Thursday, August 28, 2014

Christ Is Our Example, Be As He Is!

                                          2 Timothy 2: 14
                       "Of these things put them in remembrance,
                          charging them before the Lord that they
                          strive not about words to no profit, but
                               to the subverting of the hearers"

        Those who chose to strive, usually strive about matters of small amounts.  But these strife's of words destroy the things of God.  The Apostle mentions some who had erred; However they did not deny the resurrection of Christ, but they corrupted the true doctrine.  Nothing can be so foolish, but it will overturn the faith of some individuals.  The doctrine speaks of our comfort, and no one can overthrow the faith of any whom God has chosen.  Those who have the privilege of comfort, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave them.
        The church of Christ is like a dwelling, some furniture is of great value, and some of smaller value and put  to different uses. Some that profess Christianity are like pieces of wood and earth.  When the dishonored pieces are cast out, the others will be filled with all the fulness of God.  We must see to it that we are holy vessels.  Every one in the church whom God approves, will be devoted to God's service and thus fitted for His use.
        Amen!!

Reading: (1Timothy 2:14-21)

                                        May God Bless You
                                         And Your Families         

                                                     Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                     The Cross Life Ministry 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Enduring Loss; A Road All Will Walk!

                                           1 Thessalonians 4:14
                       "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again,
                              even so them also which sleep in Jesus
                                         will God bring with him"

        Here is comfort for family and friends of those who die in the Lord.  Grief for the death of our family and friends is needed for our hearts; even though we weep for our own loss, we know it is for their gain.  Christianity does not forbid, and grace does not do away with our natural affections.  Yet we must not be excessive in our sorrows; for to much is like not having hope of a better life in the Lord.  Death is an unknown thing, and we know little about the state after death; yet the doctrines of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ, are the remedy against the fear of death, and the sorrow for the death of our family and friends.  With God's word we have full assurance that it will be happiness that all saints will meet, and will abide together for ever with our Lord.
        Amen!!

                             "Comfort One Another With God's Words"

Ref: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

                                               May God Bless You
                                                And Your Families

                                                             Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                             The Cross Life Ministry

Monday, August 25, 2014

The Work Of The Holy Spirit

                                           Romans 8:26
                 "Like wise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:
                  for we know not what we should pray for as we
                  ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession
                  for us with groanings  which cannot be uttered

        Though our infirmities as Christians are many, we would be overpowered if left to ourselves.  But we have the Holy Spirit to Support us.  The Spirit is an enlightening Spirit that teaches us what to pray for, and a sanctifying Spirit, that stirs up our prayer graces, and as an comforting Spirit, silences our fears, and helps us through our discouragements.  The Holy Spirit is our pathway for all the desires toward God, which is often more than words could ever say.  The Spirit who searches the hearts can perceive the mind, and the will of the Spirit, the renewed mind, and advocates his cause.  The Spirit makes intercession to God, and the enemy cannot prevail.  The Holy Spirit is the Third God Head in the Trinity, and therefore must understood in order to receive the full benefits of His Power.
        Amen!!

 Ref:  Romans 8: 26-27

                                      May God Bless You
                                       And Your Families

                                                  Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                  The Cross Life Ministry    

Sunday, August 24, 2014

The Way To Life

                                              Matthew 10: 32
                       "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before
                             men, him will I confess also before my
                                      Father which is in heaven"

        The way of life is the Bible!  It is the map of life for all people.  It's wisdom spans many centuries, yet today it's message is as fresh and relevant as ever.  It's principles work in daily life and through every stage of life.  We know that it's words are pure and are from God.  In over 2000 places the prophets of the Bible say: "the Lord said to me" or "these are the words of the Lord, and this is what the Lord says.  The message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is never changing, because it has been sealed by His blood, Death and Resurrection on the Cross.  Through Him we have life, not just a life in the present, but an eternal life in heaven With God The Father, and God The Son, "Jesus Christ."  Hear His call today and receive His message of "Life" today!
        Amen!!

                                          May God Bless You
                                           And Your Families

                                                             Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                             The Cross Life Ministry

Friday, August 22, 2014

No Grace, No Hope, No Life!

                                          Romans 5:13
                       "For until the law sin was in the world:
                               but sin is not imputed when
                                         there is no law"

       After reading this Scripture above, we realize the blessings that Christ procured for us, by comparing them with the evil, which was place upon every human from our first father Adam.  After Adam sinned, his nature became guilty and corrupted, and therefore spread to his seed.  So through him all have sinned. And death is by sin.  If Adam had not sinned, he would not have died; but a sentence of death was passed upon all as upon a criminal.  It is like an disease that no one could escape.  With our union with Adam and our part in his first transgression, sin prevailed in the world.
        Before Moses received the law from God, death reigned for a long time, not only on willful adult sinners but on multitudes of infants as well.  So all had fallen into condemnation and sin extended to all his future generations.
        Now after viewing our end at our beginning, you can see that with out the Law first; and God's gift eternal life through Jesus Christ, your end will be the same as if you had died during the time death reigned.  Thank God for His grace and our salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ our Saviour;  For He is the Lord of our righteousness.  I pray this day, if you don't know Jesus Christ, you will accept Christ in your heart, and receive your gift of eternal life today.
        Amen!!

Ref: Romans 5:12-21

                                      May God Bless You
                                       And Your Families

                                                     Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                     The Cross Life Ministry               

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Faith Is Counted For Righteousness

                                           Romans 4: 3
                      "For what saith the Scripture?  Abraham
                            believed God, and it was counted
                                unto him for righteousness"

        To meet the views of the Jews, Apostle Paul referenced  it to the example of Abraham; in whom the Jews gloried as their most renowned forefather.  However exalted in various respects by the Jews, at that point Abraham had nothing to boast about in the presence of God.  Even noticing the years before his call, and the failures at times in his obedience, and his faith, it was expressly stated in Scripture that he "believed God", and it was counted to him for righteousness.
        From this example we can see, that if any could work the full measure required by, law, the reward must be reckoned as a debt, which was not the case of Abraham,  "Seeing" faith was reckoned to him for Righteousness.
        When believers are justified by faith, our faith is being counted for righteousness.  Our faith does not justify as part, big or small of our righteous; but as the appointed means, uniting us, with Him who is called the Lord of our righteousness.  Abraham was the Spiritual forefather of all believers,who walk after the example of his obedient faith.  The Seal of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification, makes us new creatures, and is the inward evidence of the righteous of faith. Believe in the Gospel Of Jesus Christ, and through faith join the Family of God today!
        Amen!!

Ref: Romans 4:1-12  

                                      May God Bless You
                                       And Your Families

                                                   Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                   The Cross Life Ministry                           

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Choose! For The Matter Has Been Put Before You!

                                         Joshua 24: 15a,c
                  "And if seem evil unto you to serve the Lord,
                      choose you this day whom ye will serve"
                               but as for me and my house,
                                   we will serve the Lord"

        It is essential that God's people be perform with a willing mind.  For "LOVE" is the only genuine principle in which all acceptable service of God can spring. The Father seeks only such to worship Him,in spirit and in truth.  The carnal mind is an enmity against God, and is not capable of such spiritual worship.  Therefore it is necessity to be born again.  Joshua puts them to their choice;  Choose you whom you will serve, he put the matter plainly before them.  After Joshua resolves the Question before them in (Joshua 24:14-18); The Israelites  agree with Joshua, being influenced by example of a man who had been so great a blessing to them;  We will also serve the Lord.
        See how much good, great man do, by their influence, can we as Christians have such zealous in our belief's.  Yes we can!  We must come off from all our self confidence and our own self sufficiency, or else our purposes will be in vain.  The service of God is a deliberate choice.  Through the house of God, the Lord's table, and even before the walls and trees, we have uttered our solemn promise of serving Him.  God will bear witness against us if we deny Him, yet we may trust Him, and that he will put His fear into Our hearts, that we shall not part from Him.  God alone can give grace, yet He blesses our endeavors to engage men to His service.  "But for me and my house, We will serve the Lord!
        Amen!!


Ref: Joshua 24: 14-18

                                      May God Bless You        
                                       And Your Families

                                                   Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                   The Cross Life Ministry
      

Monday, August 18, 2014

It Is Settled! It Shall Come To Pass!

                                         Joshua 21:45
                    "There failed not aught of any good thing
                         which the lord had spoken unto the
                           house of Israel; all came to pass"

        God promised to give the seed of Abraham the Land of Canaan for a possession, and they possessed it.  One important thing must be remembered!  This land that was promised was already occupied by other King's and warriors; However God said He would go were they go, and eventually  the land was settled and each tribe had it's portion.
        This same promise of heavenly land is as sure to all God's spiritual believers today.  For that is God's gift to mankind:  "Eternal Life through the Blood of His Son Jesus Christ.  Believers must fight against Satan and all His evils; have Faith, Hope and Trust in our God.  Heaven is there for the taking just like the land of Canaan was for Israel.
        God has spoken through Jesus Christ and in God's time all His promise's will be accomplished; then will His people acknowledge that He the Lord God Almighty has made us more than conquerors, and He will take us to our Eternal Home with Him in Heaven.
        Amen!!

                                    May God Bless You            
                                     And Your Families

                                                   Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                   The Cross Life Ministry  

Friday, August 15, 2014

God Will You A Greater Victory

                                           Joshua 10:14
                   "And there was no day like that before it or after
                          it, that the Lord harkened unto the voice
                            of man: for the Lord fought for Israel"

        During Joshua charge into Beth-horon, God cast great stones from heaven down upon the people of Azekah, and killed them.  And after the battle was over more had been killed by God's hailstones than those that was killed by Joshua and his Army.  However, it must have been getting dark because of Joshua's request. (Joshua 10:12-14)  At Joshua's request, God made the sun and moon stand still for about a day, so that Israel could achieve a greater victory.
        One would say; "WOW" what power one man has to ask God to still the Sun and Moon.  It takes faith, love, and obedience to God for such a request to be answered.  Joshua knew his request would be honored, because the Lord was in the fight with him, in fact the Lord was leading the way.
        We look at ourselves today and think that we are strong in the faith, but for some reason; we don't have the favor that Joshua and the Nation of Israel Had; or do we?  We might not be able to stop the sun or the moon in there place; that is if we have even tried to?  My friends we have power unspeakable!  Yes!  We can ask God for favors and aid in our life time, but there must be something in place first.  You must be in union with God the Father; through the blood of Jesus Christ our Saviour.  You must have an unbreakable faith, love and obedience to God's Word.  Every thing we do in our lives, we must take it to God first in prayer, than you must believe and you must receive what ever God returns to you.  God is with you just like he was with Joshua during all his battles, "But" remember and never forget "You" must be with God if you expect Him to be with you.
        Amen!!     

                                                                                                                      Ref: Joshua 10: 11-14 

                                      May God Bless You
                                      And Your Families
 
                                                  Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                  The Cross Life Ministry                  

Thursday, August 14, 2014

The Consequences Of Breaking Faith

                                           Joshua 8:20
                       "And Achan answered Joshua,and said,
                            Indeed I have sinned against the 
                                 Lord God of Israel, and thus
                                     and thus have I done:"

        The sin of Achan was a lesson to all Israel of the consequences to one who breaks faith with God.  The Nation of Israel was in a covenant relationship with God and was dealt with by Him not merely as a group of people living together under a common law for their own protection an to accomplish their own goals.  Instead He treated them as a whole.  Understanding this concept is essential to understanding the words of Paul in Romans 5:12-21.   Achan had not only defied himself, but all of Israel.  They were no longer acceptable to God because they, in the person of Achan, had broke the covenant.  Only Achan and his family, because of their connection were dealt with, after that the rest were released from the guilt.
        God has made a way for those that accept "His Grace," which was the death of His Son; "Jesus Christ," Who gave His live for ours on the "Cross."  But if a person never accepts Jesus Christ as His saviour, he himself will face death the same as Achan and his family did, by fire and eternal life in "Hell'.  To avoid this, one must make a covenant with God; and that can only be done through the Blood of Jesus Christ.  You can not just believe that there is a God, you must also believe and accept His Son, Jesus Christ and serve Him in spirit and in truth.  Through Faith you shall have eternal life. 
        Amen!!

                                       May God Bless You
                                        And Your Families

                                                    Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                    The Cross Life Ministry

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Victory Through Faith

                                           Joshua 1:9
                     "Have not I commanded thee?  Be strong
                           and of good courage; be not afraid,      
                              neither be thou dismayed: For
                              the Lord thy God is with thee
                                 whitersoever thou goest"

        Joshua worked with Moses since the giving of The Ten Commandments at Mount Sini.  He had became a strong leader who was full of faith and courage.  Now Joshua and Caleb were the only two of their generation that God permitted to cross the Jordon River.  God promised Abraham the land for the Children of Israel; But Joshua and the warriors from the twelve tribes had to fight to claim their land and to keep it.  And remember God said He would be with them where ever they go.  With Faith they fought and got there land that was promised.  "That is Victory through Faith."
        The call to "Courage" is really a call to "Faith."  Believing God's promise led to courage and to obedience to the laws of God.  God's promise must be appropriated in the same way today; "By Faith"  Our Salvation and Eternal Life with God, was fought for by Jesus Christ.  Christ Battled all the evils of this world all the way to the depths of Hell and "Won."  Jesus Christ is our promise to eternal Life!  But like Joshua and the children of Israel; we must be strong and of good courage, and with Faith fight our battles through this life alone side our Living God.
        Amen!!

                                     May God Bless You
                                      And Your Families

                                                   Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                   The Cross Life Ministry          

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Reconcile The Holiness Of God

                                         Joshua 5:15
               "And the captain of the Lord's host said Joshua,
                    Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the
                      place whereon thou standest is holy.
                                    And Joshua did so"

        When Joshua was by Jericho; The captain of the Lord's host appeared before him.  Joshua being the commander of the people went before Him, and ask Him if He was, for them or against them.  Once the man revealed who He was Joshua fell to his face and worshiped Him; Saying, "what saith my Lord unto His servant (Joshua 5: 14).  Joshua knew that he was now in the presents of the Angel of the Lord, a preincarnate appearance of Jesus Christ.
        Joshua knew the Lord then just as we know the Lord now.  He Is Our Lord and we His servants!
He is Holy, and we are made Holy through Him.  We know that no man nor angel can call a place Holy , but the Angel of the Lord.  Joshua "quickly" responded to the Holiness that surround Him.  We stand and knell to the Holiness of God daily in our lives as believers.  Though Joshua was right in the face of God's Power And Glory, Joshua humbled himself before the Lord, not because he was scared of the reason the Lord, all at once appeared; but because he knew that He was from God.
        My friends, when we go before our Lord in prayer, remember it is as holy as the day That Joshua was before the Lord.  Any time we are in union with the Father it is Holy.  Our God is all around us and He is a Holy God, for us to see the Holiness of God, we must understand the Holiness
of God.
        Amen!!

                                 May God Bless You
                                  And Your Families

                                               Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                               The Cross Life Ministry
             

Monday, August 11, 2014

Believe In Christ; And Profess Your Faith!

                                          Matthew 10:40-41
                      "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that
                            receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."
                       "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a 
                        prophet shall receive a prophets reward; and
                           he that receiveth a righteous man in the
                           name of a righteous man shall receive                    
                                      a righteous man's reward."

        It is our duty, not only to believe in Christ, but to profess our faith, in sufferings with Him.  One is not just called, but called to serve.  A true confession of Christ will have the blessed promise which is the real and constant language of Faith and Love.  Being a Christian is worth everything; and all that believe the truth of it, will make everything else yield to it.  Christ will lead us through sufferings, and to glory with Him, and those who are best prepared for the life to come, sit most loose in this present life.
        No matter how great or small the kindness is done to God's people, through Christ it will be accepted.  Christ does not say that we deserve a reward; for we cannot merit anything from the hand of God; but the free gift of God.  Let us boldly confess Christ, and show our love to Him in all things.
        Amen!!

                                          May God Bless You
                                           And Your Families

                                                         Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                         The Cross Life Ministry

Friday, August 8, 2014

Straight From The Hand Of God

                                          Ecclesiastes 2:24
                        "There is nothing better for a man, than
                           that he should eat and drink, and that
                            he should make his soul enjoy good
                              in his labor.  This also I saw, that
                                 it was from the hand of God"

        We should always enjoy good in our labor, and use those things within to make us diligent and cheerful in worldly business.  This is our gift from God.  Riches can be a blessing or a curse to a man, according to what he has, or has not, but what ever the case, it takes a pure heart to make good use of them.  To those that are accepted of the Lord, he gives joy, satisfaction and knowledge through His love for them.  But the sinner he allots labor, sorrow, vanity, and vexation while seeking there worldly portion, which will end up in the hands of someone else.  We must all seriously consider our latter days.  We must seek a lasting portion in love of Christ and the blessings it bestows.  This is the only true and satisfying way of enjoyment in this present world.
        Amen!!

                                   May God Bless You
                                    And Your Families

                                                 Minister Robert A. lail Sr.
                                                 The Cross Life Ministry 

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Hear It While It Is Called Today!

                                           Psalm 95:6-7
                   "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us
                             kneel before the Lord our maker"
                   "For he is our God; and we are His people of
                          his pasture, and the sheep of his hand" 

        When ever we come into God's presence, we must come with thanksgiving.  The Lord is to be praised.  How great is our God, the whole world belongs to Him, and the fulness within.  He directs and disposes of all!  The Lord Jesus, whom we are taught to praise, is a "Great God";  "The Mighty God" is one of His titles.  To Him all power is given, both in heaven and earth.  He is our God, and we should praise Him.  He is our Saviour, and the Author of our blessedness.  The Gospel Church is His flock, and Christ is the great and good Shepherd of all believers.  He sought us, the sinners when we where lost, and brought us back to His fold.
        Christ calls upon His people to hear His voice.  You call Him Master, or Lord, be willing to be His obedient people.  We must hear the voice of His doctrine, of His law, and in both, His Spirit we must hear and heed, hear and yield.  Christ's voice must be heard "To-day."  This day of opportunity will not last forever, hear it while it is called "To-day."
        Amen!!
         
                                       May God Bless You
                                        And Your Families

                                                    Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                    The Cross Life Ministry     

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

We Are His, And All Things Are Ours!

                                           1 Corinthians 3:22-23
                         "Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the
                            world, or life, or death, or things to come
                                  all are yours.  And ye are Christ's
                                             and Christ is God's"

        Observe the Spiritual riches of a true believer that Paul was talking about.  All are yours, even the world itself is yours.  The true believer has as much infinite wisdom as seen fit by His Divine blessing.  Life is ours, we have a season and opportunity to prepare for the life of heaven.  Death is also ours, that we may go to the possession of it.  We also have a Messenger to take us from sin and sorrow, and through faith, guide us to our Fathers House.  As we travel through life all things present are for our support.  And things to come are ours to delight us for ever at our journeys end.  If we belong to Christ, and are true to Him, all good things belong to us.
        Believers are the subjects of God's Kingdom.  He is Lord over us, and we must own His dominion, and cheerfully submit to His command.  God in Christ, reconciling a sinful world to Himself, and pouring the riches of His grace on a reconciled world, is the sum and substance of the Gospel.
        Amen!!

                                           May God Bless You
                                            And Your Families

                                                          Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                          The Cross Life Ministry  

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Be Faithful To Your Service For The Lord

                                           John 15:3-5
                          "Now ye are clean, through the Word
                                which I have spoken unto you"
                                  "Abide in me and I in you"
                          "I am the vine, you are the branches:"

        The Word of Christ is spoken to all believers; and there is a cleansing virtue in the Word.  The Word works grace as it works out corruption.  Then we can bear fruit and the more we bring fourth the more the Lord is glorified.  But to do this we must abide in Christ and stay in union with Him by faith.  This my friends should be our greatest concern:  To constantly keep dependence upon Christ, and communion with Him.
        True Christians find by first hand experience, that any interruption in the exercise of their faith, cause holy affections to decline, and their corruptions to revive.  Those who abide not in Christ, may flourish for awhile in outward profession, but will eventually come to nothing.  A withered branch is good for nothing, but the fire.  My friends let us seek to live more simply on the fulness of Jesus Christ, and to grow more fruitful in every good word or work, so that our joy in Christ and His salvation be full.
         Amen!!

                                    May God Bless You
                                     And Your Families

                                                  Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                  The Cross Life Ministry               

Monday, August 4, 2014

Who Is Your Heart And Eyes Fixed On

                                         Proverbs 23:24
                         "My son, give me thine heart, and let
                                thine eyes observe my ways."

        Our Gracious Saviour who purchased pardon and peace for His people, with tender affection of a parent, counsels us to hear and be wise, and ready for Him to guide our hearts His way.  This earnest call is for young and old alike.  For the young to listen and attend to the advice of godly parents.  For the parents, the steps they take to guide the heart must be truth, and never change from the truth.  We must never part from the truth for pleasures, honors, riches, or any thing in this world.  Our "Heart" is what Our "God" wants and requires.  We must never try to split our heart between God in the world.  Let us not forget our eyes!  The eye is like a window it reflects to our mind what we see.  Do not let the reflections of this world blind you to the point that you can not see God's Love for You!  
        Amen!!

                                      May God Bless You
                                       And Your Families

                                                    Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                    The Cross Life Ministry   

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Listen And Be Blessed

                                            Proverbs 8:32
                  "Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children:
                          for blessed are they that keep my ways."

        We should always hearken to Christ's voice with the readiness of children.  We should never be to wise to refuse "God's Mercy."  God's Word plainly tells us if we listen to the Saviors voice and wait on Him, we shall be blessed. To many times we find time for vain amusements, while neglecting what is needful, that being; prayer and the love our Lord has for His children.  If we proclaim godliness, we should never neglect "His Love and Grace" toward us.  Christ is wisdom and He is life to all believers.  Those who understand wisdom receive many blessings, but those who turn to foolishness shall perish and pass into the depths of hell.       
      Amen!!

                                          May God Bless You
                                           And Your Families

                                                         Minister Robert A. Lail Sr
                                                         The Cross Life Ministry 

Friday, August 1, 2014

God's Favour Speaks Comfort To All Believers

                                           Isaiah 43:4a
                        "Since thou wast precious in my sight,
                              thou hast been honorable and
                                        I have love thee:"

        All creatures, no matter where they may be was formed by God.  All who have been redeemed by the blood of His Son, He has set apart for Himself.  Those who have God for them need not fear who or what that may come against them.  No matter what the enemy may posses, it will never compare with the Blood of Christ.  True believers are precious in God's sight, and His delight is in them, above any other people.
        Though we may go as through fire and water, God is there with us. and we nee not fear no evil, for we are "born up and brought out."  God's people know the power of His grace, the sweetness of his comforts, and the truth of His promise.  All servants of God can give an account of what God has done in them and for them, and lead others to know and believe His power, truth, and love.       
         Amen!!

                                    May God Bless You
                                     And Your Families

                                                   Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.
                                                   The Cross Life Ministry