. We do not "earn" salvation, it is a gift, by Your grace God.
 
Jesus, thank you for teaching us that it is critical that we "finish well". Whether we serve You briefly or for many years, help us, we pray, not to think of ourselves as more deserving than others. Take the pride we sometimes feel as we perform good works far from us and replace it with joy as we experience Your will for our life. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.
 
Bruce Caldwell

Bruce Caldwell

Providence of God, May 17

Providence of God, May 17

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.

Colossians 1:13-22, www.solascriptura.com

Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, Paul has clarified that you are One and that You, Jesus came to us from the presence of the Father. Sometimes Father we speak to You and do not think about Jesus and You as One and sometimes Jesus we speak to you as separate from the Father, sent by the Father.

Help us O'God not to worry about such matters but to learn that You are three in one, serving us in distinctive capacities. Thank You Jesus for the redemptive act of the Cross and for sending the Holy Spirit to abide with and in us.

Is it any wonder Father that Jesus and His angels will come to seperate the saints from the sinners? You have extended all power to Him and it is by His shed blood that we will enter into Your presence. You, Yourself Father will judge among the saints, and although that is a comfort, because we will be with You, it reminds us that our salvation was purchased at a great price and that our enthusiastic response of love and obedience is Your expectation.

Our righteousness is as filthy rags. It is your righteousness Jesus that enables us to stand in the presence of the Father. Help us be "overcomers" every moment of every day, turning to You for empowerment and comfort.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=244893&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=244893&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, April 2

Providence of God, April 2

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you...

Peter 1:3-10, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You have told us that you have reserved a place for us in heaven. We do not know a lot about heaven, but this we know. It will be a place of perfection, in You, reserved for us because of Your grace and mercy and the enabling atonement of Jesus.

You called us and we responded. We choose righteousness over evil, joy over depression and love over hate. Following You is so obviously right. You have taught us that we have a physical self that will perish and a spiritual self that will live forever.

Help us not to get too caught up in nurturing the physical while casually or seldom seeking Your Spirit to witness afresh, every day, to our spirit. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=243688&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=243688&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, March 7

Providence of God, March 7

Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless.
Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
...Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm."

Psalms 105:15, 108:12-13, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know there are those who dislike or hate us, especially if we are very public about our commitment to you. You promise to intervene on our behalf, many times without us even knowing we were being persecuted, and You assure us that whether now or later, Your love for us will prevail.

O' God, we know of cases where Your children are persecuted, even unto physical death. First, we know this life is as a vapor when compared to eternity and that Your children are safely in Your hand, forever. We also see here that revenge belongs to You and those who set out to harm Your children will be dealt with on Judgement Day.

We look to you constantly but never enough. Your thoughts toward us exceed number. Help us we pray to respond to your love, today, all day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=243102&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=243102&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, March 5

Providence of God, March 5

... the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:26-28, www.solascriptura.com

Father, these are wonderful verses, the kind we ought to memorize. Thank you for interceding for us with feelings and words we can not even express. You are Omniscient, we are extremely limited by contrast and yet You call us saints.

This day Father, remind us that all things do work to the good for those who love You. You see what we can not see and you lead us in paths toward Your goals for our lives. Such intercession is too marvelous to fully grasp. Give us faith, every moment of every day to experience Your Holy presence, Your leading. In Jesus' name, Amen

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=243075&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=243075&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, February 6

Providence of God, February 6

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. ...If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.
If you say, "Surely we did not know this," does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?
My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 4:23, 24:10-14, www.solascriptura.com

Father, Solomon, according to Your word, was the wisest man who ever lived. We know his wisdom was a gift from You. He tells us that "from our heart" all the issues of life come forward. He says that we must warn others and that You notice when we do not.

Father, the wisdom from You, freely given to those who ask, makes witnessing of Your love, a sweet experience. We read of our individual accountability and ask You to help us O'God to do Your will every day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: The Sola Scriptura Project, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=241033&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=241033&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, January 11, 2009

Providence of God, January 11, 2009

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit";
whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."

James 4:13-15, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we do plan our days and our future and we often say, "Lord willing". Let us always know that what is to happen today, tomorrow and forever is known to You. We naturally focus on the days of our lives as important and we sometimes forget that they are as a vapor compared to eternity.

Teach us and lead us to fulfill Your expectations. It seems right to plan and to pray for certain things to happen and You have told us that is Your expectation of us. We pray that our hearts and minds are in sync with You, Your word and Your will. Help us O'God to meditate and pray for Your will to be done in our lives this day and forgive us for our lack or patience. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=219876&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=219876&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

The Providence of God, November 1, 2008

The Providence of God, November 1, 2008

God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God.
Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work.
Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple.
By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, you who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of the far-off seas;

Psalms 62:11-12, 65:4-5

Father, the world will witness your power. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that you are Lord, including those who have not yet done so. It is your mercy that we seek. You have chosen us and even now You draw us near to You in spite of our weaknesses.

You have taught us that one day in your court is better than thousands elsewhere. Give us the necessary faith to look to our eternal future with confidence and joy.

We know You provide for us materially but Father, please renew within us a right Spirit, one that responds to your constant presence and love. It is the serenity of Your presence in the midst of challenges that we seek. Help us today to observe Your wonderful creation afresh. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=215081&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=215081&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, October 8, 2008

Providence of God, October 8, 2008

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust."
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; his truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."

Psalms 91:1-16, www.solascriptura.com

Father, such promises should serve to bring us to the foot of the Cross, accepting your forgiveness and claiming a personal relationship with You, our Friend, our Redeemer, our Comforter and Strength.

Thank you for placing Your angels in our life, protecting our souls and guiding us into righteousness. We pray this day for clarity of purpose. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=212157&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=212157&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, September 17, 2008

Providence of God, September 17, 2008

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
And gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; they found no city to dwell in.
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.
And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Psalms 107:1-9, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we have felt like life was a journey too difficult, at times. Your guidance and Your mercy, in the midst of our troubles, is undeserved, your grace is beyond rational thought.
Why O'God do you look at this sea of humanity with an eye toward each of us individually? We do cry out for your Presence, for your leadership of our lives. When we say that we are never alone, that is literally true. Our hearts are the host of Your heavenly presence. Help us to look to the Light within and to be comforted.

Let us, every day, proclaim Your goodness to someone. Let the redeemed, say so and help us to reflect your love even when things seem to be going wrong. Thank You for being an unchangeable constant in our lives. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=209628&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=209628&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, August 31, 2008

Providence of God, August 31, 2008

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; he shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.

Psalms 105:15, 108:12-13, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You have taught us to "look up" as we seek You, that Your glory is in the heavens. There is a lot of stuff to look at as we look down, but even the beautiful flowers will wither. We appreciate the beauty of all Your creation, but help us to focus on the eternal, the heavenly reward that has been prepared for those who love You.

Here You teach us that in heaven, the sun will not strike us in the day or the moon by night. You have taught us elsewhere that there will be no night and day in eternity. You, Father, will be the Light eternal in this place of eternal joy.

We also learn that in that place we will not encounter evil, our souls will be preserved forever and Your hand will protect us as we move about in this place of eternal peace.

Thank You Father for slipping Your testimony about heaven into a Psalm, teaching us that we must study all of Your word to get the complete picture of what You have prepared for us. You have greatly blessed us and we thank You. In Jesus Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=176650&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=176650&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, August 10, 2008

Providence of God, August 10, 2008

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; he shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.
...This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD.

Psalms 121:1-8, 102:18, www.solascriptura.com

Father, Your eyes are always fixed upon Your people; You do not slumber or tire of reaching out to help us, to comfort us. Help us know that we always stand in the shadow of Your love even when we feel distant from You.

Help us realize that when we feel distant from You that it is not You that have moved. Strengthen our resolve to draw near to You when we feel so alone. What a friend we have in You, Jesus.

Lead us as we seek to know Your will this day and help us to simply do it. "Just do it" is more than a slogan. It is a call to action. In Jesus Holy name, invigorate us to act, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=176539&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=176539&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, July 21, 2008

Providence of God, July 21, 2008

Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in His commandments.
His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
...How precious... are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.
...Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalms 112:1-4, 139:17, 18, 23-24

Father, Your promises are both complex and wonderful. Help us each day O'God to know You as You know us. Draw us to Your well of knowledge and wisdom, Your Holy Word, daily. Clarify Your expectations of us, individually, that we might serve You.

Keep us from anxieties and depression we pray. Help us to know that Your thoughts towards us are greater than the sand. When we tend to drift away from You, allowing the world around us to establish our agenda, forgive us. Teach us to seek Your will in every circumstance.

Keep us from evil relationships and a worldly focus that we might serve You in the perfection of Jesus. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=176181&c=207588

Forward to a friend:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=176181&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, June 26, 2008

Providence of God, June 26, 2008

I will sing a new song to You, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You,
The One who gives salvation to kings, who delivers David His servant from the deadly sword.
Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouth speaks lying words, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood--
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style;
That our barns may be full, supplying all kinds of produce; that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields;
That our oxen may be well-laden; that there be no breaking in or going out; that there be no outcry in our streets.
Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the LORD!

Psalms 144:9-15 , www.solascriptura.com

Father, we are indeed happy that we are Your people. Help us teach our children Your ways that they may bring honor and glory to Your name.

Teach us God to look up and consider Your presence, all day, knowing that You direct our footsteps if we ask it of You. To whom else could we look? There is no one like You. Bless us this day, we pray. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=176113&c=207588

Forward to a friend:

http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=176113&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, June 7, 2008

Providence of God, June 7, 2008

... the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
"Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
"And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
"and said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went.
"Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.
And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, 'Why have you been standing here idle all day?'
"They said to him, 'Because no one hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.'
"So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.'
"And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.
"But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.
"And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner,
"saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.'
"But he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
'Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.
'Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?'
"So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."

Matthew 20:1-16 , www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know, from your word, that our good works and the length of time we serve You, are not, by themselves, the determining factors. We do not "earn" salvation, it is a gift, by Your grace God.

Jesus, thank you for teaching us that it is critical that we "finish well". Whether we serve You briefly or for many years, help us, we pray, not to think of ourselves as more deserving than others. Take the pride we sometimes feel as we perform good works far from us and replace it with joy as we experience Your will for our life. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=175861&c=207588

Forward to a friend:

http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=175861&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, May 17, 2008

Providence of God, May 17, 2008

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.

Colossians 1:13-22, www.solascriptura.com

Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, Paul has clarified that you are One and that You, Jesus came to us from the presence of the Father. Sometimes Father we speak to You and do not think about Jesus and You as One and sometimes Jesus we speak to you as separate from the Father, sent by the Father.

Help us O'God not to worry about such matters but to learn that You are three in one, serving us in distinctive capacities. Thank You Jesus for the redemptive act of the Cross and for sending the Holy Spirit to abide with us.

Our righteousness is as filthy rags. It is your righteousness that enables us to stand in the presence of the Father. Help us be "overcomers" every moment of every day, turning to You for empowerment and comfort.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

To be removed click here:
http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=175513&c=207588

Forward to a friend:

http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=175513&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

Providence of God, April 2, 2008

Providence of God, April 2, 2008

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you...

Peter 1:3-10, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You have told us that you have reserved a place for us in heaven. We do not know a lot about heaven, but this we know. It will be a place of perfection, in You, due to Your grace and mercy.

You called us and we responded. We choose righteousness over evil, joy over depression and love over hate. Following You is so obviously right. You have taught us that we have a physical self that will perish and a spiritual self that will live forever.

Help us not to get too caught up in nurturing the physical while casually or seldom seeking Your Spirit to witness afresh, every day, to our spirit. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Forward to a friend:

http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=161908&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

To be removed click here:

http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=161908&c=207588

Providence of God, March 7, 2008

Providence of God, March 7, 2008

Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless.
Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
...Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm."

Psalms 105:15, 108:12-13, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know there are those who dislike or hate us, especially if we are very public about our commitment to you. You promise to intervene on our behalf, many times without us even knowing we were being persecuted, and You assure us that whether now or later, Your love for us will prevail.

O' God, we know of cases where Your children are persecuted, even unto physical death. First, we know this life is as a vapor when compared to eternity and that Your children are safely in Your hand, forever. We also see here that revenge belongs to You and those who set out to harm Your children will be dealt with on Judgement Day.

We look to you constantly but never enough. Your thoughts toward us exceed number. Help us we pray to respond to your love, today, all day. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Forward to a friend:

http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=161525&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

To be removed click here:

http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=161525&c=207588

Providence of God, March 5, 2008

Providence of God, March 5, 2008

... the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:26-28, www.solascriptura.com

Father, these are wonderful verses, the kind we ought to memorize. Thank you for interceding for us with feelings and words we can not even express. You are Omniscient, we are extremely limited by contrast and yet You call us saints.

This day Father, remind us that all things do work to the good for those who love You. You see what we can not see and you lead us in paths toward Your goals for our lives. Such intercession is too marvelous to fully grasp. Give us faith, every moment of every day to experience Your Holy presence, Your leading. In Jesus' name, Amen

Bruce Caldwell

This message was sent by: Bruce Caldwell, 1 Sola Scriptura, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Forward to a friend:

http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=161504&s=10466934&c=O8UL&cid=207588

To be removed click here:

http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=161504&c=207588

Providence of God #11

God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work.
Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple.
By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, you who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of the far-off seas;

Psalms 62:11-12, 65:4-5

Father, the world will witness your power. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that you are Lord, including those who have not yet done so. It is your mercy that we seek. You have chosen us and even now You draw us near to You.

We know You provide for us materially but Father, please renew within us a right Spirit, one that responds to your constant presence and love. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell