“The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ” 12/18/2016 written by bruce r. mills

Posted on December 19, 2016 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Written by bruce r. mills @  www.Godsmanforever.com

 

                       

      “The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ” 

                              (Revised from 7/11/2013)

Here is the truth about sin, and how God’s grace through saving faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ is given by God, to those who understand and obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…

Romans 5:12… Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— (NKJV)

 

Most people believe sin began in the Garden of Eden, but it didn’t.  Sin began when God’s top angel Lucifer, decided to flex his power, and wanted to become equal to God…Isaiah 14:12-14…

Sin, by its very nature, is born into every human being, since Adam and Eve fell in the Garden of Eden, to the serpent’s (Satan’s) temptations.  This natural sin nature is part of everyone’s natural make-up, from the time they are young children, until the time that they pass on from this life.

That 3 year old, who is told NO by their parents, goes right ahead and disobeys their parents at the first chance they get.  This rebellion against their parents turns into rebellion against God, as a child grows older.  God hates sin, because it is independent rebellion against God; and will devastate the lives of everyone that remains living in sin…in bondage to Satan and the ways of the world…1 John 2:15-16…

The sad truth about sin, is that it blinds the unbeliever…

2 Corinthians 4:4… whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. (NKJV)   (More about “the light of the gospel” of our Lord Jesus Christ, later)

Satan is the father of sin (John 8:44), and a master of disguise.  The Apostle Paul warns us about false prophets, and Satan himself, in...

2 Corinthians 11:12-14… For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. (NKJV)

Thank goodness God sent His Son Jesus Christ, born to the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18)…who’s shed blood on the cross at Calvary, will cleanse the sins of those who are first drawn in by God…

John 6:44… No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. (NKJV)

Upon understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the sins of the unbeliever will be replaced with the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:9…&…2 Corinthians 5:21)…as God’s free gift of grace, through saving faith alone in Jesus Christ, fills the heart, mind, and soul of the new redeemed child of God.

Ephesians 2:8-9… For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJV)

There is nothing an unbeliever can do on their own merit.  No amount of good works done in the name of the Lord, can cleanse away sins.  All of our own righteousness is absolutely worthless…Isaiah 64:6…  Jesus warns those who falsely believe that their good works done in the name of the Lord (like going to church every week), will forgive sins…when Jesus warns those around Him (and us) about this, in.

Matthew 7:21-23… “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (NKJV)

Having one’s lifetime of sins forgiven, is pure grace given to the unredeemed sinner by God.  God’s grace is given by God to those who seek Jesus Christ to become their personal Lord and Savior, through a personal one on One relationship, that is established between the unredeemed sinner and Jesus Christ.

This is accomplished through saving faith alone in Jesus Christ, through obedience to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, when the sinner realizes they can in no way save themselves, and turns to the Lord to receive God’s grace… (More about obeying the Gospel of Christ later)

So why should you desire to become a redeemed child of God ??  Very simply, to be in-dwelt with the Holy Spirit by God, to be supernaturally empowered to defeat Satan’s temptations, and our own carnal fleshly desires constantly urging us to sin… 1 John 2:15-16…

The Holy Spirit living with-in the “born again” Christian, has been given to them by God to guide and direct EVERY facet of the redeemed child of God’s life…  It is the Holy Spirit that helps the Christian grow and mature the fruit of the Spirit, which the Apostle Paul pens, in…

 

Galatians 5:22-23…  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  (ESV)

Look at this list of attributes the Holy Spirit will empower you with !!

Love, Joy, and Peace, are the most important of these 9 fruit of the Spirit…

How would you like to have a supernatural love that surpasses your mortal knowledge (Ephesians 3:19)…  A love empowered by the Holy Spirit that will enable you to love even someone screaming in your face, as Jesus tells us to do, in…Matthew 5:43-44…

And how about having a supernatural  joy that enables you to go through life’s most difficult trial, and still be able to find joy…  The Apostle James tells us about this joy, in…James 1:2-4…

 

 And wouldn’t you like to have a supernatural peace that will allow you to look upon your own death…knowing without a shadow of a doubt that you will be face to face with Jesus in heaven, the instant you breath your last breath here on earth !!  (2 Corinthians 5:8)

This supernatural peace surpasses our mortal understanding, as the Apostle Paul pens, in…

Philippians 4:6-7… Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

 

All of these God given blessings will be given to you by God, if you understand and obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…  How is this done ??  You must pray to God, with what some call “the sinners prayer”, that should go something like this…

 

“Father I am sorry for my lifetime of sins…  I believe with ALL my heart, that Your Son Jesus suffered and died on the cross, shedding His blood to cleanse away all of my sins…  I believe that Jesus was buried, and rose again in 3 days…  I repent and turn from my sins with godly sorrow and a repentant heart…seeking Jesus Christ to come into my heart to direct my life…  Father, hear my plea to receive Your grace…  Grant me eternal life with You…  Fill me with the Holy Spirit…and I thank You and praise You in Jesus’ most precious name…Amen”

 

I can only tell you from my own personal experience…that I made this prayer seeking salvation several times, before God graced me with salvation.  It’s not the prayer that saves us; it is a changed heart that is regenerated by God Himself…  God knows our heart, and He will only grant saving grace to those who seek Jesus with ALL of their heart, mind soul, and strength…

God finally graced me with salvation when I prayed with true godly sorrow and a repentant heart…and I absolutely knew beyond any doubt, that I was just then a redeemed child of God…(Romans 8-16) It is   God’s decision, and God’s perfect timing, to grace someone with eternal life with Him in heaven.

Failure to obey the Gospel of Christ before you die will result in eternal separation from God, and you will forever forfeit your place in heaven…

 

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9…  in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,  (NKJV)

All Christians who are Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), should absolutely, positively know for sure, that they are indeed a redeemed child of God.  The Apostle Paul tells us this, in…

 

Romans 8:15-16…  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”  16 The Spirit Himself  bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (NKJV)

There should be no doubts for the Spirit filled Christian about where they will be headed upon their death.  No wondering if they are good enough to get into heaven.  Because none of us are good enough…

Romans 3:23…  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (NKJV)    

The power of the Holy Spirit can and will conquer sin, by those who without question, have placed their lives in the hands of the Lord.  The Apostle James says this best, when he penned this, in…

James 4:7-8… Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (NKJV)

 

My friends, these blessings of spiritual fruit are totally indescribable, and have to be experienced to be believed !!

For those who have been graced with salvation…we must do our best to remain walking in the Spirit…  We see this penned by the Apostle Paul, in…

Galatians 5:16…   I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  (NKJV)

We as Christians can only remain filled with the Holy Spirit (as the Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:18-20), if we live in obedience to God’s will and God’s ways…  Any unconfessed sin will leave us in a state of broken (or at least hindered) fellowship with God…

 

To become righteous again in God’s eyes (from a practical standpoint, because we are always positionally righteous before God), we must confess our sins before the Lord…repent of them…and turn from them… We see this very clearly, as penned by the Apostle John, in…

1 John1:9… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (NKJV)

Living for the Lord, with the Holy Spirit in total charge of your life, is a blessing that I pray everyone will come to experience…

Heavenly Father, Your Word is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…Hebrews 4:12-13… I pray Lord, that You would draw to Yourself those that don’t yet know You as their personal Lord and Savior…John 6:44…  And that the truth from Your Word through obedience to the Gospel of Your Son Jesus Christ, would set them free from Satan’s chains of bondage to sin and shame…John 8:32…  I pray for this fullness of Christ in all of our lives, in Jesus’ most precious name and for His sake…Amen…

 

Blessings in Christ, bruce r. mills

 

(Message me here, or send me an e-mail @ brucermillslast@comcast.net with any questions)

P.S.  For those who still believe they can earn their own way into heaven, listen to John Piper’s audio on… “Can My Good Works Outweigh My Bad?

https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/can-my-good-works-outweigh-my-bad

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“Fear Not: April 2020 Scripture Writing Plan” 3/21/2020 Written by Elihu Anderson for “Elihu’s Corner”

Posted on March 31, 2020 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Fear not, for I am with you.: Bible Verse Bullet Journal Dot Grid ...

Written by Elihu Anderson for  “Elihu’s Corner”  @   http://elihuscorner.com/

Original post @ https://elihuscorner.com/2020/03/31/fear-not-april-2020-scripture-writing-plan/

Fear Not: April 2020 Scripture Writing Plan

Elihu

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The present crisis grips us with uncertainty. Some fear a loss of freedom. Others fear poverty and/or illness. All of us are waiting to see the outcome.

The unknown stimulates fear.

Because fear has such a foothold in our world, it is imperative—whether we live in peacetime or pandemic—to grow in our knowledge of God. In the word, God frequently tells His people, “Fear not, I am with you” or “Do not be afraid, I am your God.” If we do not know God (His unfailing love, His supreme power, or His great faithfulness), those words will have little influence on our hearts. 

Fear is a natural reaction to danger. When God says, “Fear not,” He is not condemning us for feeling fear, He is reminding us that we should replace our fear with faith in Him. It is a reminder that He is truly greater than whatever we face. Why does the Lord tell Joshua, “do not be afraid” three different times in the first chapter? Joshua was preparing to lead a rather difficult group of people against the fortified Caananites. Battle was coming. Trouble was inevitable. Fear was natural. God called Joshua to choose faith over fear.

We are called by God to be strong (in Him), to walk by faith (not by sight), and to have courage. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face danger in spite of it.

Do we have courage to stand firm in His promises?

Are we relying on His strength or our own?

Are we walking by faith or are we drowning in fear?

As you write (or read) through this month’s plan, take time to read the context, particularly in Deuteronomy, Joshua, 2 Kings, and 2 Chronicles. Even in Old Testament times, people of God were called to fix their hearts on the Lord, especially when faced with overwhelming odds.

May we, like David, pray:

“Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.”

Psalm 61.1-3, ESV (emphasis mine)

I hope you will join us this month as we meditate on God’s encouraging word!

Printable Plans

To download a printable copy of this month’s plan, select either the half-sheet or full-sheet PDFs. The half-sheet prints two copies (one to keep and one to share!). You can also save the image at the top of this page to your phone for another quick reference.

April 2020 Scripture Writing Half-Sheet Size

April 2020 Scripture Writing Full Page

Kids Copywork

Last month, a fellow Christian and scripture-writer volunteered to make pages for younger kids to trace or copy the verses. She is once again preparing these sheets for all of us to use with our littles! Thank you, Sara! To download, click the links below:

Kids’ Tracing Sheets for April 2020 Scripture Writing

Kids Copying Sheets for April 2020 Scripture Writing

If you are new to scripture writing and need some tips, check out this post: How to Use Scripture Writing Plans

Published by Elihu

Elihu Anderson is a California refugee currently thriving on the West Texas plains. She is the founder of elihuscorner.com and is a contributor to Kirk Cameron’s website TheCourage.com. When she isn’t writing, reading, or teaching, she is sipping on some iced homemade chai and enjoying time with a good friend. Come by and say hi at elihuscorner.com or visit me on Facebook.com/elihuscorner 

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“The Results of Allowing No Room for God” 3/30/2020 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on March 30, 2020 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Faithful In Christ — Psalm 10:4 (HCSB) In all his scheming, the ...

Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms” @  https://davidkitz.wordpress.com/

Original post found @  https://davidkitz.blog/2020/03/26/the-results-of-allowing-no-room-for-god/

The Results of Allowing No Room for God

26ThursdayMar 2020

Posted by  in Devotions, Psalm 10, Psalms

Tags , , , , 

 

Reading: Psalm 10
(Verses 5-11)

His ways are always prosperous;
your laws are rejected by him;
he sneers at all his enemies.
He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.”
He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”
His mouth is full of lies and threats;
trouble and evil are under his tongue.
He lies in wait near the villages;
from ambush he murders the innocent.
His eyes watch in secret for his victims;
like a lion in cover he lies in wait.
He lies in wait to catch the helpless;
he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
His victims are crushed, they collapse;
they fall under his strength.
He says to himself, “God will never notice;
he covers his face and never sees” (NIV).*

img_20200217_1108306

Art exhibit at the National Gallery of Canada — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Yesterday’s reading from Psalm 10 was an introduction to the man who has no room for God in his life. The psalmist states, “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”

Today’s reading continues to describe in disturbing detail, the thoughts, deeds and attitudes of the heart of such a person. He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.” His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.

Nature abhors a vacuum. All manner of things will rush in to fill an empty space. When God is removed from His rightful place as the Master of our life, selfishness and pride rise to the top. If Jesus isn’t the Lord of my life, then my selfish nature will rise to the occasion. However, when my selfish nature rules, all manner of sin follows. Worst of all self-deception follows. We deceive ourselves into believing a lie.

The psalmist states: He says to himself, “God will never notice; he covers his face and never sees”

Of course, God does see. Our pride and ignorance are on full display before Him. Jesus has these words to say about this topic. “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36).

I have spoken more than a few empty words. How about you? The simple truth is I need a Lord and Master like Jesus to help me govern my life. I also need his love and forgiveness when I slip up.

Response: Lord Jesus, you are the Lord and Master of the universe. Even the wind and the waves obey you. I want to obey you too. Holy Spirit, blow into my life and fill me with your presence today. Amen.

Your Turn: What fills the vacuum in your life? Is it Jesus?

*NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“This Sunday at Church: Pray for those at Risk with Corona Virus” 3/29/2020 Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth”

Posted on March 29, 2020 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Truth Tuesday – Need Peace and Calmness? | Grace Full Journey

Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth” @  https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com

Original post @  https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2020/03/29/this-sunday-at-church-pray-for-those-at-risk-with-corona-virus/

This Sunday at Church: Pray for those at Risk with Corona Virus

March 29, 2020 by SLIMJIM

 

More and more churches are doing service online in light of the virus.  Our “This Sunday” series will be going over a Corona Virus edition.  Last week we posted “Helpful Considerations in using Zoom for the Glory of God.”  If you are experiencing Church online here’s something you can do this Sunday: Pray for those at Risk with Corona Virus.

Philippians 4:6 states “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  Notice there’s a prohibition: “Be anxious for nothing.”  Being anxious is easy to all into during this time.  Instead of being anxious we are called to pray: “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

So pray.  Pray for those who are most at risk with the virus.  Think of the elderly in your church.  Think of those with health problem.  Think of those with respiratory issues, or a weak immune system.  While not trying to expose them to the virus by maintaining social distancing it is also important we pray for those who have greater health risk with this virus.  Also its also a good idea to share your prayer requests with others of someone you know and love that might be at greater risk with this virus.  Pray together with someone!  I’m glad we are small enough to use Zoom.  But for bigger churches call someone up or a few others after service to pray for them.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“God’s Cure for Worry !!”

Posted on March 28, 2020 by

 

“God’s Cure for Worry !!”

Sermon by Pastor Brooks Goodhart, from Faith Bible Church

Please take the time to watch this !!  You will be blessed !!

 

Psalm 37:7, Evening - YouTube

 

Today I am posting a message from a small church in South Jersey called “Faith Bible Church”…  The Facebook site for the church is…  https://www.facebook.com/FaithBibleChurchNJ/

Listen to Pastor Brook’s message on Psalm 37, where he preaches a 5 step checklist that can eliminate any and all worries you might have…

If you like this U-tube message, you can hit the subscribe button…  I urge you to take the time to watch Pastor Brooks message… If you like the sermon as much as I did, I ask you to like this little church on FB, along with sending them a message about today’s sermon, and how much it meant to you…

Blessings in Christ,  bruce

You can listen to this U-tube message at the following link –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIvFNvp29eE&feature=youtu.be

 

P.S.  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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“The Incense of Your Praise” 3/28/2020 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org

Posted on March 28, 2020 by

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What Is A Born Again Christian? | Jack Wellman

Posted by Alister Begg   for   www.truthforlife.org

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The Incense of Your Praise

As a pleasing aroma I will accept you.

Ezekiel 20:41

The merits of our great Redeemer are as a pleasing aroma to the Most High. Whether we speak of the active or passive righteousness of Christ, there is an equal fragrance. There was a pleasing aroma in His active life by which He honored the law of God and made every precept to glitter like a precious jewel in the pure setting of His own person.

Such, too, was His passive obedience, when He endured with unmurmuring submission hunger and thirst, cold and nakedness, and at the end sweat as it were great drops of blood in Gethsemane. He gave His back to the smiters and His cheeks to them that plucked out the hair and was fastened to the cruel wood, that He might suffer the wrath of God in our behalf. These two things are sweet before the Most High; and for the sake of His doing and His dying, His substitutionary sufferings and His vicarious obedience, the Lord our God accepts us.

What a preciousness there must be in Him to overcome our lack of preciousness! What a pleasing aroma to put away our nasty odor! What a cleansing power in His blood to take away sin such as ours! And what glory in His righteousness to make such unacceptable creatures to be accepted in the Beloved!

Consider, believer, how sure and unchanging is our acceptance, since it is in Him! Take care that you never doubt your acceptance in Jesus. You cannot be accepted without Christ; but when you have received His merit, you cannot be unaccepted. Despite all your doubts and fears and sins, Jehovah’s gracious eye never looks upon you in anger; though He sees sin in you, in yourself, yet when He looks at you through Christ, He sees no sin. You are always accepted in Christ, are always blessed and dear to the Father’s heart. Therefore lift up a song, and as you see the smoking incense of the Savior’s merit coming up this evening before the sapphire throne, let the incense of your praise go up also.
Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Good News Publishers and used by Truth For Life with written permission.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=ALeKk03p-loqTjZ-VrD7zxkG1qHNaJvkyA:1585394272269&q=Image+are+you+a+born+again+Christian+?&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjpp7Xzhb3oAhUwTt8KHd1fCy0QsAR6BAgKEAE&biw=1153&bih=777#imgrc=1kEilMvqnsSg-M

 

Posted in Daily Devotion, The Incense of Your Praise | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“How to Live an Anxiety-Free Life” 3/27/2020 Written by Keith Haney for “THE LIGHT BREAKS THROUGH”

Posted on March 27, 2020 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Image result for image be anxious for nothing

Written by  Keith Haney for “THE LIGHT BREAKS THROUGH” @ https://alightbreaksthrough.org

Original post @  https://alightbreaksthrough.org/how-to-live-an-anxiety-free-life/

 

How to Live an Anxiety-Free Life

ByKeith Haney

MAR 25, 2020 

lightstock_410654_medium_byrene_haney

I don’t know if this is a true story or not, but I suspect it is true, in that it was in a book by Steve Farrar titled, Standing Tall: How a Man Can Protect, His Family.

Dr. Robert Schuller was on a whirlwind book promotion tour in which he was visiting eight cities in four days. He was keeping an exhausting schedule besides maintaining his duties as pastor of what we now know as The Crystal Cathedral. As he was going over his itinerary, his secretary reminded him that when they returned home, he was scheduled to have lunch with the winner of a charity raffle. The winner had paid $500 for the privilege of sharing that lunch with the Dr. He was quite pleased that his presence was so highly valued until he learned that it was his daughter who had paid $500 for his “undivided” attention.

This Corona Virus has given time to step back and assess my life.  Here is what I have come up with and maybe you can relate to some things on my list.

Priority Checkup.

pexels-photo-416322Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Here is my moment of transparency. My priorities get mixed up more times than I can to admit.

  • I work too hard and play too little.

  • Tend to major in the minors.

  • Make mountains out of molehills.

  • Worship at the altar of success and accomplishment.

  • My number one strength is competition. Losing is not an option.

  • I fail to place God first.

  • My prayer life is sporadic.

  • I talk more to God than listen to God.

  • My priorities are:

    • Self-centered

    • Me-focused

    • Anxiety-ridden

    • Completely and totally out of line with God’s desire for my life.

    • In short, I am a sinner in need of God’s grace.

The world can easily trick us into focusing our attention on worldly things. Satan plays on our weakness. He loves to point out our shortcomings. Satan tries to convince us we are not worthy, nor worth much, and makes us question why would God want us?

People need transcendence.

lightstock_605_medium_byrene_haney

If the summation of our lives comprises the things we have accumulated, achieved, or accomplished, we are to be pitied above all creatures. Once we are gone, we divide those things among those who cared about us or given away to charity.

At some point in our lives, hopefully, before it is too late, we realize a need to know Jesus Christ intimately.

Here is how the Apostle Paul describes that “I consider everything a loss in comparison with the superior value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. I have lost everything for him, but what I lost I think of as sewer trash, so that I might gain Christ and be found in him. In Christ, I have a righteousness that is not my own, and that does not come from the Law but rather from the faithfulness of Christ. It is the righteousness of God that is based on faith.”       Philippians 3

People are seeking significance.

Years ago “The Purpose-Driven Life” the best-selling hardcover book in the world (besides the Bible) with over 32,000,000 copies sold appealed to the fact that everyone wants a purpose in life. One reviewer, Tim Callies, made this analysis of the book: “The Purpose Driven Life is premised on the teaching that only Christians can live with purpose. It follows that unbelievers have no real meaning to their lives.”

We all need a purpose–a reason to get out of bed in the morning. People desire more than just being a cog in the machine, a brick in the wall, or more than a number. The question people often ask, “What are you going to be when you grow up?” Then add, “… and I hope you grow up soon.” From the wisdom of Solomon, Proverbs 16:4 says, “The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.” You are created for a purpose; your life was significant.

People need a community.

topless man standing on cliffPhoto by Vlad Cheu021ban on Pexels.com

What has been the hardest change to make during this social distancing period is community.  People are not meant to live life alone. In the garden of Eden, God created a helpmate for Adam.

We need to connect with other people through meaningful relationships. “Christ distributes courage through the community; he dissipates doubts through fellowship. He never deposits all knowledge in one person but distributes pieces of the jigsaw puzzle too many. When you interlock your understanding with mine, and we share our discoveries, when we mix, mingle, confess and pray, Christ speaks.” Max Lucado.

These three factors will help us live a life that matters and leave a lasting legacy that gives glory to God, the one who created that life that matters.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk03E5BVQzXQlP7vHSFhxbgT6JE789A:1585250245209&q=image+be+anxious+for+nothing&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj6nvut7bjoAhVQoZ4KHTnzA_gQsAR6BAgKEAE&biw=963&bih=577#imgrc=-PFnQgjoBsmQkM

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“Do Not Worry” 3/26/2020 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on March 26, 2020 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”  @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2020/03/21/do-not-worry/

Do Not Worry

POSTED ON  BY 

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As I prepared the lesson for our Ladies Bible study group this week, I knew there was a lot of fear in a lot of hearts and minds because of this virus. So I asked God what message He wanted to bring to the group. He led me to Luke 12 and the Parable of the Rich Fool. A parable about greed. Thanks God, that’s gonna be real helpful.

But one key of studying the Bible is to look at the surrounding passages and as I did I began to see what God was up to. Let me set the stage. Jesus tells the story of a rich man who, after a bountiful harvest, decided to hoard up all he had, even though he had more than he needed. Sound familiar? The man would not enjoy his harvest though, for that night he would die. That’s pretty straight forward. Don’t be greedy. But look at the bigger picture. Before and after this parable, Jesus says over and over: “do not be afraid,” and “do not worry.” (Check out John 12:7, 11, 22, 25, 26, 29, 32.) He followed the parable with the famous discourse of the Father providing for the birds and the flowers – “how much more valuable are you than they?” (v. 24).

Worry and fear cause us to “run after” the things the world chases (v. 29-30) or to hoard up what we have in fear of not having enough (v. 16-19). Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been living out the illustration of this message as stores are stripped of basic necessities and people are stockpiling toilet paper. Jesus told us not to worry. Why? Because “your Father knows that you need [these things].” And because it delights the Father to provide for His children.

God knows all about this pandemic and the ripples it’s causing. He knows that these are scary times. He knows what you need. And He says, “Child, do not be afraid.” Beloved, your Father is the King of Heaven and Earth – what could you possibly have to worry about?

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

Posted in Daily Devotion | Leave a comment
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