Month: January 2015

Bible Verse of The Day – 1-19-15

Matthew 13:34 (NKJV) 34 All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them,

Parable: a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.

Jesus shared in parables so that people could understand what He was teaching them, so that through it they would change themselves and their situation.

Matthew 13:13 (NKJV)13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

If we can’t understand something, we won’t see it for what it is, we won’t follow through with getting the help we need, and we won’t break free from things and make a change.

Are we ministering to people in a way that they can relate to and understand? Are we being real?

Jesus set the stage for us and showed us how to teach. People learn when we relate to them in their situation. His purpose was to reach us where we’re at! He is our HELP.

Let God’s Spirit help us relate to people today. He knows what they need to hear, what we need to say and how to present it. He is our very present help in a time of trouble.

Psalm 46:1 (NKJV) 46 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-17-15

Proverbs 6:6-9 (NKJV) 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, 7 which,  having no captain, overseer or ruler, 8 provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. 9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?

Sluggard: A habitually lazy person

A type of laziness has crept into the church during the last 50 years or so, and especially during the last 25.

As the prosperity gospel has spread and become more popular, it has mis-led millions of believers, and convinced them that faith alone will make them prosperous. “Give us your money, let us lay hands on you and pray for God’s financial blessings over your life”, they tell us.

Sadly, the church has fallen for these falsehoods and has become convinced that God will heap financial blessings on us simply because we desire it.

God does want to bless us. He wants to prosper us in so many ways. But He knows that some of us aren’t ready or able to handle prosperity. It would destroy us if it came too soon.

He also tells us that we have to earn our way when it comes to finances.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NKJV) 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

So, even as believers, we need to be diligent and responsible when it comes to our finances. We need to put forth effort and work hard, never just sitting back and waiting for God’s blessings to fall into our laps.

As we put God first, and we learn to handle our finances the way He wants us to, He will begin to bless us, a little at a time, as He sees that we’re ready to handle it.

Our prayer should never be “God, bless me abundantly”. Instead, we should be praying “God, bless me with what you think is best”.

Amen

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-16-15

Colossians 1:13-14 (NKJV) 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

We have been delivered from the power of darkness.

The blood of Christ delivers us from the power of darkness, and offers us redemption and the forgiveness of sins.

There are no words that can fully explain the miracle declared to us in these verses.

With one action, the death of Christ, the possibility to have our sins washed away was now before us.

And with the resurrection of Christ came the promise of eternal life, as death’s grip over us was broken once and for all.

No matter how hard we try, we will never be able to fully comprehend or understand this. It’s beyond human understanding and logic.

But human intellect isn’t the key to God’s plan. Instead, God uses His spirit to draw us to Him and show us the need for redemption.

We may never fully understand it, but if we embrace it in faith, it will save us and change us for eternity.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-15-15

Ecclesiastes 7 (NKJV) 12 For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.

We can have all the money in the world, and with that money we can buy everything we want and still  feel empty inside.

I’ve seen people have a lot of money and still not be happy, or should I say, still not have life. Money can buy nice things, but it can’t buy us life.

Wisdom gives life to those who have it.

If we don’t have God’s wisdom, we really aren’t living. I don’t think we realize the things that could happen if we moved in God’s wisdom every day, all day long. The things we would see and the things we would do, oh praise be to God!

It’s never too late to start walking in God’s wisdom. We just have to ask Him for it.

What happened when Solomon asked God for wisdom?

2 Chronicles 1:10 Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”

God loved that Solomon asked Him for wisdom and knowledge, not for himself, but so he could do what God called him to do correctly. Guess what God did for Solomon.

1 Kings 3:12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.

God loved what Solomon asked for and He gave it to him. He went even further than that and gave him what he didn’t ask for as well!

1 Kings 3:13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.

Solomon’s heart was in the right place and he wanted to do what was right to help the people. We haven’t lived until we have walked in God’s wisdom!

Ask God for wisdom and an understanding heart today, that we may live and make a difference.  Amen.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-14-15

Luke 8:43-44 (NKJV) 43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.

Many of us are familiar with this story. The woman was afflicted with a flow of blood that hadn’t stopped for 12 years. She had been seen by many doctors and had spent much money on trying to be cured. None of it worked. To be blunt, she was desperate!

As Jesus passed through her town, this woman heard about it and decided to do something radical. She determined in her heart to do whatever it took to press in, push through the crowd surrounding Jesus, and touch the hem of His garment.

Her desperation drove her to do something that would put her at risk, in light of the fact that Jews viewed women who were bleeding as unclean.

But she pushed her fear aside and then pushed through the crowd and touched the Master, instantly receiving her healing.

Now what about us? How willing are to risk everything to press in and touch Jesus, or even the hem of His garment?

This isn’t just about healing. And it’s not even just about faith. It’s about our willingness to push aside the buzz and busyness of our lives and sit at His feet, giving Him the time He deserves.

Remember, this woman put her life at risk to do what it took to touch Jesus and get what she needed.

Are we willing to be that radical? Can we push aside all of the things that try to hold us back and keep us from our Master?

If we are ever to grow in our walk with God, we need to recognize those things that are coming between us and God, and do whatever we need to do to break through them and touch the hem of His garment.

There, in His presence, we will find exactly what we need.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-13-15

1 Corinthians 13:11(NKJV) 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

We can not stay babies forever. There comes a time when we need to mature and grow in the things of God. Just as a little child grows up and changes the way he/she does things, so do we mature and grow up in the things of God.

How do we mature in the things of God? One way is by holding our tongue when everything in us wants to talk. This works that muscle of maturity.

Then there may be times when we need to do the opposite, we need to speak up and say something even when we don’t want to or like what we have to say.

There have been times when God has shown us some things and it was so good, but we couldn’t say a word to anyone about it. We had to hold it and pray. We had to keep it between us and God.

When God gives us eyes to see things it does not mean we run with it. Maturity causes us to run to Him and say “what do you want us to do with it Lord?”, and then wait for His leading or His promptings.

Holding back at times when God shows us things and being still can be the hardest thing to do, but that is a big part of maturing and we will learn to wait on God’s leading as we grow in Christ.

Amen.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-12-15

Philippians 4:11-12 (NKJV) 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Human nature (the natural man) seems to cause us to always be looking forward, searching for “the next big thing” in our lives.

We are always working toward that new job, bigger home or nicer car. There are lots of things that we chase after in the natural realm.

So many times, though, we are so busy looking forward, that we forget to recognize, and be thankful for, what we have right now, at this moment.

We all have much to be thankful for, regardless of what kind of situation we might currently be in.

Sometimes we have plenty, and I believe we can all agree that times of abundance can be pretty enjoyable.

But then we may go through a time of lack, a drought, so to speak, and the natural man tends to be frustrated and angry when this happens. But as we draw close to God, we learn to be thankful no matter what things look like at the moment. And we stop always looking forward, searching for that next big thing, and being content with what we’re blessed with.

This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t work to improve our circumstances, but as we do so, let’s be careful not to be ungrateful for what we already have and letting the time slip by us without stopping to sit at God’s feet and honor Him.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-10-15

Proverbs 3:1-2 (NKJV) 1 My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; 2 For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.

These words were written to be used as guidance for young people, and they are so very good for a young person to abide by.

But for those of us who are not a young child any longer, they are also still very powerful words!

If we were to look at these words from an adult point of view, they might mean something like this; Even as you grow older, always remember to stay close to God and walk in His ways. And even as the waves of life’s storms beat against you, you will have peace and your life will be full.

People of God, press in to Him and learn of Him. He is our source, not just for wisdom, but for everything that makes this life worth living.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-9-15

Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV) 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

God changes our heart first, and then good habits will follow. When He says He will give us a new heart, He will do just that. His word is true and He is faithful.

What are our habits like today? Are there some bad ones mixed in there with the good ones? It’s OK. We can admit it. God already knows, and none of us is perfect.

But, if we acknowledge our habits, maybe we will be more apt to let God help us in turning the bad habits into good ones.

Once He changes our heart, a good way to tell that it has really changed is that we’ll notice our habits changing. Old, bad habits will begin to drop off and they will be replaced with good habits that are pleasing to God.

The key to keeping good habits is to not spend time in bad company.

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV) 33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-8-15

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Let us not grow weary.

What a powerful word from God!

The world wants to beat us down, wear us out and cast us aside after it has used us and abused us.

There is pressure and stress coming from all angles; our jobs, our finances, our families. It never seems to end.

But God has not created us to live in fear or torment. In fact, quite the opposite.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

As we walk through this life we’ve been given, God has told us to do good, and not to grow weary of doing it. And it is only by His spirit that we can accomplish this. Because in reality, our flesh often wants to give up and lash out when the people we’re trying to help hurt us.

But God tells us that if we don’t lose heart and give up, we’ll reap a harvest in due season.

“In due season” means when God sees that we’re ready for it, not when we think we’re ready!

So, today, as you push forward, continuing doing good in the name of our Creator, and don’t give up.

For a season of reaping is ahead if we don’t lose heart.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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Bible Verse of The Day – 1-7-15

John 3:16 (NKJV) 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

That’s right. God so loved the world, not one of us is without love from our Father. He loves us all, each one of us, individually.

He loves us, and He loves the person that we look at as our enemy, the person that irritates us and picks at us. He does not love what they do to us, but He loves them and wants them to come to know Him and have everlasting life.

Through getting to know Him, their hearts will change. We can’t expect people to treat us right if they don’t know God and His love doesn’t live in them. They know nothing of His wisdom, His knowledge, His understanding, His grace, etc.

God loves the one that sits across the table at lunch time all alone with nobody to talk to. He loves the one that seems to always mess up and can’t ever seem to do their job right. He loves those that may seem like they are never going to change, always saying things to cause an uproar, etc.

God loves us all, and He sent His only begotten Son for each one of us, that as we believe in Him we will not perish, but have everlasting life.

It is the sick that need a physician.

Matthew 9:12 (NKJV) 12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

Let’s go after the sick and bring them in to the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, that they may be healed and delivered. Amen.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

To have the Bible Verse of The Day delivered to your inbox each day, please Click Here and then enter your email address in the box near the upper left corner of the page.

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