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

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Godsmanforever

“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.⁹These 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, with any questions)

From the USA, call my cell@ 856-430-1448

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 Christ, christ jesus, christianity, daily bread, Daily Devotion, Eternal Life, Evangelism, faith, Gentleness, God, gospel of the kingdom, Grace, heart mind and soul, Joy, Kindness, lord jesus christ, Love, Patience, Peace, Praise, religion, Salvation, self-control, spirituality, theology | 14 Comments

“A Time of Disaster and Distress” 10/26/2020 “I Love the Psalms” David Kitz

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

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

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2020/10/26/a-time-of-disaster-and-distress/

A Time of Disaster and Distress

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 74, Psalms

Tags churches, disaster, distress, sanctuaries

Reading: Psalm 74
**A maskil of Asaph.**
(Verses 1-8)

O God, why have you rejected us forever?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?
Remember the nation you purchased long ago,
the people of your inheritance, whom you redeemed—
Mount Zion, where you dwelt.
Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins,
all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary.
Your foes roared in the place where you met with us;
they set up their standards as signs.
They behaved like men wielding axes
to cut through a thicket of trees.
They smashed all the carved paneling
with their axes and hatchets.
They burned your sanctuary to the ground;
they defiled the dwelling place of your Name.
They said in their hearts, “We will crush them completely!”
They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land (NIV).*

Rising autumn morning mist — Photo by David Kitz

Reflection
This is a psalm that was born in a time of disaster and distress. The enemies of the people of God had triumphed. In reality Psalm 74 begins as a lament as the psalmist calls out to God with these words. Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins, all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary.

Foreign armies had invaded the land. Not only had they attacked the people of God, they had desecrated God’s sanctuary. They burned your sanctuary to the ground; they defiled the dwelling place of your Name.

It may be hard for many of us to imagine the destruction of war and the invasion of our country by foreign forces. But on the spiritual level our land has already been invaded and the attacks on the sanctuaries of God are unrelenting.

Take a walk or a drive about any large city in Canada or Europe and you will see abandoned church buildings. Some have been turned into concert halls or night clubs. Today this statement describes our present reality. Your foes roared in the place where you met with us; they set up their standards as signs.

Sadly, in many places the standard of the cross has been replaced by standards of hedonism and human pride. This would be easier to fathom if this was the work of some sinister foreign power, but in reality our own people have turned their backs on God and have instead embraced the gods of this world. God have mercy on our land.

Response: LORD God, help us to become agents of change in our land. We want people throughout this country to turn to you in repentance and faith. Open their eyes to their need and your reality. Amen.

Your Turn: What will it take to awaken your nation to God? What conditions bring about renewal?

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

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=ALeKk01YJgAvD9M7gA6ffy3jUTS1HC4BeQ:1603714100669&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+2+chron+7:14&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiVoarKnNLsAhXxmHIEHQD_D84QjJkEegQIBRAB&biw=1325&bih=905#imgrc=vUSW-71xXAPLzM

Posted in Psalm 74, Psalms | Tagged churches, disaster, distress, sanctuaries | Leave a comment

“Pray for the Election” 10/25/2020 Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “THE DOMAIN FOR TRUTH”

Posted on October 25, 2020 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth” @ https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com [Reposted from 9/29/2019]

Original post @ https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2020/10/25/the-church-during-the-days-of-corona-virus-pray-for-the-election/

The Church during the days of Corona Virus: Pray for the Election

October 25, 2020 by SLIMJIM

Our “This Sunday” series will be another a Corona Virus edition. For this week: Pray for the Election.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 states

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, ²for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity

I know there’s disagreements about the election even among genuine Christians especially when we get more into the details and I’m not going to make this into a debate post on the Lord’s Day. But believers can unite in one thing: praying for those who are in authority and also who will be in authority. Verse here states that clearly we should be praying. In America of course presidents are voted in every four years. So we should pray not only for the president but also for the process of voting for the president. Pray for the voters to be informed, that Christians vote from biblical values and God gives wisdom to all, Christians and non-Christians.

1 Timothy 2 also reveal precisely why we pray for those in authority has to do with our walks with God (v.2). It is so that we live a life in all godliness. But that presupposes we are striving towards godliness and dignity. Brothers and sisters are you?

Let us pray and let us pursue sanctification even in the midst of 2020.

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

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?q=image+1+tim+2%3A2&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjC47Ghz8_sAhVFPN8KHar3BCYQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=image+1+tim+2%3A2&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1Dy2QFYyd4BYLnrAWgAcAB4AIABO4gBc5IBATKYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=sV6VX4LHMMX4_Aaq75OwAg&bih=905&biw=1325&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832#imgrc=Mb7LWQkzuMhKHM&imgdii=jcFBfuHa6RDFdM

Posted in Pray for the Election | Tagged 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Election | 2 Comments

“What’s the Desire of Your Heart?” 10/24/2020 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on October 24, 2020 by Godsmanforever

“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/2020/10/22/whats-the-desire-of-your-heart/

What’s the Desire of Your Heart?

POSTED ON OCTOBER 22, 2020 BY BETH ANDREWS

A couple of years ago in the Seedbed Daily Text, One of my spiritual mentors, J.D. Walt, said “Too often my sin is a secret lover rather than a mortal enemy.”

Mind. Blown. Heart. Convicted.

Sin and holiness are often at odds in my heart, and if I’m being honest, sin is often my heart’s desire. It is like an old friend who knows to use the “back entrance” to my heart because that door is never locked. And sin has access to my heart because I haven’t lost my desire for it. I know the only way to eradicate sin is to desire God more than I desire that sin. It is my desire that directs my actions and behaviors and my life.

James said it like this: Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth do death” (James 1:14-15). So the root of my sin problem is a deeply-rooted desire-problem. There is much work to do in my heart, where my desires grow.

But is it possible for me to change my desires? Yes and no. Yes because what I expose myself to feeds my desires. Music, T.V., movies, books, magazines, the internet, conversations, and, yes, even relationships. And no because God has to do a root-level work in me to redirect the desires of my heart. Transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit. My part is to seek it, to ask for it, and to cooperate with it. Which might just mean locking that back door and handing Him the key.

But wait – I’m going to correct myself. I said that the only way to eradicate sin is to desire God more than I desire sin. That’s not quite right. Truly, the only way to eradicate sin is to desire God instead of desiring sin. It’s not a competition between who gets the greater portion of my heart. It is full surrender.

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

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 What’s the Desire of Your Heart? | Tagged Christ centered, Desires, free will, James 1:14-15 | Leave a comment

“What are the seven deadly sins?” 10/23/2020 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/seven-deadly-sins.html

What are the seven deadly sins?

Question: “What are the seven deadly sins?”

Answer: According to Catholic theology, the seven deadly sins are seven vices or negative character qualities that, left unchecked, will result in a host of other sins and eventually kill a person’s soul. The seven “deadly” sins are pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and sloth. The list was first delineated by Pope Gregory the Great in the sixth century. Thomas Aquinas later expounded on the idea. In the fourteenth century, Dante wrote his epic poem Inferno in which he pictured Purgatory as having seven terraces corresponding to the seven deadly sins.

The seven deadly sins are also called the seven capital sins or the seven cardinal sins—cardinal in this context meaning, “of basic importance” or “extremely grave.” The seven deadly sins are considered to be the most basic sins that plague humanity and the sins that are most likely to beset us. Each of the seven deadly sins leads to other sins; for example, anger can lead to evil speaking, violence, or murder.

Here is a brief description of each of the seven deadly sins:

Pride — An inflated, unrealistic sense of your self-worth.

Envy — The feeling that you deserve the possessions, success, virtues, or talents of another person.

Gluttony — An excessive desire for the pleasure of eating and drinking.

Lust — A selfish focus on sex or a desire to have sexual pleasure with someone other than your spouse.

Anger — An excessive, improper desire to exact revenge.

Greed — A strong desire for possessions, especially for possessions belonging to another.

Sloth — Lack of effort in the face of a necessary task, causing it to go undone (or done badly).

A common misconception about the seven deadly sins is that they are sins that God will not forgive. The Roman Catholic Church does not teach the sins to be unforgivable; in Catholic doctrine, the seven deadly sins can lead to mortal sins, which will send a person to hell immediately upon death, unless such sins are repented of before death. Catholicism also teaches that the seven deadly sins can be overcome with the seven virtues (humility, gratitude, charity, temperance, chastity, patience, and diligence).

Is the idea of seven deadly sins biblical? Yes and no. Proverbs 6:16–19 lists seven things that are detestable to God: 1) haughty eyes, 2) a lying tongue, 3) hands that shed innocent blood, 4) a heart that plots evil, 5) feet that are quick to rush to do wrong, 6) a false witness, and 7) a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Of course, this list is not what most people understand as the “seven deadly sins.”

Yes, pride, envy, etc., are sins that the Bible condemns; however, they are never called “the seven deadly sins” in the Bible. The traditional list of seven deadly sins can function as a way to categorize the many different sins that exist. Nearly every sin could be placed in one of those seven categories.

In the final analysis, no sin is any more “deadly” than any other sin. All sin results in death (Romans 6:23). Even one sin condemns a person as a lawbreaker (James 2:10). Praise be to God that Jesus Christ took the penalty for all of our sins, including the “seven deadly sins.” By the grace of God, through faith in Christ, we can be forgiven (Matthew 26:28; Acts 10:43; Ephesians 1:7).

Recommended Resource: Overcomer by David Jeremiah

More insights from your Bible study – Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

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

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?q=image+lust+gluttony+greed+sloth+wrath+envy+pride&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwijg_Wtl8jsAhUPYK0KHRujBKMQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=image+lust+gluttony+greed+sloth+wrath+envy+pride&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1DYiAJYl4IDYNiJA2gAcAB4AIAB6QGIAa8QkgEGMjIuMC4xmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=jXiRX-OIH4_AtQWbxpKYCg&bih=757&biw=1185&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832#imgrc=AYzApT0RpCdZHM

Posted in What are the seven deadly sins? | Tagged Proverbs 6:16-19, seven deadly sins | Leave a comment

“Is God Fair?” 10/22/2020 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

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

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2020/10/21/is-god-fair/

Is God Fair?

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 73, Psalms

Tags accountable, envy, fair, prosperity

Reading: Psalm 73
A psalm of Asaph
(Verses 1-11)

Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills.
Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.
From their callous hearts comes iniquity;
their evil imaginations have no limits.
They scoff, and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression.
Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth.
Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance.
They say, “How would God know?
Does the Most High know anything?” (NIV).*

Photo by David Kitz

Reflection
The last of the Ten Commandments warns us against the sin of covetousness. In one important respect this commandment is different from the other nine. Covetousness or envy is a sin of the mind. It is theft in germ form. It is the seed thought of adultery. Envy is the precondition of a sinful act, not the act itself.

Here in Psalm 73 the psalmist catches himself on a slippery slope leading to a more serious sin. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

I certainly can identify with the psalmist. I think we all have had moments when we thought in our hearts that God is not fair. Why is that person prospering when I am not? To the best of my abilities I am doing everything right—by the book—yet the road is hard and the rewards are meagre. Meanwhile, arrogant unbelievers are prospering—seemingly blessed by God. Where is the justice in that?

The root issue here is envy—our envy. God is not accountable to us; we are accountable to Him. Our hearts need tending, not God’s heart. In His time and His way God will deal with the arrogant and evil person. It’s my responsibility to deal with my thoughts and the attitude of my heart.

Response: LORD God, help me to tend to the garden of my own heart. When envy raises its head, help me to decapitate that thought. I fix my affections on you and not the things of this world. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you have moments of envy? What works for you in countering such thoughts?

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

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

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 Psalm 73, Psalms | Tagged accountable, envy, fair, prosperity | Leave a comment

“Discerning the devil’s deeds” 10/21/2020 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY” @ https://seizetheday-blog.com

Original post @ https://seizetheday-blog.com/2020/10/20/6041/

Discerning the devil’s deeds

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” James 4:7-8

Satan uses a fivefold strategy to undermine the believer and damage the work of the Lord. This devotion uncovers the devil’s repertoire of repression and reproach so that you’re better able to avoid his snares and move forward in the victory you have in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Firstly, the devil distracts. He is the master of distraction, abstraction and inattention. He aims to divert you from clear thinking and focused action. He does this by trying to entice your eyes, engage your ears, and entertain your senses. There’s only one way to deal with the devil’s distractions – give the Lord your full attention. James 4:7-8 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

Secondly, the devil deceives. The work of deception is the work of pretense, trickery, swindling, lying, guile, falseness, and fraud. Jess C. Moody said, “The devil is the top hidden persuader – the master of subliminal motivation.” His aim is to cause the wrong to seem right and the right to seem wrong. He attempts to tarnish the truth and cloud your judgement. So be on your guard for our enemy the devil has “no truth in him . . . he is a liar and the father of lies” John 8:44. You deal with deception by knowing God’s Word, for when you know the truth the truth will set you free.

Thirdly, the devil disgraces. The devil tempts you through the lust of the flesh, the love of money, and the desire for popularity. He’s constantly on the prowl for ways to discredit and disgrace you. As we read in Revelation 12:10, the devil is “the accuser of our brothers.” He’s the one pointing fingers at others. He’s never idle. Day and night (cf. Revelation 12:10) he tries to bring disgrace with accusations of wrongdoing, sin, shortcoming, and false motives. The way to deal with these accusations is to “be self-controlled and alert” 1 Peter 5:8. You must “resist him” and stand “firm in the faith … and the God of all grace … will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” 1 Peter 5:9-10.

Fourthly, the devil depresses. The devil works hard to bring believers down. He delights in discouraging God’s children and takes every opportunity he can find to lower your spirits, sap your strength, and push you down. He afflicts believers with testing, trials, trouble, and torment. Like Job, the way to be victorious when the devil seeks to depress you is to be “blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil” Job 1:1.

Fifthly, the devil destroys. The devil is in the demolition business. His ultimate desire is to defeat and destroy God’s people (cf. 1 Peter 5:8). As a Christian you are at war with the devil. He’s your chief adversary. He’s the one working to break down all that God is building up. But he’s “neither omnipotent nor free to do everything he pleases. Prince of the world he may be, but the Prince of Peace has come and dealt him a death blow” Harold Lindsell.

That’s the good news: The devil is a defeated foe. The Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ has conquered Satan by overcoming sin and death. That means the devil can’t harm you if you’re in Christ (cf. Luke 10:19). “He can’t handle the One to whom you’re joined; he can’t handle the One to whom you’re united, and he can’t handle the One whose nature dwells in your nature” A. W. Tozer. Yes, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” 1 John 4:4 KJV. So even though the devil still seeks to distract, deceive, disgrace, depress and even attempts to destroy you, remember that he’s already beaten. For “the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” 1 John 3:8. Hallelujah!

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

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?q=image+james+4%3A7-8++bible&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjErI_vzMXsAhVmAjQIHZAoCgUQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=image+james+4%3A7-8++bible&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1D30AFY_vcBYLX9AWgBcAB4AIABlgGIAf4IkgEDMC44mAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=Ah6QX8SjB-aE0PEPkNGoKA&bih=905&biw=1325&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832#imgrc=-WEroGmRxJp-yM

Posted in Discerning the devil’s deeds | Tagged James 4:7-8, Satan, Submission | Leave a comment

“The best spiritual vaccine against deception” 10/20/2020 Written by Mel Wild for “In My Father’s House”

Posted on October 20, 2020 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

Written by Mel Wild for “In My Father’s House” @ https://melwild.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://melwild.wordpress.com/2020/10/18/the-best-spiritual-vaccine-against-deception/

The best spiritual vaccine against deception

Posted on October 18, 2020by Mel Wild

Since Coronavirus has been sweeping through our nation and the world in 2020, I thought it would be good for us to look at a deadly virus of another kind—deception—and the best spiritual vaccine we have against it. This “virus” can lead to spiritual derailment, or worse, our leaving the faith altogether. We can come into contact with it through personal disappointment with God, believing bad theology, embracing false teaching, or being influenced by skeptics who try to talk us out of believing in God altogether. The infectious rate from this particular virus has been alarmingly high in recent decades. And this is tragically sad since it does not need to be so.

This spiritual “virus” is precisely what John was dealing with in his first epistle. There had been teachings spreading throughout the early church that Jesus was not God the Son and that God was not His Father.

¹⁸Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. ¹⁹They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us.

²²Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. (1 John 2:18, 19, 22 NIV)

When we look at the crux of this particular antichrist “virus,” we see that it denies two things: (1)that Jesus is the Christ and (2) that God is a Father. It denies this relationship between the Son and the Father, which denies the trinitarian nature of God. Therefore, it denies our relationship with God in Christ.

So, this “virus” attacks the cardiovascular system of the gospel. For, if Jesus is not God the Son, who came from the Father, then we cannot be in God in Christ. If Jesus is just a man like us, then He cannot place us in God because He is outside of God itself. Furthermore, if God is not in relationship within Himself, then He cannot be love (I talked about this here). And if God is not love, then we cannot remain in His love as Jesus remained in His Father’s love (John 15:9-12).

We are forever left with a religion of distance and separation, forever trying to seek out some unknowable deity.

But the truth is, when Jesus died, we died. When He was buried, our sin was buried. When His Father raised Him from the dead, He raised us with Him in heavenly places! We now “participate in the divine nature” (2 Pet.1:4). That’s the good news that bring great joy!

So what is John’s vaccine against deceptive teaching and skepticism? More teaching? Subscribe to all the “watchdog” podcasts? Find out which conspiracy theories are true? Have better arguments than the skeptics?

No. It’s a quite simple antiviral protocol. First, here’s the vaccine:

²⁰But the Holy One has anointed you and you all know the truth. (1 John 2:20 TPT*)

Then, he gets more specific, starting in verse 26:

²⁶I’ve written these things about those who are attempting to lead you astray. ²⁷But the wonderful anointing you have received from God is so much greater than their deception and now lives in you. There’s no need for anyone to keep teaching you. His anointing teaches you all that you need to know, for it will lead you into truth, not a counterfeit. So just as the anointing has taught you, remain in him. (1 John 2:26-27 TPT*)

Of course, we know from John’s gospel that this “anointing” is Holy Spirit living in us (John 16:13).

This is how we know the truth. When we hear a teaching, our spirit, who is in union with Holy Spirit, will either respond with an “amen” or a check. This is why Jesus told us that His sheep will follow His voice and not follow the voice of a stranger (John 10:4-5).

I know the truth when I hear it because it has the fragrance of Christ on it, it carries His grace and authority. To say it colloquially, “I know in my knower.” And this is because I have trained my spiritual senses through practice to discern between good and evil (Heb.5:14).

How do we inoculate ourselves with Holy Spirit? We do what Jesus did…we remain in His love: “So just as the anointing has taught you, remain in him.”

⁹“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. (John 15:9-10 NIV*)

You may think this sounds too simplistic but it’s not. The problem we have in modern Christianity is that we’ve made the gospel transactional rather than relational. We treat God like an ATM machine, we say a prayer to be saved from hell rather than accept the invitation into His life. Furthermore, we equate Bible information with revelation. But they’re not the same, as God told Moses:

²⁹The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. (Deut.29:29 NIV*)

We must know Scripture, first and foremost, but it’s not enough. We may project our own issues into our reading of it, making God in our own image, or it can even be distorted by persuasive teachers who may love the Bible, yet still be wrong in their interpretation. Popular opinion doesn’t make something true. However, as Bill Johnson has said: “A man who has an encounter is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.”

Jesus told us that if we stay in the process with Him, we would know the truth and the truth would make us free (John 8:31-32). I know the truth because I know Christ.

So, we don’t need to be afraid of false teaching “viruses” or be led astray by other voices. We have the best vaccine in the world—the indwelling Spirit of God!

* All emphasis added.

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

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 The best spiritual vaccine against deception | Tagged Gospel, Holy Spirit, Spiritual vaccine | Leave a comment

“The Power of the Holy Spirit – Do you have this power ??” 10/19/2020 Written by Louis Mize, a Facebook friend

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

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

“The Power of the Holy Spirit – Do you have this power ??”

And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we made this man to walk?
Acts 3:12

Peter was quick to disclaim personal power for the healing of the lame man in Acts 3. He wanted people to KNOW that it was the power of the Lord Jesus Christ that was responsible for the man’s healing.

It is easy to accept personal credit for something God has done. We need to be careful about that. Peter kept pointing people to Christ, proclaiming the gospel, and preaching the resurrection. He had learned that he had no power in himself, but his power was the work of the ONE within him, as he was filled with Spirit of Christ.

This morning I thank God for HIS power. When we abide in the great power of Christ, wonderful things are possible and probable, for you see, without HIM, you and I can accomplish nothing worthwhile or lasting.

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

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=ALeKk01ehAHA7ENeBFl5e4vdjAu_RhQ3Qg:1603109234103&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+but+you+shall+receive+power+Bible&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi077yjz8DsAhUIpJ4KHeYbAGAQjJkEegQIBRAB&biw=1325&bih=905#imgrc=2r5sK9Q1P1Vc9M

Posted in The Power of the Holy Spirit | Tagged Acts 3:12, Holy Spirit, power of God | Leave a comment

“This Sunday at Church: Encourage Your Pastors” 10/18/2020 Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “THE DOMAIN FOR TRUTH”

Posted on October 18, 2020 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth” @ https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com [Reposted from 9/29/2019]

Original post @ https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2019/09/15/this-sunday-at-church-encourage-your-pastors/

This Sunday at Church: Encourage Your Pastors

September 15, 2019 by SLIMJIM

This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Encourage Your Pastors.

This passage stood out to me. Hear 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.”

The verse is clear. Paul says believers are to appreciate those who “ have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction.” Verse 13 even said we are to “esteem” them.

How do you esteem your pastor or show appreciation for them? Encourage them! How do you encourage them?

Say thank you for their ministry.
Tell them how has God used them to minister to your own life and spiritual life. This goes beyond platitudes. Most pastors by the way are joyful to hear God working in your life; if God has used them to minister to you, don’t keep it to yourself but encourage others with it, including your pastor.
Pray for their ministry. I imagine every pastor wants people to pray for his ministry.
If your pastor is a Bible preaching pastor, realize that’s not a given in today’s culture where there’s a lot of false teachers and preachers. Encourage your pastor to preach the truth and continue to preach the Truth from God’s Word.
Get them a good book on sound biblical preaching or exegesis. Keep that man of God sharp with interpreting the Word of God! It’s a gift that pays back for your own spiritual life!
Still thinking of ways to encourage them from God’s Word? Consider reading this: Collection of Sunday Morning Motivations for Preachers and Teachers. Read it to see different truths from God’s Word that you can encourage your pastor today by sharing those verses from God’s Word and the truth and application from it to motivate them to continue to pursue faithful ministry. Do it today!

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

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/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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=ACYBGNTaN3yTXiMr7McDNTiEqxL7aROJfQ:1569756115855&q=image+encourage+your+Pastor&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjlkK2d9fXkAhVqUt8KHZEcDDoQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1379&bih=829#imgrc=DssQ3dNe2-4XpM

Posted in Encourage Your Pastors | Tagged 1 Thes 5:12-13, ENCOURAGEMENT, Pastors Day | 1 Comment

“The Way of Salvation” 10/17/2020 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org

Posted on October 17, 2020 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org

Original post @ https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/daily-devotionals/10/5/0/?ecid=ACsprvuFMUoE3eC8BAxHt_1yTSiyuy5GUDViF9L0zaVicwevHe-SqYMvw6uipz8IR7h8I6tJ9KjT&utm_campaign=Daily%20Devotion%20Emails&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=96179088&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_efzsX6eNLq8Sr0w7fiZujuw1E2vi06WABRQgAzxwyUipQ-V44fNeo9QuOAoGeSNyuDzILV1U_jD2G7TLx_hrX0jCBs_WDTrIknNgmKG_V8Tf0zoY&utm_content=96179088&utm_source=hs_email

The Way of Salvation

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.

Mark 16:16

Mr. MacDonald asked the inhabitants of the island of St. Kilda how a man must be saved. An old man replied, “We will be saved if we repent and forsake our sins and turn to God.” “Yes,” said a middle-aged woman, “and with a true heart too.” “Yes,” rejoined a third, “and with prayer”; and a fourth added, “It must be the prayer of the heart.” “And we must be diligent too,” said a fifth, “in keeping the commandments.” When each of them made their contribution, feeling that a very decent creed had been made up, they all looked and listened for the preacher’s approval, but they had aroused his deepest pity.

The secular mind always maps out for itself a way in which self can work and become great, but the Lord’s way is quite the reverse. Believing and being baptized are not matters of merit to be gloried in—they are so simple that boasting is excluded. It may be that the reader is unsaved—what is the reason? Do you think the way of salvation as laid down in the text is dubious? How can that be when God has pledged His own word for its certainty? Do you think it too easy? Why, then, do you not obey it?

Those who neglect it are without excuse. To believe is simply to trust, to depend, to rely upon Christ Jesus. To be baptized is to submit to the ordinance that our Lord fulfilled at Jordan, to which the converted ones submitted at Pentecost, to which the jailer yielded obedience on the very night of his conversion. The outward sign does not save, but it portrays our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus and, like the Lord’s Supper, is not to be neglected. Reader, do you believe in Jesus? Then, dear friend, dismiss your fears—you will be saved. Are you still an unbeliever? Then remember there is only one door, and if you will not enter by it you will perish in your sins.

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright (c) 2003, Good News Publishers and used by Truth For Life with written permission. Today’s Bible Reading material is taken from McCheyne Bible reading plan and used by Truth For Life with permission. Scripture quotations are taken from Holy Bible: English Standard Version, copyright (c) 2001, Good News Publishers.

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

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=ALeKk03h_g87ZYyOqQCdXkLEbDrU20nB4Q:1602934568142&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+the+way+to+salvation&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj5vqDMxLvsAhULHc0KHfZHAeIQjJkEegQIBRAB&biw=1325&bih=905#imgrc=PQ3AOomOq4veMM

Posted in The Way of Salvation | Tagged Born Again, Grace, John 14:6, Salvation | Leave a comment

	Godsmanforever on “Pray for the Election…
	Sophia Lorena Benjam… on “Pray for the Election…
	SLIMJIM on “This Sunday at Church:…
	SLIMJIM on “Pray for the Health and…
	SLIMJIM on “My Soul, Find Rest in G…