“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.9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,  (NKJV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings in Christ, bruce r. mills

(Message me here, 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

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“Keeping the “Good News” good news” 5/08/2021 Written by Mel Wild for “In My Father’s House”

Posted on May 8, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

 

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

Living Water: 5 Ways to Nourish Your Spirit in a Tough World | Divine Creative Love

 

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

 

Original post @ https://melwild.wordpress.com/2021/05/06/keeping-the-good-news-good-news/

Keeping the “Good News” good news

Posted on May 6, 2021 by Mel Wild

I’ve been looking at Loving our “Samaritans“—those “evil” people who are on the other side, who we think are our enemies, and may actually be. We could be absolutely right about all of that…yet be on the opposite side of Jesus (see Luke 9:53-55). In this installment, I want to look at what the Samaritan woman discovered in her encounter with Jesus, and what we can learn from this.

I’ve been pondering something for a long time. It seems to me that we have not communicated the gospel effectively—which is the good news that brings great joy. Bill Vanderbush said it best: our gospel invitation is more like a timeshare presentation. Sounds really good on the front end, but once you’re committed you’re stuck with all kinds of hidden maintenance fees!

My question is, what if we just did what Jesus offered instead?

And what is that offer, you ask? Well, it’s actually multi-layered. On the surface, it’s freedom from shame and condemnation. I would say “sin,” but that word is so generic it doesn’t really touch people’s felt needs. And while biblical, it’s become a religious buzzword.

The Samaritan woman was freed from the shame of her failed relationships by encountering Jesus’ acceptance and grace. The result was she convinced a whole city to come and see the One who had freed her!

That’s awesome, but now that I’m freed, how am I to live every day thereafter? How we’ve traditionally answered that question gets us into the “hidden timeshare maintenance fees” that can turn the good news that brings great joy into a religious drudgery.

To go deeper, we need to look at the woman’s religious question to Jesus:

20 So tell me this: Why do our fathers worship God on this nearby mountain, but your people teach that Jerusalem is the place where we must worship. Who is right?” (John 4:20 TPT)

She might as well have asked, “Which church/denomination has it right?  Catholics, Orhodox, Protestants, Evangelicals….?” But notice Jesus’ answer to her question:

Jesus responded, 21 “Believe me, dear woman, the time has come when you will worship the Father neither on a mountain nor in Jerusalem, but in your heart. 22 Your people don’t really know the One they worship, but we Jews worship out of our experience, for it’s from the Jews that salvation is available. 23–24 From now on, worshiping the Father will not be a matter of the right place but with a right heart. For God is a Spirit, and he longs to have sincere worshipers who adore him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:21-24 TPT*)

Notice that Jesus didn’t talk about theology or a lot of other things we focus on. He’s talking about how we worship God, not where. Arguments about “where” are for people who don’t experientially know God. And while theology is important, what’s most important are matters of the heart, for it’s with the heart that we believe (Rom.10:10) and how we enter into and maintain a vibrant relationship with God.

And when our priorities are heart-first, then our mind will be able to discover the truth that makes us free, because it’s only found in a Person (John 14:6).

You see, if we attempt to have a relationship with God through just our mind, it’s like reading the menu of the finest restaurant. We may know everything about what’s offered, but we still haven’t actually eaten anything. As I said in “Dining with Jesus,” the Samaritan woman understood something Jesus’ disciples still hadn’t because she ate the “food” that Jesus offered.

Once we activate our heart to Jesus, then our mind can be renewed to the things that cannot be comprehend by natural means.

13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.  (1 Cor.2:13-14 NIV*)

So, with an open heart, we don’t simply “read the Bible.” That’s what religious people do. We receive the Living Word that’s able to divide the soul and spirit and go beyond the echo of our own thoughts, revealing motives hidden even from us (Heb.4:12). This is how we renew our mind, which gives us greater capacity to receive spiritual truth, which is how we grow in the grace and knowledge of God and are led by the Spirit.

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” (Rom.8:14 NIV*)

You really need to read all of Romans 8 in this context. It’s full of stunning revelation about our identity and life of absolute freedom and fullness in Christ! But my point is, we won’t get there through our head; it must first come through our receptive heart. Our renewed mind will make sense of it afterward.

Think about it. You got saved when you had an encounter with Jesus, not when you figured Him out. It wasn’t a head thing; it was a heart thing. So, all I’m saying is what Paul said.

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him (Col.2:6 NIV*)

What this woman encountered, what turns the world upside-down, is not a great argument. It’s the “living water,” which is the Spirit’s endless life continually flooding our soul (John 4:13-14).

The Good News is the same good news from the first day you believed until the last. So continue the same way you came to Him—with an open heart.

And when you do this, the Good News will always bring you great joy.

* All emphasis added.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth 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 are you “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/

 

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“The Right Words” 5/07/2021 Written by Monica La Rose for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Godsmanforever

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Written by Monica La Rose for “Our Daily Bread” @  http://odb.org

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

Original post @  https://odb.org/US/2021/05/07/the-right-words

May 7

The Right Words

Pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan.

Ephesians 6:19 nlt

 

Today’s Scripture & Insight:

Ephesians 6:10–20

In the past year or so, a number of authors have urged believers to take a fresh look at the “vocabulary” of our faith. One writer, for example, emphasized that even theologically rich words of faith can lose their impact when, through overfamiliarity and overuse, we lose touch with the depths of the gospel and our need for God. When that happens, he suggested, we may need to relearn the language of faith “from scratch,” letting go of our assumptions until we can see the good news for the first time.

The invitation to learn to “speak God from scratch” reminds me of Paul, who devoted his life to “[becoming] all things to all people . . . for the sake of the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:22–23). He never assumed he knew best how to communicate what Jesus had done. Instead, he relied on constant prayer and pleaded for fellow believers to pray for him as well—to help him find “the right words” (Ephesians 6:19 nlt) to share the good news.

The apostle also knew the need for each believer in Christ to remain humble and receptive each day to their need for deeper roots in His love (Ephesians 3:16–17). It’s only as we deepen our roots in God’s love, each day becoming more aware of our dependence on His grace, that we can begin to find the right words to share the incredible news of what He’s done for us.

By:  Monica La Rose

Reflect & Pray

When have you had an experience of seeing the gospel in a new way for the first time? How can prayer keep your heart receptive to your constant need for God’s grace?

Loving God, forgive me for, far too often, taking Your grace and goodness for granted. Help me to daily grasp in new ways the depths of Your grace and love. And help me find the right words to share what You’ve done.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth 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 are you “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/

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“Introducing the National Day of Prayer 2021 Theme” 5/6/2021 Posted by Kathy Branzell

Posted on May 5, 2021 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Is National Day of Prayer a Christian Holiday? History, Local Events on May 1, 2014

Posted by Kathy Branzell, President of National Day of Prayer Task Force

Original post @ https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/introducing_the_national_day_of_prayer_2021_theme

“Introducing the National Day of Prayer 2021 Theme”

2 Corinthians 3:17  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the

Lord is, there is liberty.

My heart is full of joy and gratefulness as we just wrapped up our 2020 National Day of Prayer Coordinator’s Summit. This three-day virtual meeting was filled with prayer, inspiration from God’s Word and devotional messages from some of our leadership team. The days and evenings also included the introductions of new staff and National Area Leaders, information, project and partnership updates, vital training to equip our coordinators, and the announcement of our 2021 National Day of Prayer theme that will be the focus of our prayers for America and around the world as we step into the 70th year of  the incredible blessing of observing the National Day of Prayer. We are thankful for our amazing photographer and to the powerful prayer warriors that posed for this powerful image representing who America is – a nation made up of every nation, tribe, and tongue.

Yes, we are richly blessed to have a law that has proclaimed a day of prayer for our nation each year since the first observance as the law was signed in 1952! Decades later, America still needs our prayers. We need to be praying for all people, every day, for all seven mountains of influence and more, because people are still in need and the Church is still called to a prayer, care, share lifestyle. First and foremost, people need to hear the message and experience the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. All have sinned and fall short, but God’s arm is not short, and we have been sent to show and share His message of LOVE, LIFE, and LIBERTY.

Before God even spoke, “Let there be…” He loved you and me. God is love. We are surrounded by the hurting, hopeless, and helpless who have never experienced the love of God and possibly of another person. God designed and defines love, real love; unconditional, authentic love that sent His Son to pay our sin-debt in full so that we could believe in Him and have everlasting, abundant LIFE.

We live in a nation that does not respect life – all life from womb to tomb. We are surrounded by people who cannot be inconvenienced or made uncomfortable to keep the heartbeat of others beating. Whether it is an unborn child, the homeless or hungry, orphans and widows, or others who are vulnerable and need compassion and thoughtfulness. Everyone needs to know that they were created by God and that He loved them so much He put His image in them and authored their value and purpose that no person can take away from them. As followers of Jesus we must come together in obedient unity and love that spreads God’s glory across the earth. We must share this message of love and life, so that our neighbors, co-workers, classmates – so that all the world would come to repentance, that NONE may perish and know the LIBERTY, the freedom from the stain and shame of sin. Everyone can have freedom ring in their hearts, liberty that pronounces you, “NOT GUILTY” from the One true Judge. God alone knows your heart, knows everything about you; everything you have thought, done and had done against you. God alone is our judge and in Christ alone, we experience authentic, eternal LIBERTY.

In 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, Paul reminds the Jesus followers in Corinth, “You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” Just as it was 2000 years ago, the mission remains today. We, the believers and followers of Jesus are the messengers, the letters written with the Spirit on our hearts, and from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. It is our prayer today and throughout 2021 that the Spirit of the Lord, pour out, pour through us across America, to fill our lives, families, churches, workplace, education, military, government, arts, entertainment and media, with Biblical, not cultural, not worldly, but Spirit-empowered, Spirit-filled LOVE, LIFE and LIBERTY as designed and defined by our Creator and Savior.

Our 2021 National Day of Prayer theme prays: ”LORD pour out Your LOVE, LIFE, and LIBERTY.” Once again praying and proclaiming a promise of God in our theme verse, 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

 

Let’s begin praying together now, please join me. Jesus we come now professing that You are our Lord, the One and only Son of God who came to take away the sin of the world and that whosoever believes in You will not perish but have everlasting life. As our Lord we are clay in Your hands, vessels of Your plans and love. Fill us we pray, to be overflowing vessels and examples of Your LOVE, LIFE, and LIBERTY. We thank you for loving us and commit to showing and sharing Your love. We thank you for our life, and commit to serve You in the awe and respect You deserve, knowing You have put Your image in all of us, and that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made. We thank you for forgiving our sins; for the LIBERTY you have given us, the mercy You have shown us, and You suffered in agony on the cross and the wrath of the Father was upon You, so that I might be found “Not guilty” through Your shed blood. Help me to show compassion and respect to others so that they may hear the gospel and come to know You as Lord and know the release of being a slave to sin. Pour out Lord, and pour through Your Church across America we pray, in Jesus Name. Amen!

Kathy Branzell

President

National Day of Prayer Task Force

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth 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 are you “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/

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“Perfection” 5/05/2021 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on May 5, 2021 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and

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

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2021/04/23/perfection/

Perfection

23FridayApr 2021

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119, Psalms

Tags art, hobbies, perfection, Psalm 119

 

Reading: Psalm 119
ל Lamedh
(Verses 89-96)

Your word, LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.
To all perfection I see a limit,
but your commands are boundless (NIV).*

Art Reflections

Reflections on Art — composition by David Kitz

 

Reflection
One of my hobbies is art. I enjoy drawing. In recent years I have rediscovered my childhood love for pencil crayons. When creating any piece of art there, I find there is a delicate balance that needs to be reached. Anything I do can be improved. Early on in the process there is a lot of improving or refining needed, but eventually you reach a point where further tinkering becomes pointless. I aim for perfection, but perfection always seems illusive. At some point I need to say, “I’m done. This piece is finished.”

In today’s reading the psalmist reached that same conclusion. To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless. 

 

We will never reach the limits of God’s holy word. There is always more to be discovered, to comprehend and apply. It is as the psalmist declares, “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”

St. Paul expresses the same thought. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! (Romans 11:33). Eternity gives us insufficient time to explore the wisdom of God. But let’s begin the quest; let’s take up the challenge. All of Psalm 119 can be viewed as a grand challenge to discover the wisdom and beauty of God’s word, His commands and precepts.

Let’s continue the journey. This glorious art—the divine art of God’s word—is without beginning or end.

Response: Father God, I love your word. I want to dig deeper in it and know you better thereby. You are a totally awesome God, far beyond my comprehension, but not beyond my appreciation. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you taken up the challenge of studying God’s word?

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

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth 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 are you “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=ALeKk011E_NYQAHaswJz8PhhIoNuOD_Vaw:1620216097398&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+Hebrews+4:12&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiqhcenv7LwAhUbLs0KHbeuC44QjJkEegQIBRAB&biw=1281&bih=900#imgrc=oZ-yBuCK-e0L_M

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“The God Who Loves to Give” 5/04/2021 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to bless you abundantly, so tha...

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

Original post @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2021/05/01/the-god-who-loves-to-give/

The God Who Loves to Give

POSTED ON MAY 1, 2021 BY BETH ANDREWS

“Please sir, I want some more.” Oliver Twist

In Dickins’ classic tale, Oliver warily approaches the master and makes his plea, and we see the cruel irony of a hungry orphan being rebuffed by the well-fed headmaster. Yet how often do we approach God with the same trepidation as Oliver Twist?  As if He is a harsh master who will refuse us even the humblest request?  Nothing could be farther from the truth. The Bible reveals God as a generous Father who loves to give good things to His children.

2 Peter 1:3 says He. “has given us everything we need for life and godliness”  Like our daily bread (Matthew 5:11), clothes on our back (Matthew 6:30), and “all these things” that are necessary for life” (Matthew 6:33).  I’ve been the recipient of His practical generosity and kindness many, many times.

Even more than our physical needs, Peter said our Father will give us everything we need for a godly life: chiefly His Word (John 17:8) and His Spirit (John 14:16).   God provides with a generous heart and an open hand.

I love John’s affirmation in 1 John 5:14-15: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: That if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”  The writer of Hebrews echoes the same thought: “Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).  That is an invitation we should jump at!

You do not have to come to your Heavenly Father with a sense of apprehension as if you are asking for more than God is willing to bestow.  He has so much he desires to give you—till your cup overflows (Psalm 23:5).  Don’t come crawling to Him with a little teacup in your hand. Come running to your Father with the biggest bucket you can find, and He will fill it till it spills over and you can’t contain it all.  He is a God who loves to give!

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth 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 are you “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/

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“Hidden in My Heart: May 2021 Scripture Writing Plan” 5/03/2021 Written by Elihu Anderson for “Elihu’s Corner”

Posted on May 3, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org 

 

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

 

Pin on Inspirational

 

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

 

Original post @ https://elihuscorner.com/2021/04/30/hidden-in-my-heart-may-2021-scripture-writing-plan/

 

SCRIPTURE WRITING PLANS · STUDY · THE WORD OF GOD

 

Hidden in My Heart: May 2021 Scripture Writing Plan

Elihu

 

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

What sort of things do you try to protect?

How do you protect them?

How do you know they are valuable to you?

Because there is such easy access to the Bible in America, I wonder if there is a tendency to forget just how precious it is. A few months ago, I listened to a man who visited some Christians in China, some of whom had spent time in prison because of their faith. During one study, he asked the group to turn to a particular passage and one of the women handed her Bible to the person next to her. As it turned out, she had the entire book memorized! When he asked her about it later, she explained that they practiced memorizing the Word so that even if the authorities took their Bibles, they couldn’t take the Word from their hearts.

While I had heard similar stories in the past, this one really moved me. She—and many others—wanted to commit God’s precious words to her heart because she knew that nobody could steal what was written on her heart and mind.

 

The words that God inspired, provided, and preserved are indescribably precious because they are words of life! In Psalm 119:11 (quoted at the beginning), the NKJV uses the phrase “hidden in my heart,” while the NASB uses “treasured in my heart” and ESV uses “stored in my heart.” These three verbs illustrate what we do when something is of great value to us. So the question is—are we treasuring, storing, and “hiding” God’s word in our hearts?

Many of you have been following these scripture writing plans for a long time and I hope they help you commit the Word of God to your heart. I know when I physically copy the scriptures, I notice so much more than when I simply read it. The act of memorization also forces me to slow down and notice more than I would otherwise. I encourage you to read, write, and memorize scriptures regularly because it will help you treasure His Word securely in your heart.

For this month’s plan, the scriptures selected discuss the importance of remembering and meditating on God’s Word. There are passages about kings being commanded to copy the law of Moses as well as scriptures which describe the impact that rediscovering the Word had on people in the Old Testament. While many of the passages come from the Old Testament and refer to the Old Law, I firmly believe the principle of committing God’s Word to our hearts remains even under the New Covenant.

I hope you will join us as we write our way through this month’s plan. Lord willing, I will continue to post reflections on each day’s scripture on Facebook and Instagram. I’ve discontinued MeWe because it’s not very user-friendly. I occasionally post on Twitter, but admittedly, it’s a struggle because I use too many words! If you have questions or comments, please comment below!

To download a printable copy of the plan, click the link:

May 2021 Scripture Writing PlanDOWNLOAD

Sara McBroom has created these awesome tracing and copying sheets for the younger scripture writers! to download, click the appropriate links:

kids-scripture-writing-copying-may-2021.pdfDOWNLOAD

kids-scripture-writing-tracing-may-2021.pdfDOWNLOAD

If you are new to scripture writing (or memorizing) and not sure how to get started, check out these posts:

 

How to Use Scripture Writing Plans

How to Memorize Long Scriptures

5 Benefits of Memorizing Scripture (and 4 ways to do it!)

 

Published by Elihu

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

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

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 are you “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=ALeKk01lcZrxiXIxS8bwzZFLKiOARvTVvw:1620040009245&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+psalm+119:11&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjzgpeqr63wAhWTB50JHeSeA1AQjJkEegQIBRAB&biw=1281&bih=900#imgrc=LQOcjNeI452EmM

 

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“What does the Bible say about self-examination?” 5/02/2021 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on May 2, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

34 1Corinthians 11:27-34 Taking Communion in an unworthy manner — Wednesday in the Word

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Original website:  https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-self-examination.html

“What does the Bible say about self-examination?”

Self-examination is an important part of living as an authentic Christian, but by nature we prefer self-deception. Deceiving ourselves is easy and comfortable. We want to believe ourselves better, smarter, and more ethical than we really are, so careful, Spirit-directed self-examination keeps us honest with ourselves and with God.

We need self-examination to combat the spiritual deception rampant in the world. Scripture tells us to confess our sin to God, which requires a certain amount of self-examination. If we can never find any sin to confess, then “we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). It is dangerous to lie to ourselves. Second Corinthians 13:5 instructs us to examine ourselves to see if we are truly in Christ. One of Satan’s favorite traps is to whisper false assurance to an unregenerate heart. Without Spirit-directed self-examination, our enemy’s lie is too pleasant, believable, and palatable to challenge on our own.

First Corinthians 11:28 warns of another way we deceive ourselves. In giving instruction about taking the Lord’s Supper (Communion), Paul says that we must first examine ourselves so that we do not take the elements “in an unworthy manner.” We take the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner when we harbor willful sin in our lives and refuse to repent of it (see 1 John 1:9). When we examine ourselves before partaking of the Lord’s Supper, we have the opportunity to agree with the Lord about our sin, repent of it, and receive His forgiveness. We can then take the elements in a worthy manner, in fellowship with God and other believers, purified through the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7; Romans 5:8–10).

We should also self-examine our motives and attitudes before taking the Lord’s Supper. If we are distracted, angry, or impatient, we should get our thoughts under control (2 Corinthians 10:5) before entering into that sacred act. The ordinance loses its meaning when we are not fully engaged in its symbolism, and that dishonors the sacrifice of Christ. Paul scolded the Corinthian church for the disrespectful way they were participating in the Lord’s Supper. Some were hogging the food, and some were getting drunk on the wine (2 Corinthians 11:20–22). They were told to examine themselves or they would face judgment; some had even died as a result of their lack of self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:30–32).

One difficulty with self-examination is that we do not always know our own hearts. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” True self-examination must be done with the Holy Spirit, who searches the deep things of the heart (1 Corinthians 2:10–11). The church of Laodicea was in sore need of self-examination, but they had a hard time seeing their problem: “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17). The psalmist says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:23–24). The psalmist here admits that he does not even know whether his actions and motives are pure. So he invites the Lord, the Righteous Judge, to test him and reveal to him his own sin.

Lack of self-examination can lead to ongoing self-deception; however, an over-attention to one’s self is also unhealthy. We can become so inwardly focused that we take our eyes off of Jesus and make self-improvement our god. A.W. Tozer, in his classic work The Pursuit of God, says, “The man who has struggled to purify himself and has had nothing but repeated failures will experience real relief when he stops tinkering with his soul and looks away to the perfect One. While he looks at Christ, the very thing he has so long been trying to do will be getting done within him” (p. 85). We should examine ourselves in light of the truth being revealed to us from Scripture and allow God’s Word to convict and change us. At the same time, we must humbly admit our inability to change ourselves and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit within to transform us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth 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 are you “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=ALeKk00GLO1H8vVEdUoZMqUqp7Z_4ZgUkg:1619955374845&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+examine+ourselves+Communion+Bible&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjOpa2F9KrwAhXjdM0KHaj7Do8QjJkEegQIBhAB&biw=1281&bih=900#imgrc=jNn5ezrj3FiSGM

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“Endless Love and Faithfulness” 5/01/2021 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on May 1, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Psalm 36:5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. | Toluna

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

Original post @ https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2021/04/26/endless-love-and-faithfulness/

Endless Love and Faithfulness

Photo by: Pixabay

APRIL 26, 2021 ~ DAWN

 

Psalm 36:5 NIV, “Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.”

The Lord has a good plan for our lives. We can rest assured knowing that His love and faithfulness are always working in our lives to bring about what is best for us. Trusting in God, even when we don’t have all the answers, will help us to worry less and be at peace.

When we feel anxious, we can remember that the Lord loves us and that He is faithful. His love and faithfulness will never end, so cast your cares upon Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth 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 are you “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/

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“We NEED God’s help !!” 4/30/2021 Written by Louis Mize, a Facebook friend

Posted on April 30, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

13 Bible verses about All Things Being Possible

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

“We NEED God’s help !!”

I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit,

for without me you can do nothing.

 

John 15:5

Have you ever worked really hard attempting to accomplish something worthwhile, and after much toil and little result, realized you couldn’t do it without help? It has happened to me, more times than I would like to admit. Most of those times I was working in my own strength, and not abiding in the strength of God.

This morning as I write this, the USA is in trouble. Our big trouble is in the spiritual realm. We have left our first love. We have forgotten the liberties and rights our God has given to us. And as we have forgotten and forsaken those rights, we have placed ourselves in bondage to those who desire to destroy not only our way of life, but the very freedoms God has given to us and the happiness the pursuit of those freedoms bring us. You see, government didn’t give those freedoms to us, God did!

I want to live long enough to see America return to God. And I don’t wish to tell my children, my grandchildren, my brothers and sisters, my friends, that I stood by watching and did nothing. But I need help. My help doesn’t come from any mountain or any false god. My help comes from the Lord. For you see my friends, when Jesus told us “without Me you can do nothing”, He fully told us the truth and meant exactly what He said. God, please help us. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth 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 are you “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/

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“7 Things God Finds Disgusting: Feet That Race To Do Wrong!” 4/29/2021 Written by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on April 29, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Reflection on Philippians 2:1-13 | New Life Narrabri

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

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2021/04/13/7-things-god-finds-disgusting-feet-that-race-to-do-wrong/

7 Things God Finds Disgusting: Feet That Race To Do Wrong!

 

This Disgusting Thing is about choices–and when there is a choice there is always a consequence.

APRIL 13, 2021PASTOR RANDY

 

Drivers, start your engines!

16 There are six things the Lord hates—
no, seven things he detests:
18 . . . feet that race to do wrong,

Proverbs 6:16, 18 NLT

 

And the race is on–to do what is wrong. This Disgusting Thing is about making Quick Choices–and with any and all choices, there is always a consequence. The word I’m looking for is Impetuous. Impetuous Choices are those decisions we make abruptly, even eagerly, because–well–just because. They lack the rhyme and reason that comes only from Godly Wisdom.

When questioned, What were you thinking?”, many folks try to excuse their Poor Choices by saying, “Well, I wasn’t thinking.” This simply isn’t true. They chose their thinking by not thinking. Not thinking is a prevalent form of thinking these days–well, this has been around since Adam and Eve. Their choice to eat from the forbidden fruit was to think by not thinking. If they had chosen to think through their decision, the outcome would have been much different.

The Hebrews phrase Solomon chose means “evil, misery, distress, injury“. As we rush to wrong actions, wrong conclusions, and wrong thinking–it opens the door to evil–it creates misery, puts us in distress–and causes injuries, to us and those around us. God created us to be thinking beings–to analyze, discern, and discover. The key, though, is to think through BEFORE a decision is made. We reach the wrong decisions about events, circumstances, and people when we rush by choosing to think by not thinking.

Correct decisions come as the result of seeking God’s Wisdom–AND using His Wisdom to make the right choice. We rush and race towards decisions because we are not desiring God’s wisdom–and it is always leads us to the wrong choice. Created in His Image–made to think things through like He does–but when we rush–it’s Disgusting to God.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth 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 are you “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=ALeKk037eNDVD1t_YxENZLlHTMk9lwIZkw:1619641362950&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+philippians+2:5&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiNjuig4qHwAhVGhq0KHa7PB3cQjJkEegQIBhAB&biw=1281&bih=843#imgrc=Kb8inzuV8lXD4M

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