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

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Godsmanforever

      “The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ” 

                                                 (Revised from 7/11/2013)

           

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

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)… whose 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)

After being drawn in by God, then 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, after the unbeliever is drawn in by God (John 6:44), 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 within 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 breathe 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 sinner’s prayer”, which 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 He first draws in (John 6:44), who then are able to seek Jesus with  ALL of their heart, mind soul, and strength…

God finally graced me with salvation after He drew me in, and I prayed with true godly sorrow and a repentant heart…  I absolutely knew beyond any doubt, that I was just then a redeemed child of God…  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 John 1:9… 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

If you have any questions, from the USA you can call my cell  @  1-856-430-1448

or contact me by email @  brucermillslast@comcast.net

A great app for reading (or listening to) the whole Bible in one year-   www.bibleinoneyear.org

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

Posted in Bible, Catholic, Christ, Christianity, Daily Devotion, Exortation, faith, God, Gospel, Holiness, Hope, Jesus Christ | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

“RESPECT IS EARNED!” BUT…IS IT?” 5/29/2023 Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

What does the Bible say about respect? | GotQuestions.org

Click on the like for a www.Gotquestions.org answer to what is biblical respect-  https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-respect.html

Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank  for “Kingdom Pastor”  @  https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2023/05/17/respect-is-earned-but-is-it/

“RESPECT IS EARNED!” BUT…IS IT?

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Pastor Randy

How many of us have been taught and told this: “Respect is earned!”? This morning, much like the angel did at the Pool of Siloam, the Spirit troubled the waters of my thinking. I had been thinking about another potential blog when He interrupted my thinking. I hate it when He does that. Just messes up my whole thinking processes. Out of nowhere, I thought this: “Respect is earned!” And just as soon as I thought it, He troubled the waters of my thinking with that blessed question: “Is it really earned? Or should it be simply given?”

Being a preacher, pastor, and teacher, my knee jerk reaction was: “Show me in the Bible where it’s mandated I respect those who haven’t earned my respect!!!” I should have known better than to say that! Really, I should have, because HE, The Holy Spirit, knows The Bible better than everyone else, and He knows how to apply it. Nonetheless, I threw that question out. And because of my Respect for The Holy Spirit (because He has Earned my Respect), I had to listen to His answer. To do otherwise would make me the biggest hypocrite of all. And do you know what He said? I’ll show you:

So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.

Genesis chapter 1, verse 27; from the New Living Translation; (emphasis mine)

I wanted to say to Him, “What’s that got to do with respect?”, but I knew better. I was already behind the 8-ball. Once those waters that He troubled settled down, I got a new perspective. Look at the definition of that word, Respect: “esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person”. And what does THE FACT that every human being has the Image of God inside them have to do with Respect? What’s the connection between Genesis chapter 1, verse 27 and Respect?

And here it is: The opposite of Respect is Disrespect! When we Disrespect any person, we are, in fact, Disrespecting God because His Image is inside that person. There are no degrees of Disrespect. Degrees are for colleges and weather. One of the words that is the exact opposite of Respect is Disdain! When we withhold Respect from any person simply because that haven’t earned it, we are showing Disdain for God. We are in fact saying: “God, you have to earn my Respect!” Do you really want to tell God that???

Respect isn’t something that is earned; it is something to be given–to everyone! And just in case you need a reason to show Respect, then here it is: The image of God is inside every person; and there are no exceptions! Dear, me. My ESPN just kicked in. One of you readers just asked, “You mean the image of God is inside Donald Trump?” And another reader just asked, “You mean the image of God is inside Joe Biden?” Oh, me. More of you are asking, “God’s image is inside gay people? Murderers? Pedophiles? Muslims? Hindus? Etc.?”

And THE answer (not mine, but God’s answer) is a resounding ABSOLUTELY! Because some people are unwilling to live into and out of that Image doesn’t mean it’s not there. And because we can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s nonexistent. Folks, there’s a lot of noise out there about the lack of Respect for and in life. And I can’t, I won’t, argue with you about that fact. If you want to see Respect for all life–then you need to SHOW Respect for all life–even if they haven’t earned it. Now, Trust is earned! But Respect? It’s to be GIVEN without conditions. And just in case you disagree with me–and want to know Jesus’ take on Respect, here it is. I’ll allow you to connect the dots.

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

                                    Matthew chapter 7, verse 12; from the NLT

*******************************************

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 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…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=APwXEddWHmV_4ImDjR5MiT3hAQ8-HzZNBA:1685364861328&q=Image+Respect+in+the+Bible&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=IZMefzvUqsiv8M%252Ce6TlZCY2Y_zaCM%252C_%253BtLvWe1xHjCqzrM%252Cx_GIqHlYfuZJ5M%252C_%253BcQnLlCNdvvwmPM%252Cy3OrW6814UovVM%252C_%253BHSWDuWQ8muRhRM%252CGS3ICqJg3wKtRM%252C_%253BxVYzGRcA7rsO9M%252CTWIoHtQ_TR39XM%252C_%253BH3D2dhNsTjq1UM%252CALqczDoV0yV0RM%252C_%253B1d2T0v4l2thj8M%252C6GnQgjOCs7K52M%252C_%253B_RCTz1pG04rmEM%252CwnbqUj0N7RX5PM%252C_%253BtFYcKkWYSHSkkM%252C0qagb43pqbZXlM%252C_%253BaTdyZmLwcWwJzM%252CsS8hb0rDiJ9THM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kS-nRapD2vUHtJNTOfJLqf3ywnTWg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjb64CvyZr_AhWJjYkEHQ8pC3kQ7Al6BAgNEEE&biw=1128&bih=905&dpr=1#imgrc=cQnLlCNdvvwmPM

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“Living Water” 5/28/2023 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org

Posted on May 28, 2023 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

John 7:38 - Bible verse (ESV) - DailyVerses.net

Posted by Alister Begg  for  www.truthforlife.org

Original post here-  https://www.truthforlife.org/daily/?tab=alistair_begg_devotional&date=04%2F21%2F2023&src=23ELDB0&utm_campaign=Alistair%20Begg%20Daily%20Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=255092700&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8Zk17-lEmTiGz4r0HUex50EbPBL7M1MONlb4DnBaBys7RbnIEtM4wZdqNevRgrDbccB1Rw8DfMBvd8agon0ZWZrE8olPueG2Nj4TgAUPKIyh8Aw10&utm_content=255092700&utm_source=hs_email

Living Water

 

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 4:13-14

When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well and asked her for a drink, she assumed that she would be providing what He needed: a literal drink of water. Instead, she discovered that actually she needed what only this stranger was able to provide: a spiritual drink of living water.

Jesus helped her to see this need with one simple command: “Go, call your husband, and come here” (John 4:16). He asked her to do what she couldn’t do, because although she had been married five times she was now living with a man who was not her husband. He helped her see how her ongoing search for satisfaction had left her wanting. Famed mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote that we have within each of us a God-shaped void.[1] She was no exception.

Every one of us digs figurative wells all over the place that will never truly satisfy (Jeremiah 2:13)—our careers, our marriages, our friendships, our families, our wealth, our next vacation, or whatever experiences give us a high. But they all leave us thirsty for more. We will keep digging and drinking until we are confronted by our real need: that our sin needs to be cleansed and forgiven, our desires need to be transformed, and our hearts need to be filled with Jesus. He is the only one able to hold the weight of all our hopes and longings.

This woman arrived at the well empty, searching, and desperate. In Christ she met God—the same God who created our inmost being, who knows the words we’ve yet to speak, who can tell us everything we’ve ever done (John 4:19; see also Psalm 139: 4, 13). She brought her empty life to this wonderful source of living water: Christ Himself. She brought her sinful past to the cleansing supply that only Jesus provides. She brought her hopes for the future to the one who knew everything about her and loved her still, enough to quench her thirst forever.

On what are you tempted to hang your hopes, other than God? Where do you look for satisfaction, other than to Jesus? He has offered you the drink that will quench your thirst forever and become a spring that can never run dry. He has taken what He doesn’t deserve—the punishment for your sin—so that He can give you what you don’t deserve: salvation, forgiveness, freedom, and hope. Draw from this saving well moment by moment, today and every day, and thirst no more.

************************************************

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 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…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=APwXEdf4tCoqPz2e3UwQX-XdlTpVAziK7w:1685274310523&q=image+John+7:38&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=eJoWtDOWAAhcsM%252Ct536qwqdNsZwbM%252C_%253BqD7FpM98gT0i2M%252CzDh2wEhva8KYVM%252C_%253Bb5nL6s-4USI76M%252CUyYxS7hyK-vw9M%252C_%253BGCS4cjPTGyaJoM%252C3TCpPPUtY5fjtM%252C_%253BON7em2laDKOCvM%252CaWY8Db8d38A0tM%252C_%253BFbXoYejQeVttXM%252CGBbJ59EG_tn_LM%252C_%253Bw9VJghmClZ4HSM%252CY6wYNDoSnrTePM%252C_%253BqmKF9lJ9azgX0M%252C_f1lMRzTTyzKMM%252C_%253BO-bclezhBkQM1M%252CL9pDkpi9ZeSQEM%252C_%253BTXOcXf4kmGS2bM%252C_bQ-nU7iCOSELM%252C_%253BFT5kavU9Xr_b1M%252CB_nqzh484S8TJM%252C_%253BevfleIyw2rPIjM%252C_kOJyXr847TvwM%252C_%253BVjM0jbAHzbceDM%252CSd8OQrjOPe_DvM%252C_%253BrtvtQhU7312I_M%252CSsNsnbu2UvnOEM%252C_%253Blei4RfB1n4RDXM%252C3TCpPPUtY5fjtM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kSUDHEGA3ycfFLmbC4XXuTaZgO_HA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjUw4KF-Jf_AhVEFVkFHWN3DtkQ7Al6BAgeEEw&biw=1304&bih=898&dpr=1#imgrc=EJrTNIWJ-Tu-HM

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“What are the steps to salvation?” 5/27/2023 Posted by www.Gotquestions.org

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Why Can't I Get To Heaven Through Good Works?

Posted by www.Gotquestions.org

Original post @  https://www.gotquestions.org/steps-to-salvation.html

QUESTION

What are the steps to salvation?

ANSWER

Many people are looking for “steps to salvation.” People like the idea of an instruction manual with five steps that, if followed, will result in salvation. An example of this is Islam with its Five Pillars. According to Islam, if the Five Pillars are obeyed, salvation will be granted. Because the idea of a step-by-step process to salvation is appealing, many in the Christian community make the mistake of presenting salvation as a result of a step-by-step process. Roman Catholicism has seven sacraments. Various Christian denominations add baptism, public confession, turning from sin, speaking in tongues, etc., as steps to salvation. But the Bible only presents one step to salvation. When the Philippian jailer asked Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul responded, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30-31).

Faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior is the only “step” to salvation. The message of the Bible is abundantly clear. We have all sinned against God (Romans 3:23). Because of our sin, we deserve to be eternally separated from God (Romans 6:23). Because of His love for us (John 3:16), God took on human form and died in our place, taking the punishment that we deserve (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). God promises forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven to all who receive, by grace through faith, Jesus Christ as Savior (John 1:12; 3:16; 5:24; Acts 16:31).

Salvation is not about certain steps we must follow to earn salvation. Yes, Christians should be baptized. Yes, Christians should publicly confess Christ as Savior. Yes, Christians should turn from sin. Yes, Christians should commit their lives to obeying God. However, these are not steps to salvation. They are the results of salvation. Because of our sin, we cannot in any sense earn salvation. We could follow 1000 steps, and it would not be enough. That is why Jesus had to die in our place. We are absolutely incapable of paying our sin debt to God or cleansing ourselves from sin. Only God could accomplish our salvation, and so He did. God Himself completed the “steps” and thereby offers salvation to anyone who will receive it from Him.

Salvation and forgiveness of sins is not about following steps. It is about receiving Christ as Savior and recognizing that He has done all of the work for us. God requires one step of us—receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin and fully trusting in Him alone as the way of salvation. That is what distinguishes the Christian faith from all other world religions, each of which has a list of steps that must be followed in order for salvation to be received. The Christian faith recognizes that God has already completed the steps and simply calls on the repentant to receive Him in faith.

**********************************************

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 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…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+faith+not+by+works+bible&rlz=1C1VFKB_enUS610US619&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiQgrC5_tnYAhULPN8KHfWUBDQQsAQITA&biw=1270&bih=853#imgrc=xft1p3F2JF3kdM

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged | Leave a comment

“Always Trustworthy” 5/26/2023 Written by Karen Huang for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises

 Written by Karen Huang for “Our Daily Bread” @  http://odb.org

[Click on the “Listen Online” link at the top of the original post, and listen to the audio version at the top, including the prayer at the end in the original post in link below]

Original post @ https://odb.org/US/2023/04/29/always-trustworthy

Always Trustworthy

The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises.

Psalm 145:13

Today’s Scripture & Insight:

Psalm 145:9–13

I’m a worrier. Early mornings are the worst because I’m alone with my thoughts. So I taped this quote from Hudson Taylor on my bathroom mirror, where I can see it when I’m feeling vulnerable: “There is a living God. He has spoken in the Bible. He means what He says and will do all He has promised.”

Taylor’s words came from years of walking with God and remind us of who He is and all He can do through our times of illness, poverty, loneliness, and grief. He didn’t merely know that God is trustworthy, he’d experienced His trustworthiness. And because he’d trusted God’s promises and obeyed Him, thousands of Chinese people gave their lives to Jesus.

Experiencing God and His ways helped David know that He’s trustworthy. He wrote Psalm 145, a song of praise to the God he’d experienced to be good, compassionate, and faithful to all His promises. When we trust and follow God, we realize (or understand better) that He is who He says He is and that He’s faithful to His word (v. 13). And, like David, we respond by praising Him and telling others about Him (vv. 10−12).

When we face worrisome times, God can help us not to falter in our walk with Him, for He is trustworthy (Hebrews 10:23).

By:  Karen Huang

What have you been worried about lately, and which of God’s promises can you hold on to? How does knowing that Hudson Taylor’s and King David’s faith wasn’t in vain encourage you and give you hope?

Dear God, thank You for being trustworthy and keeping Your promises to me. Please help me to remember Your faithfulness as I trust and obey You each day.

***********************************************************

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 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…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SLLM_enUS1047US1047&sxsrf=APwXEdduSJWoT1B2k0VpBUr4kMfmYl8Fsg:1685106509835&q=image+The+Lord+is+trustworthy+in+all+he+promises.+Bible&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=uTnWBxGsIRxejM%252Cjekumx9SHrajlM%252C_%253BRxpq6i0pmlubgM%252CqX23PqieWJHvTM%252C_%253B6pMwpmCHWrrhCM%252Cn-sTMKr3MkkVZM%252C_%253BWQuqRy15KqP1lM%252C3bv4PpMPGo2tBM%252C_%253B0A10fKR7flV_XM%252C6LS5PYdTfpKpSM%252C_%253BLIvtnX53OjGEUM%252C2QtNP2FsVPCgqM%252C_%253BZeUqtbskDpP75M%252CCKS-0uYyLAp9TM%252C_%253BCDlx64ukkE1jOM%252CMWnFMJIMc40U2M%252C_%253Bg-kr7jmFmQsJiM%252Cbe8yy6LhayeX4M%252C_%253BTGOQ9_mHcnxWbM%252Cv6szO3Q0OtrDfM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQ_pPMKEJiHAHdlR5V0Ak-P39vmOg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjPoLX3hpP_AhVgjIkEHTG3B28Q7Al6BAgNED8&biw=886&bih=482&dpr=1.25#imgrc=WQuqRy15KqP1lM

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“FLAWED” 5/25/2023 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

The Living... — faithful-in-christ: Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV) The...                        

Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare” @   http://atimetoshare.me

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2023/05/18/flawed/

FLAWED

Posted on May 18, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”                      Jeremiah 17:9 ESV

We don’t know how long Adam and Eve walked through the Garden of Eden before sin entered their hearts. We do know that when they disobeyed God, they were immediately cursed with guilt. Being flawed means that because of that disobedience, mankind was now doomed to a life of shame and defectivity. Sin entered the creation of God taking away the image of perfection and replacing it with a soul that was damaged, infected, and blemished.

With that distance placed between us and God, there is no question that we try to hide our sins. If we were to lay out everything that haunted us from the past, there would be no one who’d want to associate with us. In addition, our relationship with our God has become dysfunctional. So, what are we to do? We can try to forget those sins and change our behavior, only to fail again. We can hide our past discretions but the fear of someone finding out becomes like a dripping faucet – constantly and relentlessly reminding us that we’re flawed. We might try to numb those feelings of guilt by taking drugs or imbibing in alcohol. Unfortunately, all those things are simply masking the problem. No number of lies can change the facts.

Take heart! Even though our sins darken our minds and souls, God made it possible to have a perfect relationship with Him. Instead of our works and good deeds, which are worthless in His sight, He sent His only begotten Son to live among humanity with a sinless soul. He would teach the people, heal them, revive them, encourage them, and promise a future in eternity. This perfect, unblemished Lamb of God, died for all people – even sinners like you and me. When we humbly approach Him and repent of our wrongdoing, He forgives our sins. Grace is unconditional. There is nothing we can do except lay it all out before God. He has the solution. He alone can forgive our past and He will give us a future with Him, even when we sin again and again and again.

Yes, as long as we dwell on this planet, our hearts will continue to sin. Jesus died once for all people and all sin, but it is our responsibility to ask God to create a new life within us. With Him, we can change our ways, repent, confess, and repeat. With gratitude for all He’s done for us, we can share that promise of forgiveness with others who have fallen into the pit of despair.

****************************************

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 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…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=APwXEdf4DHf4GFpnc2HaGK9qGlz4G3Uqfg:1684978723743&q=image+jeremiah+17:9&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=-VEW5ei01PXS9M%252Cz6IJf_8Uwh361M%252C_%253Beo4AHQmjVTgnCM%252CBw12hIScHtnqzM%252C_%253B36K60GQM9Vv1JM%252CNAu2KJH5nPCOKM%252C_%253Bfv4MNfWR4MNmmM%252CNAu2KJH5nPCOKM%252C_%253BOxVVAC-TbmIu5M%252CkTIMv8KSZnI4bM%252C_%253BUXn3ysF8dIwSQM%252CWdanmHVHQlfIXM%252C_%253BL4vgNqRiZYUPWM%252CgnXmc8akuLYbFM%252C_%253BdcUBvtEfXAj4bM%252CVURII-2ylkVnkM%252C_%253BG_JktI_O5KkVIM%252CiRKmsDFEX5BAdM%252C_%253BayauVOll6WbEcM%252CsdD4B6BMAFTozM%252C_%253BpjutYptXdrXnuM%252CSJI-vqfBIIfwaM%252C_%253BU2G_D_z6iiabsM%252C9Yo7H0A7WxLUvM%252C_%253BsNicJwRLjRukrM%252CMvFPPn05kW2QmM%252C_%253BTv8XqXxO_iXaPM%252Ctp2YBRApafRWRM%252C_%253B6hI9TIieFmdIpM%252CUvdysYMaZ-_FsM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kRs_tV7NKCZob90DsA-GvZNn5AxiQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwihlKHyqo__AhUWEFkFHXLtAJ8Q7Al6BAgbEEM&biw=1304&bih=898&dpr=1#imgrc=g9IE9nS5qltYxM

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“Fellowship with God in Prayer” 5/24/2023 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing Closer to Christ”

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Image result for philippians 4 6-7 | Peace of god, Philippians, Scripture memory

Written by  Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ” @  https://drawingclosertochrist.com

Original post @  https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2023/05/08/go-to-god-in-prayer/

Fellowship with God in Prayer

 

Below are a few lines from the familiar hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”…

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer.

I have to remind myself often to carry everything to God in prayer. God loves to spend time talking to us, not only about the difficulties of life but also the pleasures of life. He enjoys hearing our thanksgiving, for the many blessings He has given to us. He enjoys hearing about the things that have made us happy as well as the things that have made us sad. He not only wants to cry with us, but He also wants to laugh with us.

Photo by: Pavel Danilyuk of Belarus 🇧🇾

God is always willing to work on our behalf; however, we must remember to invite Him into our lives and spend time fellowshipping with Him in prayer.

Don’t hesitate to make your requests known to God, no matter how big or small. He promises to give us His peace in exchange for our worries. So push past the temptation to be self-sufficient and let Him carry your burdens. Push pass discontentment and choose to be thankful. Push past pride and embarrassment and share your deepest needs with Him, today.

Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

**************************************************

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 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…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=APwXEdf4YsraVvNUReYxkR49f8JdB9joIw:1684929309246&q=image+phil+4:6-7&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=oN7omzygiyf-wM%252CdjR44lXm96etlM%252C_%253BOkpGtidEDf5XRM%252C82_WowRfbkNO0M%252C_%253BRN9gWSF_afJtCM%252CXY2dVEclu0s9tM%252C_%253BFA7RRgfDY86gRM%252C01z2iUKPARhnQM%252C_%253BjmonUo5elTWzUM%252CS93AxacznFKxeM%252C_%253BN6kb5qb-7e1mXM%252C1ibEcSvB5gfekM%252C_%253BiivLXNn40GFJ7M%252CK1CITvmIb580CM%252C_%253B73wDVyeVyxMBrM%252CA3R1U5eq5fEFfM%252C_%253B3mwhoJ9gws-jYM%252CZ4u51ytBGnLubM%252C_%253Bzu7Z_YmaHmOB6M%252CRXqkpWLZayvpLM%252C_%253BMGLZPv0U8jfnfM%252CuqpRYT3FsbJmvM%252C_%253BcrTMk9y-i07o1M%252Cl36yBQuq2jH14M%252C_%253BWImoF8Wty0X_dM%252CNJhuxHKFgbyoZM%252C_%253B65-mCLg6nu9qQM%252CsCy_n1QUhRjfvM%252C_%253BeznnEgYm5fF-_M%252Cv6__akq1PTk2SM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kS0Igk8khARvwn3V-EgySXiurzptA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwil1cvn8o3_AhUGFlkFHREZAYMQ7Al6BAgaEE8&biw=1304&bih=898&dpr=1#imgrc=FA7RRgfDY86gRM

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged | Leave a comment

“Being unforgiving is the Devil’s work” 5/23/2023 Written by Elihu Anderson for “Elihu’s Corner”

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Devil, We Are Not Unaware Of Your Schemes (Spiritually Unequal Marriage)

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

“Being unforgiving is the Devil’s work”

2 Corinthians 2:10–11 (NET)

“10 If you forgive anyone for anything, I also forgive him—for indeed what I have forgiven (if I have forgiven anything) I did so for you in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we may not be exploited by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his schemes).”

 

When we don’t forgive and we choose instead to hold grudges (that we feel justified to have), we are standing on shaky ground and have forgotten the forgiveness we have received. More than that, we are being exploited (used) by the enemy to do his will.

Who wants to be used by the devil to do his will? Evidently a lot of people – unwittingly.

When we are encountering accusations and strife, we can be sure that the enemy is the source. Pray for those who oppose you or who oppose the church. And then stand in the grace of God:

Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.”

************************************************

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 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…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=APwXEdeV1mZrGUDnLDZpF52ACeXF8IIcCQ:1684842783877&q=image+2+cor+2:10-11&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=zl4clovzTf8VxM%252Cg-O1-uPwWUqNoM%252C_%253B6nyXyQzLgfXxiM%252CBnYEdiMC5T7FPM%252C_%253BrBTgf9Myf17hBM%252C6np3Q9VBwySKXM%252C_%253B1tTHfFjCe0gzIM%252CTe5RE0Acpun7CM%252C_%253BzCOJVAa2o9vhGM%252CeKFmFTetLgsGEM%252C_%253BoD6mTUatOap4dM%252CYY5lfXW_rJzc0M%252C_%253BiH5J0rsHGytggM%252CRIpOm2JvjFLlLM%252C_%253BygnBe9Vu8TguJM%252CBU07z9FiLWnDiM%252C_%253Bf7PxYS47fQrc4M%252CGe6D1OqlRPE1bM%252C_%253B9hRH1TX53NVZ7M%252C7Ykl2yPxstxYfM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQZPli3MyZNq01vMPJV7X32n2ZLrw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiCn4O9sIv_AhUelYkEHfcGCCYQ7Al6BAgYEEc&biw=1304&bih=898&dpr=1#imgrc=6Ck48ALJttplyM
Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“I AM: The True Vine” 5/22/2023 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

What Does John 15:1 Mean?

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

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2023/04/20/i-am-the-true-vine/

I AM: The True Vine

POSTED ON APRIL 20, 2023 BY BETH ANDREWS

I once tried to train a vine to cover the front entrance to my house. I was not a master gardener – for Pete’s sake, I once let a cactus die for lack of water. But I did learn something. When trying to train a vine, you work from the center out. The vine is the part directly connected to the rootstock, and the branches, or tendrils, bear the leaves, flowers, and fruit. The vine gives the branches everything they need to produce. I think you know where this is going.

In Jesus’ final I AM statement He declared “I AM the True Vine . . .” (Jn 15:1). For you non-horticulturalists: Jesus is the Rootstock of the Church. The branches? That’s you and me. The Gardner? No less than the Father who certainly knows His way around a plant. There is so much to this passage (Jn 15:1-11). A good preacher could spend a month or more digging out treasures. But we’re going to settle into one idea here – or one word that the Spirit highlighted for me. Remain. Abide. Dwell. Stay. Live. You don’t have to be a biologist to know that a disconnected branch will wither and die. A disconnected believer will suffer the same fate. The connection is vital – it is our literal lifeline.

Jesus defined exactly how that works. He said, “Remain in me,” “let my words remain in you,” and remain in my love” (vs. 7, 9). Stay connected. The branches of a healthy vine – and Jesus had in mind a grapevine – may spread out, but they remain attached to their source of nourishment. They don’t try to force their way down to the dirt to set up their own root system. They are not to become independent of the vine.

What strikes me is not just the command to remain in Him, but His promise to remain in us. And that is key because the branch doesn’t draw the nutrients and water out of the vine, the vine pumps the nutrients and water into the branch. Joseph Henry Thayer described it as “something [that] has established itself permanently within my soul, and always exerts its power in me.” (from Thayer’s Greek Lexicon – blueletterbible.com).  When we remain in Him, in His Word and in His love – He does the work, and the fruit is a natural byproduct of Him. We are just the bearers.

The healthy Christian is a connected Christian. A connected Christian is a fruitful, happy, blessed Christian who is filled with Joy (v. 11). You were made to flourish, Beloved. Stay connected and bloom in Jesus, His Word, and His love.

*****************************************

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 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…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=APwXEdeQpGkkz9mpZA4UeYSRt8OhazoMtA:1684756026139&q=image+jn+15:1&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=FCMaxIJWuA01vM%252CYK61Z1ynvC80QM%252C_%253BJn6AsZue_wjDWM%252CYK61Z1ynvC80QM%252C_%253Bk6nyJ1v4cYZK8M%252CklPuZY1AuEpIPM%252C_%253BMwV8nVwBZud0fM%252C2ONU410NFrnGtM%252C_%253BW3snkfyq6ElpCM%252CHYCsQ06IUcyvhM%252C_%253BpFQQ6F97bsuEDM%252CttIQfwYp7wJOhM%252C_%253BsdU1Sm2XLbPFuM%252CEL5COlyRbedi8M%252C_%253BiQsXBQwg1ndFWM%252C-2Zp9W0MnzRhqM%252C_%253BYmMcDKTfVEWP9M%252Cg0uwugfwZOhR6M%252C_%253BXnsM3pvio9VrkM%252CklPuZY1AuEpIPM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kS7XYzZo_zDbOsKa36FfPHjqn0znQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjf-OGj7Yj_AhVUk4kEHTu-DiUQ7Al6BAgZEFc&biw=1304&bih=898&dpr=1#imgrc=FCMaxIJWuA01vM

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“Only GOD Knows the Future” 5/21/2023 Written by Bill Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries”

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Top 7 Bible Verses About the Future | Jack Wellman

Written by Bill Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries” @  https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/

Original post @ https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/2023/05/19/only-god-knows-the-future/

Only GOD Knows the Future

MAY 19, 2023~ BRM7

by BJ Rudge, Ph.D.

Newspaper and magazine headlines, television, radio, and internet news confront us daily with accounts of conflicts and war, the carnage from terrorism, mass murders, threats of a nuclear holocaust, global economic upheaval, worldwide spread of disease and pestilence, devastating natural disasters and extreme weather, and so on. The constant barrage prompts questions such as are we living at the time of the end of the world and what is the meaning of all that is happening?

People search for answers in a variety of sources from science to astrology, psychics, and Nostradamus. However, there is only one Source that truly provides the answers. God alone knows the future and He reveals it in the Book He inspired. Only God knows the end from the beginning and only the Bible reveals an accurate end-time scenario. Isaiah 46:9-10 states: “Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’”

 

Scripture is the only reliable source of end-time prophecy; Revelation is the capstone of prophecy. Insight from Revelation and the many other prophecies throughout the Hebrew Bible and New Testament can be compiled to provide precise insight. Not only has Scripture proven amazingly accurate but the Lord provides tremendous peace because not only do we know that what His Word says is going to happen, we can know the One Who is in control and Who determines our eternal destiny.

Since only God knows the future, we must go to His Word to acquire an accurate end-time scenario. Let us not only saturate our lives with the study of the Bible – our only reliable source of end-time prophecy – but also trust the Author of Scripture with our lives, our future, and our eternal destinies as we look for the glorious appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We find ourselves asking the very same question the disciples did in Matthew, chapter 24, “When is Jesus going to come back?” It is no surprise then that many of us are anticipating that the Lord will return very soon, as current events reflect the very signs Jesus said would precede His return (Matthew 24:4-8). Therefore, as Jesus emphasizes in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25), we should “be on the alert” [stay awake, watch], for we do not know the hour of His return (Matthew 25:13). However, as we stay awake and prepare ourselves “for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13), let us take care that we wait within the guidelines of what God has chosen to reveal to us in His Word.

I say this because many Christians are being persuaded to build their eschatology (issues related to the end times) upon extra-biblical sources. God’s Word must always be our foundation in shaping our understanding of end-time events. As we are warned in the most detailed prophetic book on the events surrounding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we should not add or take away from what God has revealed (Revelation 22:18-19).

I have encountered Christian material on the Second Coming that has appealed to Nostradamus, the Hopi Indians, Jewish mystic rabbis, and New Age mediums as being authoritative sources on end-time events. However, God’s Word must define our understanding and be our primary source in shaping our understanding of future events.

As we anticipate the return of Jesus Christ, we can rest upon the promise that what God has chosen to reveal about the Second Coming will come to pass. Even though there are some details we cannot fully comprehend until they happen, we can (and are responsible for) have a proper understanding of future prophetic events from studying Scripture.

*************************************************

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 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…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=APwXEdfJgX2EpbVYVU_VOgJek0yf9We-sg:1684669614382&q=image+only+God+knows+the+future+Bible&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=dr23GbB_cVUBjM%252CcmSEJhvtLA7AoM%252C_%253B4IQSwhIgleV0gM%252Cn2xw-zse9oYjDM%252C_%253BFC1It7wEQWGg_M%252CMTQkq31mrzDGyM%252C_%253BhteIVvz6pixVVM%252C4yWRGgpLeOABlM%252C_%253BAgC6Ett3G9F5tM%252C1H0I45BtQF0NrM%252C_%253BLGySHNhS1dWy9M%252CGb8t9DAMxkvDDM%252C_%253BL2NuNWb_sgeUrM%252CyOtYZvVr6A6M6M%252C_%253ByEA5O-aZ_DLq0M%252C_MZg4j5D3xZ8cM%252C_%253Btc-j33yR_RyWnM%252C0Kd65XCs8pwpcM%252C_%253BdvOd12hC4XpjHM%252CkxBwyja9T6SbwM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kSKI9AXRbDV0WC8L8uJOkxWgmPOVw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwibhLevq4b_AhXGkYkEHSv8CroQ7Al6BAgNEDo&biw=1304&bih=898&dpr=1#imgrc=iibfEMyVRp_ePM

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“Grow in grace through Jesus Christ” 5/20/2023 Written by Louis Mize, a good friend

Posted on May 20, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Written by Louis Mize, a good friend  @  https://www.facebook.com/louis.mize

2 Peter 3:18 Inspirational Scripture Typography Royalty Free SVG, Cliparts, Vectors, And Stock Illustration. Image 43011742.

“Grow in grace through Jesus Christ”

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

 2nd Peter 3:18

True knowledge isn’t achieved thru math, science, or languages. All of these are important, but no person has ever been saved or made complete by “knowing” these subjects. Neither is it obtained by joining some secret order or organization.

True knowledge is to know Jesus Christ, as He is revealed to man thru the Word of God. James said this: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him”.

When a person experiences the grace of God thru the shed blood of Jesus Christ, then that person is on the path to the growth of true and pure knowledge. Be wise my friends.

*************************************************

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 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…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture Credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=APwXEdcnv9-NRd5YH91jCJYgiEzhy0CyTQ:1684582948540&q=image+2+peter+3:18&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=3pAcfBqnifRQvM%252CYTs0dUNVL1M4SM%252C_%253BiKGv2iFrFfwS7M%252CckxtUEWT8UiqxM%252C_%253BOIUl5LbqU9_5VM%252CywdxCCBopdE-tM%252C_%253BgqY7–Y-csQspM%252CXd7giq2KhFWViM%252C_%253BWAWTk8BKnAGW3M%252Co-b25eV11AFldM%252C_%253BtTICse0iz4-ULM%252CckxtUEWT8UiqxM%252C_%253BA4AhnpuRVojuBM%252CKFvYrBCCgCVhUM%252C_%253BEULizO20_S3iFM%252CNmQSHf3U7Fo09M%252C_%253BAx89Xr67SSjI0M%252CqqWfZq3RA7yarM%252C_%253BgFrsHKdHEXfbdM%252C2hzx7q80icoMDM%252C_%253BkkCHqIqR1oRI_M%252CREk5dKNrM7Ls5M%252C_%253BzBPYQj0mY5lL7M%252CQIHjigPq3g1_7M%252C_%253BGSz6LSJ37ewtmM%252CyiGD_Xp3ecdLbM%252C_%253B6v96Qx5CYYLufM%252CyTUKZ7H4c6gAAM%252C_%253BXlBNRfdCyLYt4M%252C2zegXhZQqU_FdM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kThTuPJClQUeACp_GJDesiKfVRtWA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjE7PfB6IP_AhWNkIkEHUTPAasQ7Al6BAgbEDw&biw=1304&bih=898&dpr=1#imgrc=3pAcfBqnifRQvM

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged | Leave a comment