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

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Godsmanforever

      “The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ” 

                                                 (Revised from 7/11/2013)

           

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is accomplished through saving faith alone in Jesus Christ, after the unbeliever is drawn in by God (John 6:44), through obedience to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, when the sinner realizes they can in no way save themselves, and turns to the Lord to receive God’s grace… (More about obeying the Gospel of Christ later)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I can only tell you from my own personal experience…that I made this prayer seeking salvation several times before God graced me with salvation.  It’s not the prayer that saves us; it is a changed heart that is regenerated by God Himself…  God knows our heart, and He will only grant saving grace to those He first draws in (John 6:44), who then are able to seek Jesus with  ALL of their heart, mind soul, and strength…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings in Christ, bruce r. mills

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

or contact me by email @  brucermillslast@comcast.net

For those who want to learn more about God’s “Effectual Call” (John 6:44 above), and the only way to reach heaven…open this link-  https://www.gotquestions.org/effectual-calling-call.html

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

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

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

Posted in Bible, Catholic, Christ, Christianity, Daily Devotion, Exortation, faith, God, Gospel, Holiness, Hope, Jesus Christ | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

“Loving Obedience” 5/12/2024 Written by Xochitl Dixon for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on May 12, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

75 Mighty Bible Scriptures on Obedience – ConnectUS

Written by Xochitl Dixon 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 post link below]

Original post @ Loving Obedience | Our Daily Bread (odb.org)

May 6

Loving Obedience

 

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.

John 14:21 NLT

 

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

John 14:15-21

During our wedding ceremony, our minister said to me, “Do you promise to love, honor, and obey your husband, until death do you part?” Glancing at my fiancé, I whispered, “Obey?” We’d built our relationship on love and respect—not blind obedience, as the vows seemed to suggest. My husband’s father captured on film that wide-eyed moment when I processed the word obey and said, “I do.”

Over the years, God has shown me that my resistance to the word obey had nothing to do with the incredibly complex relationship between a husband and wife. I’d understood obey to mean “subjugated” or “forced submission,” which Scripture doesn’t support. Rather, the word obey in the Bible expresses the many ways we can love God. As my husband and I celebrate thirty years of marriage, through the power of the Holy Spirit we’re still learning to love Jesus and each other.

When Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15  NLT), He showed us that obedience to the Scriptures would be the result of an ongoing loving and intimate relationship with Him (vv. 16-21).

Jesus’ love is selfless, unconditional, and never forceful or abusive. As we follow and honor Him in all our relationships, the Holy Spirit can help us see obedience to Him as a wise and loving act of trust and worship.

By:  Xochitl Dixon

Reflect & Pray

 

How does seeing obedience to God as an act of love and trust change your view of His desire for obedience? How has God proven that you can trust Him?

 

Dear Jesus, please help me love You and others through obedience to the Scriptures.

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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…

Picture credit:  image John 14:15-16 – Search Images (bing.com)
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“A FIELD OF WEEDS . . .” 5/11/2024 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on May 11, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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

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

Original post @  https://atimetoshare.me/2024/05/02/a-field-of-weeds/

A FIELD OF WEEDS . . .

Posted on May 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Yesterday we went on our weekly road trip within 20 miles of our home. It’s always good for us to roam through the surrounding neighborhoods and burrows in search of God’s beautiful bounty of creation.

Nothing takes your mind off yourself better. As we searched the landscape, there were signs of spring everywhere. We came upon flowering cherry trees, some newly blossoming perennials, and a lovely field of dandelions. I remember picking and receiving big bouquets of these flowers back in the day. Nothing says loving, like a handful of dandelions. When we got home from our drive, there was a girl walking with her mom. She was on roller skates and had a bundle of dandelions in her hand. It made me think of those days when my own children would do the same for me.

I guess these weeds are beauty in the eye of the beholder, but to those who love perfectly green lawns, they can become a real pain in the neck. When my children brought me bouquets of dandelions, it meant they were thinking of me in a special way. Even though, when placed in water, they soon wilted and turned my fingers green. Our point of view has a lot to do with how we view everything in life. When things aren’t going well for us, when we have difficult decisions to make when health problems occur, when we are emotionally hurting, a cheerful bouquet of dandelions might clear up the troubles for the moment, but soon the beauty wears off and the flowers wilt and die.

If we look at the dandelions as only weeds, we’re neglecting the beauty they can bring to a barren field or empty lawn. Weeds will come. They’re mixed in with healthy grasses and flowers. Soon they turn into giant puff balls of seeds that scatter and grow again. There will always be tough things to deal with in life, but God will even open our eyes to great beauty and hope and faith that tomorrow will be another day.

Your perspective can and will change your outlook if you let it. Don’t miss out on the beauty that’s right before your eyes.

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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…

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“Doctrines of the Faith: Saved From What?” 5/10/2024 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on May 10, 2024 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/2024/05/05/doctrines-of-the-faith-saved-from-what/

Doctrines of the Faith: Saved From What?

POSTED ON MAY 5, 2024 BY BETH ANDREWS

I remember an evangelist who told the story of being in the Miami, Florida area to do a revival. He and the local pastor were driving around inviting people to the revival and witnessing to anyone who would listen. They found themselves in a very affluent neighborhood with massive houses and expensive cars. They spied a man out in his front yard and stopped to visit. After speaking to him of the need for salvation, the man spread his arms in a grand gesture of all he owned and said, “Saved from what?” Then he dismissed them with a laugh. That man was Jackie Gleason – famed radio, television, and movie star.

I am sure you know John 3:16. It reveals the heart of the gospel: God loves sinners. But Jesus also said: “Whoever does not believe [in Him] stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (v. 18).

Here’s the rest of the story (nod to Paul Harvey). God sent His Son because all of mankind is condemned because of sin. Not because of our sinful actions, but because sin is the human condition since the fall. We’re not sinners because we sin – we sin because we’re sinners. It’s not just what we do – it’s who we are. The destiny of all people is eternal condemnation – the wrath of God. Unless we believe in Jesus – and then our destiny is eternal life. That is what Paul means when he says: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Hebrews continues the thought saying, “You have come . . . to the spirits of righteous men made perfect” – just as we will one day be. “You have come to Jesus . . .” Just stop right here and rest a moment in that statement. That changes everything. “You have come to Jesus – the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel” (v. 24). The new covenant is a covenant of mercy – of a love that saves through holy blood that was shed, not from jealousy and rage, but from divine providence. Abel’s blood brought about a curse on Cain. Jesus’ blood brings salvation from the curse of sin for everyone who believes.

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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…

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“The Schemes of Satan” 5/09/2024 Written by Bill Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries”

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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Romans 12 2 - Scripture on the Walls

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

Original post @ https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/2021/11/10/the-schemes-of-satan/

 

The Schemes of Satan

 

NOVEMBER 10, 2021~ BRM7

by BJ Rudge, Ph.D.

A survey revealed that over half of those who watched the Super Bowl did so for the commercials. Advertisers are aware of this and are willing to pay millions of dollars for a 30-second spot. The persuasive power behind these commercials is in the images they portray for the manipulation of your mind into thinking you need their products.

Does this scheme sound familiar? It should, because Satan used this technique in the Garden to seduce Eve. Once he got her to question what God said (“Has God indeed said…” – Genesis 3:1) she was vulnerable to Satan’s lies. She saw the tree was pleasant to the eyes and desirable to make one wise so she gave in to her fleshly desires and ate of its fruit and gave some to her husband (Genesis 3:6).

Just like Adam and Eve, many people today fall prey to Satan’s deceptive ways. They allow their minds to be flooded with images that question whether God really knows what is best for them. If you want to avoid being another victim of Satan’s schemes, heed the advice of the apostle Paul:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).

 

How do you renew your mind? By studying, reflecting, and applying God’s Word. When you do this you can stand victorious before the schemes of Satan because you know exactly what God has indeed said.

POSTED IN BLOG, SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND DISCERNMENT,ADAM AND EVE,BLOG GOD’S ,WORDSCHEMES OF SATAN,SUPER BOWL

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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…

 

 

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“Sealed for life and for all eternity” 5/08/2024 Written by Louis Mize, a good friend

Posted on May 8, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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      Pinterest

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

“Sealed for life and for all eternity”

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the Day of Redemption.

Ephesians 4:30

At the very moment a person believes in Jesus Christ as their Redeemer, their personal Lord, and Savior, that person is baptized by the Holy Spirit of God. The word of God teaches us that it is God’s Holy Spirit who “Seals” us unto the Day of Redemption. What happens to you and me when the Holy Spirit “SEALS” us?

When any person comes to Christ by faith, God places an indelible mark on us. You can’t see my mark, and I can’t see yours, but nevertheless, it is there! And no power on earth or in Heaven is able to undo what God has done!

Christians should never fear or worry about receiving the mark of the beast, or the mark of the unholy spirit of the antichrists. For you see, that mark just won’t fit. And God has promised that NO MAN is able to pluck us out of our Father’s hand. (John 10:28)

This morning, I give God praise for this sealing of the Holy Spirit of God. It is permanent. It is eternal. It is everlasting. And all Christians need to know and believe that NO PERSON, and that means not even you and I, can undo what God has done for us in the Persons of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit of God. I am so thankful for this unremovable sealing by 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…

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“Center Our Desires” 5/07/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on May 7, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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What Does John 8:32 Mean?

Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org  from Spurgeon’s writing

Original post @ Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org  from Spurgeon’s writing

Original post @ https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/4/17/2024/?ecid=ACsprvshPHOKkmIpTFI-D-Lpm7nCblauV9s_o5BI6NpfTl6BM3d6gM9SBmHUn5Oyaag7Nbdp2Sqs&utm_campaign=Spurgeon+Daily+Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–XwKyGAlf1i0ldBIUmSNru5atsfWS79ligW8SB_SFnJ-0M1qHV2zDF0m7ogppH9lz8Dhaa4fo0EDknkHaHBxKX_61X2exjlOEvkogqJB4PcxDMZJc&_hsmi=302877489&utm_content=302877489&utm_source=hs_email

Center Our Desires

 

We wish to see Jesus.

John 12:21

The constant cry of the world is, “Who will show us any good?” They seek satisfaction in earthly comforts, enjoyments, and riches. But the quickened sinner knows of only one good. “I wish I knew where I might find Him!” When he is truly awakened to feel his guilt, if you could lay a fortune before him he would say, “Take it away: I want to find Him.”

It is a blessed thing for a man when he has brought his desires into focus so that they all center on one object. When he has fifty different desires, his heart resembles a stagnant pool spreading out into a marsh, breeding disease; but when all his desires are channeled in one direction, his heart becomes like a river of pure water, running swiftly to fertilize the fields.

Happy is he who has one desire, if that one desire is set on Christ, though it may not yet have been realized. When a soul desires Jesus, it is a sure indication of divine work within. Such a man will never be content with mere externals. He will say, “I want Christ; I must have Him—mere ordinances are of no use to me. I want Himself; do not offer me these; you offer me the empty pitcher, while I am dying of thirst; give me water, or I die. Jesus is my soul’s desire. I wish to see Jesus!”

Is this your condition, my reader, at this moment? Have you only one desire, and is that for Christ? Then you are not far from the kingdom of heaven. Have you only one wish in your heart, and is it that you may be washed from all your sins in Jesus’ blood? Can you really say, “I would give all I have to be a Christian? I would give up everything I have and hope for, in order to know that I have an interest in Christ”? Then, despite all your fears, be encouraged—the Lord loves you, and you will come out into daylight soon and rejoice in the liberty with which Christ makes you free.

Devotional material is taken from Morning and Evening, written by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org. Used by Truth For Life with written permission.

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

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=image+Jn+8%3A32&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS1066US1066&oq=image+Jn+8%3A32&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDY5MTFqMGo3qAIIsAIB&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#vhid=U34HHVskcnx8OM&vssid=l
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“A Need for Correction” 5/06/2024 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.orgThe Daily Devotions of Greg

Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

thelordismylightandmysalvation | Psalms, Gods promises, Psalm 61

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

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2024/04/19/a-need-for-correction/

A Need for Correction

19FridayApr 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 141

Tags blessing, correction, David, devotion, kindness, Prayer, pride, Psalms, righteous

 

Today’s Devotion from the Psalms

Reading: Psalm 141:5


Let a righteous man strike me—
that is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—
that is oil on my head.
My head will not refuse it,
for my prayer will still be
against the deeds of evildoers (NIV). *

img_20220811_1922015

Photo by David Kitz

Reflection
I don’t like being proven wrong. I like to think I have this world figured out. I am wise in my own eyes. A proud heart tells me I am right. Isn’t that so?

Am I the only one who suffers from this affliction—this deceptive pride that blinds me to my errors? Of course not. Human pride puts blinders over our eyes. We have trouble seeing our own faults. We often need others to bring them gently, or sharply to our attention. Better is open rebuke than hidden love (Proverbs 27:5).

Here in Psalm 141, David confesses his need for correction: Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head.

 

Do we see sharp correction as a kindness? Do we see a rebuke as a blessing like oil poured on our head? In today’s culture the thought of oil being poured on someone’s head has little appeal. But that was not the case in ancient times. Olive oil was a high-value commodity. Using it for personal grooming was considered a luxury. Only the wealthy would lavish themselves with such extravagance.

For David, these words would bring back the memory of the occasion when the prophet Samuel anointed him to be king over Israel in place of King Saul. So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David (1 Samuel 16:13).

Earlier, Samuel had rebuked Saul for his disobedience. See 1 Samuel 13. Saul did not receive that rebuke well. There was no repentance on his part. On the other hand, years later when Nathan, the prophet, rebuked David for his sin with Bathsheba, David repented and sought the LORD with prayer and fasting. See 2 Samuel 12. The contrast between Saul’s response and David’s response to corrective rebuke is striking.

David, the man after God’s own heart, received forgiveness and the mercy of God, while Saul became embittered and ultimately descended into witchcraft.

How we handle correction will determine the rise or fall of our career, our marriage, and ultimately our life with God. David learned to love rebuke. For him and for us, it can result in a course correction of eternal worth.

Response: LORD God, please correct me when I err. When others point out my faults, help me to receive that correction with grace and not anger. Lord Jesus, You alone are faultless. Forgive me. Amen.

Your Turn: Is it difficult for you to receive correction? What can make receiving correction easier?

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

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“What is the Nature of True Repentance?” 5/05/2024 Written by Jeff Chavez for Pastor Jim Lee @ “The Domain for Truth”

Posted on May 5, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Acts 3: 19-20, NIV

Written by a guest post for Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth” @ veritasdomain.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2024/04/26/guest-post-what-is-the-nature-of-true-repentance/

Guest Post: What is the Nature of True Repentance?

April 26, 2024 by SLIMJIM

Note: This is a guest post since presently I am teaching overseas. This is by Jeff Chavez. His blog be found here.

trinity

What is the Nature of True Repentance? 

In the Second London Baptist Confession, Paragraphs 1 & 2 address the repentance of sinners in conversion and of the believers from serious sins.

The 3rd paragraph talks about the nature of repentance. It states, “This saving repentance is an evangelical grace, whereby a person, being by the Holy Spirit made sensible of the manifold evils of his sin, does, by faith in Christ, humble himself for it with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrence, praying for pardon and strength of grace, with a purpose and endeavor, by supplies of the Spirit, to walk before God unto all well-pleasing in all things.” (1689 LBCF Chapter 15- Par. 3)

Teaching: Repentance unto life from sin and self is a grace of God. 

What is true repentance?

  • It is an evangelical grace from God

  • It is a personal response to sin

  • It is a renewal of mind toward God

The Baptist Catechism, Question #92 – What is repentance unto life? Repentance unto life is a saving grace,⁠ whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin,⁠ and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ,⁠ doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God,⁠ with full purpose of and endeavor after new obedience.⁠⁠

  1. It is an evangelical grace from God

  1. In contrast to legal repentance

  1. Legal repentance flows only from a sense of danger and fear of wrath, but evangelical repentance is a true mourning for sin and an earnest desire for deliverance from it.

  1. A legal repentance ordinarily flows from discouragement and despondency, but an evangelical repentance is accompanied by a confiding trust in God’s mercy.

      1. Evangelical repentance as a saving grace is

  1. God’s gift …grace – Acts 11:18 (like faith and joined with it … All this is done/experienced . . . by faith in Christ

  1. Gospel produced …an evangelical grace – there’s no repentance apart from the knowledge of sin done through the preaching of the gospel (para. 5 …which makes the constant preaching of repentance necessary.)

  1. Spirit’s work …being by the Holy Spirit made sensible of…

Point: True repentance is a saving grace granted by the Holy Spirit who works through the preaching of the gospel. We cannot produce our repentance. For it to be true it must be given by God.

We cannot truly repent if the Spirit won’t work in our hearts and minds. Unless the Spirit works no true repentance will be produced.

  1. It is a personal response against sin– Four personal results …whereby a person… does… [Renihan, Symbolics II] “The believing sinner laments his or her personal sin.”

Note: Biblical example – Tax Collector and David – Luke 18:13-14, Psalms 51

  1. humble himself – standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven ..the one who humbles himself will be exalted (v.14)

  2. with godly sorrow (2 Cor 7:9-11) All repentance includes sorrow. Some people think that their repentance is not true enough because they did not cry enough.But our repentance is not validated by the intensity of our sorrows for sin. Yes, there is sorrow. But the degree of sorrow does not dictate the truthfulness of our repentance. If you know you sinned, you’ll go back to the Father to be cleansed by the blood of the Lamb with a greater resolution not to sin again/ You will daily depend upon the grace of God which is powerful enough to transform you from glory unto glory.

  3. detestation of it – the believing sinner sees the ugliness of sin. Now he hates it. It is implied in the experience of the Tax Collector since he is not able to lift up his eyes to heaven as he pounds his breasts. David (Psalm 51:2 …wash me thoroughly)

  4. self-abhorrancy – the believing sinner hates himself because of loving himself and the sin that God hates rather than loving God. Luke 18:13, David v.3-5

Point: Repentance is a personal act where the LORD opens our minds and hearts to see the true evil of sin, our misery

Transition: yet it does not end here. The believing and repentant sinner turns to God through Christ as His only hope.

  1. It is a renewal of mind toward God

Note: μετανοέω – I repent, change my mind, a mental direction

praying for pardon and strength of grace, with a purpose and endeavor, by supplies of the Spirit, to walk before God unto all well-pleasing in all things.

  • Psalm 51:15-17 – We believe that he had religion for nine months. He still went to sacrifice and practice his duty as a king. But in verses 15-17, he confessed that all his sacrifices were hypocritical. He recognized that God does not delight in sacrifice and he has no pleasure in burnt offering.

  • Acts 26:20 …repent and turn to God… In repentance, we do not run away from God but towards Him. We know that though our sins are great, His grace is greater still.

  • [Baptist Catechism] and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ… turn from it unto God,⁠ with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience.⁠⁠

  • True repentance always leads to change, change of perspective, heart, and will. What kind of repentance it would be if a husband is caught in adultery but did not leave his mistress, a thief caught in the robbery but kept the money for his own, and a lying lip caught speaking lies and yet covered it with another lie?

  • [John Murray, Redemption: Accomplished and Applied, 119] Repentance consists essentially inchange of heart and mind and will… it is a change of mind respecting ourselves, respecting sin, and respecting righteousness.

  • [Sam Waldron, Modern Exposition of 1689 BCF] Repentance is necessary to have eternal life, but it does not stand in the same relation to salvation as faith. Berkhof hints at this when he calls repentance a ‘negative condition of salvation’.

  • A crude illustration of this would be to liken faith to the eating of the bread of life, while repentance is the vomiting out of our sins. Repentance empties the spiritual stomach of sin and self and gives a hunger for the bread of life.

Point: True repentance breeds inward change that manifests outwardly. Truly, “dying to sin is the life of repentance” (T.Watson, Repentance).

Application:

  • The question is not only, do you know what is true repentance? But also have you repented your sin?

  • [John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied, 120] The test of repentance is the genuineness and resoluteness of our repentance in respect of our own sins, sins characterized by the aggravations which are peculiar to our own selves.”

  • Is sin bitter for us? (T. Watson) “Till sin be bitter Christ will not be sweet” and “Sin seems beloved to us only when Christ does not.”

  • We might find ourselves fighting over the same sin for a season but we also find ourselves keep coming back to God in the spirit of repentance and faith, trusting that God is faithful to sustain us. As Christians, we live based on the shed blood of Christ in every sphere of life to the glory of God. Daily apply yourself to the power of the blood of the Lamb!

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

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“When People Stomp on Our Pride” 5/04/2024 Written by Gabrielle Guthrie for “See, there’s this thing called biology…~insanitybytes”

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Stock Photo - Alamy

  This link explains why God’s grace is sufficient-  https://www.gotquestions.org/my-grace-is-sufficient.html

Written by Gabrielle Guthrie for “See, there’s this thing called biology…~insanitybytes” @ https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/

Original post found @ https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/2024/05/04/when-people-stomp-on-our-pride/

When People Stomp on Our Pride

04SaturdayMay 2024

Posted by insanitybytes22 in Uncategorized

First, let me clarify, this is not about tolerating disrespect. I am not suggesting that anyone has to put up with bullying or abuse nor am I saying that mistreating others is okay. It is not. In fact, that’s part of why I am writing this because it happens constantly and it’s not okay. We can’t control it, but we sure can control how we respond to it.

As Christians, we do have the added challenges stemming from those bothersome passages about the need to “turn the other cheek” and to “love your neighbor.” As you forgive, so shall you be forgiven. And of course, as you judge so shall you be judged. This has nothing to do with being a doormat, it has to do with cultivating a spirit that can genuinely look at somebody and just think, “forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.”

 

Somebody smart once said, “The bad news is that it’s not all about you all of the time. The good news is also that it’s not all about you all of the time.” How people treat you is not necessarily a reflection of you, it is often a reflection of who they are and what they are experiencing. That can be some tough meat to chew on! As people, we tend to think it really is all about us, all of the time.

When people stomp on our pride and we react with offense and anger, one problem is that it demonstrates our own insecurities and fears. We are not who other people say we are, we are who God says we are. If we genuinely believe that and we turn to Him for constant and frequent reassurance, then the poor behavior of others will have almost no impact on us.

Pride is almost always the flip side of shame. If someone is stomping on our pride what they are really doing is triggering our shame. As Christians, we are supposed to set our shame down at the foot of the cross. Jesus died, “despising the shame” on our behalf. So if we have picked up shame along the way (which most of us have,) we are called to turn right around and put it down at His feet. It is not ours to carry. It does not belong to us! Ask Him to heal those insecurities and fears, to wash away our shame. When we can walk in humility and stay in a state of grace, we will have no pride to stomp on. People will just be swinging at dead air.

There is a lot of big stuff that can happen to us, murder, theft, affairs, child abuse, spousal abuse, injustice, and some genuinely challenging issues that can strain the whole concept of forgiveness. I’m setting all of those Big Things aside for a moment and just talking about the petty things.

The really dumb things. (No doubt I’ve just stomped on someone’s pride by suggesting some things are “petty,” but they really are.) I’m talking about taking great offense over stuff that just doesn’t matter. Making huge, emotional mountains out of mole hills. Family estrangements developing over cool whip versus whip cream. Church splits happening over carpet colors. Hating someone because you envy their shoes.

We can (and probably should) tar and feather our leaders for all I care, but when it comes to family, friends, and even just some passing acquaintances, we are actually called to engage in unconditional love, constant renewable forgiveness, and to practice radical grace. Renewable forgiveness as in okay great, now do it again, 70 times 70.

Practicing radical grace is how people will know we are Christians. The Bible says, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” “As I have loved you,”   That means we must extend to others the same kind of radical grace that we ourselves have received from Him.

How has Jesus loved us? With mercy, grace, redemption, understanding, forgiveness, healing, love, and life and life abundant.

It’s not easy and nobody is perfect. I don’t wish to sound like I am lecturing and criticizing. We call it “practicing radical grace” because it is not only “radical” but it also takes a lot of “practice.” You will hit some sour notes sometimes. You will even mess it all up sometimes and bless someone else with the opportunity to “practice.“

My heart is just aching for the condition of Christianity as I see it portrayed on social media and in so many actual relationships on the ground.

The fruits of our failures are evident in our divisions, resentments, and assorted unkindness to one another.

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

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“GRACE of Place, Place of GRACE” 5/03/2024 Written by Nancy Ruegge for “From The Inside Out”

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and ...

Written by Nancy Ruegge for “From The Inside Out” @  http://nancyaruegg.com

View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/05/02/grace-of-place-place-of-grace/

 

GRACE of Place, Place of GRACE

May 2, 2024 by Nancy Ruegg

 

Have you seen those grace-filled fingerprints? Perhaps at home in the joy of good-natured laughter around the family table, or one child helping another with his homework—unprompted, or unified celebration of all—for the success of one.

Perhaps you’ve seen God’s fingerprints outdoors in a landscape of incredible beauty and grandeur, or an up-close encounter with one of God’s creatures, or the expanse of a sunrise, sunset, or brilliant rainbow.

And especially at church, we see God’s fingerprints when an impassioned congregation sings their praise to him, a saint of God offers a heart-touching prayer, someone shares a personal story of divine, miraculous provision, or a scripture-reading fits perfectly our current circumstances.

No doubt, God’s grace is on display everywhere and always. It never wanes; it’s new every morning. And, as illustrated above, when we intentionally look, we see his fingerprints in the GRACE of place.

But God’s grace is not only evident around us. God has provided a place of GRACE within us as well.

“This grace of God is a very great, strong, mighty, and active thing.

It does not lie asleep in the soul.

Grace hears, leads, drives, draws, changes, works all in man,

and lets itself be distinctly felt and experienced.

It is hidden, but its works are evident.

–Martin Luther

That middle line especially deserves deep and slow consideration. Luther would surely have us understand:

  • Our God of grace hears—even before we speak (Isaiah 55:24).

  • Our God of grace leads—along the best and straightest path to himself (Psalm 16:11a) [1].

  • Our God of grace drives (propels)—gently but persistently—so we’re resilient, not fragile; strong, not weak; useful, not ineffectual (Ephesians 3:20).

  • Our God of grace lovingly and relentlessly draws us unto himself (Jeremiah 31:3).

  • Our God of grace changes us, progressively transforming us into his likeness with ever-increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

  • Our God of grace works in us so he can work through us—all to his and our mutual delight (Philippians 2:13).

He is a passionately dedicated, perfectly-intentioned, and supremely benevolent Heavenly Father!

Yet there is more. 

Our God enriches, enlightens, enables, and enraptures by:

  • blessing us—not with everything that pleases us—but with everything good for us [2]

  • bestowing the privilege of his presence—“so wonderful, quieting, soothing, calming, and warming” [3]

  • guiding us with supernatural wisdom as we avail ourselves with childlike trust

  • shaping our lives into what is useful and beautiful [4]

  • providing a haven within of comfort (Psalm 34:18) and strength (Psalm 59:16), refreshment (Acts 3:19) and joy (Psalm 4:7)

All good things are a result of God’s grace (Psalm 84:11)—in the GRACE of place all around us and in the place of GRACE within.

Where are you seeing God’s grace-filled fingerprints this day? Tell us about it in the comment section below!

[1] Dietrich Bonhoeffer

[2] King David mentions at least ten gifts in Psalm 103 alone.

[3] J. Danson Smith, quoted in Streams in the Desert, Jim Reimann, ed., 340.

[4] Eugene Peterson, Run with the Horses, 79.

Art & photo credits: http://www.openclipart.org & canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.creazilla.com (painting by Pieter Claesz).

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

 

 

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?q=image+eph+2%3A8-9&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS1066US1066&oq=image+eph+2%3A8-9&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTEyNzgzajBqN6gCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#vhid=z5jgcHpbvfHpQM&vssid=l

 

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