“The Helmet of Salvation” 4/04/2017 Written by bruce r. mills for “God’s group”

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Written by bruce r. mills for “God’s group” @ www.Godsmanforever.com

(revised from 1/19/2011)

“The Helmet of Salvation… Part 2 of God’s Armor”

(For the first 2 days writing…type 4/02-03/2017, as separate dates into the search window of www.Godsmanforever.com)

**Ephesians 6:17*… And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;*** (NKJV)

I woke up this morning, and before I even had a chance to ask God to guide me through this day, I knew what I was going to write on today… I had been writing about scripture in the Book of Romans, but was sidetracked by the Armor of God, each and every Christian should be wearing as a complete set…all 6 pieces…(Ephesians 6:10-20) [ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph6%3A10-20&version=ESV ]

In looking at my own weaknesses as a Christian, I am hopeful that others can find out what pieces they are missing of the “Whole Armor of God”, to be able to make a stand against Satan… To be Spirit filled on a more consistent basis, I believe it’s necessary to be wearing God’s complete set of spiritual armor… As Christians, any chinks in God’s armor will allow Satan in, and leave a crack in our fragile clay vessel… Our cup cannot be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, if we have any cracks in it…

The apostle Paul tells us in this, in…Ephesians 6:11… “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (NKJV)

The opening scripture talks about “the helmet of salvation”… Salvation; or being saved by God’s grace, is all about obeying the Gospel of Christ… We must understand the gospel, and respond to God’s calling…or we will be left to “die in our sins”, as the Apostle John pens this spoken by Jesus, in… [See 1. Below for the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ]

John 8:24… “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (NKJV)

But once we are “Born Again” Christians, we must keep “the helmet of salvation” on 24/7… Each and every day, we must be thankful for the grace God has gifted us with, as we have been accepted by Him into His family as a redeemed child of God…

As ambassadors of Christ, we must always look for opportunities to share the gospel of Christ with the lost and dying world around us… This, for sure, was one of my major shortcomings for over 7 years, as I have previously confessed…because I allowed the Holy Spirit to take a back seat in my life…keeping me less than Spirit filled…Ephesians 5:18-20…

Heavenly Father, being Spirit filled is what every Christian should strive to become on a consistent, but not perfect basis… Help each and every reader understand that Your complete set of spiritual armor is required, to protect us from Satan… It starts with “the helmet of salvation”… Help us Father to be striving to put on Your protective armor piece by piece…

Help us to realize that any chinks in our spiritual body armor will leave us vulnerable to Satan, and his bag full of tricks to deceive us… Being Spirit filled is an ongoing, daily labor of love for You Lord, as Your obedient children walk in the Spirit…Galatians 5:16… Help us Father, to keep our fragile clay vessel filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit… I pray for this fullness of Christ within each and every one of us, in Jesus’ most precious name and for His sake I pray…Amen…

Blessings in Christ, bruce

References:

Here is a link for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…https://godsmanforever.com/2014/10/26/the-truth-about-sin-10262014-by-bruce-reposted-from-7112013/

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+of+the+helmet+of+salvation+Bible&espv=2&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjSpOXs24rTAhVG0iYKHYAKD10QsAQIGQ&biw=1126&bih=686#imgrc=Hvsl7EgqC555oM:

“The Homesick Captive” 8/17/2018 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on August 17, 2018 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

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

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2018/08/17/the-homesick-captive/

The Homesick Captive

17 Friday Aug 2018

Posted by davidkitz

Reading: Psalm 137
(Verses 1-6)

By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.
There on the poplars we hung our harps,
for there our captors asked us for songs,
our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
How can we sing the songs of the LORD
while in a foreign land?
If I forget you, Jerusalem,
may my right hand forget its skill.
May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
if I do not remember you,
if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy (NIV)

20180629_1755245[3574]

The Erechtheum on the Acropolis, Athens, Greece — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

It’s difficult to pinpoint the time in history when many of the Psalms were written. Many scholars believe that the Old Testament was compiled over a period of about 900 to 1,000 years. As for the Book of Psalms, there is considerable evidence to suggest that psalms were collected from three distinct periods: the reign of King David (1 Chronicles 23:5), the rule of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:30), and during the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 12:24).[1]

Psalm 137 is distinct, because we can tell from its content that this psalm was written early during the period of the Babylonian exile. Memories of Nebuchadnezzar’s destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC were still fresh—etched with bitterness and pain in the mind of the author.

There are two great pivot points in the history of Old Testament Israel. The first is the liberation of Israel from Egypt and the conquest of the holy land. The second is the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the subsequent seventy-year exile in Babylon. The mercy and power of God brought about the first pivotal event. The disobedience and idolatry of man set in motion the catastrophe of the second event.

From its inception the Jewish nation flirted with idolatry. While Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments, the people were reveling before a golden calf. King Solomon set up idols in Jerusalem so his foreign wives could worship their gods. See 1 Kings 11:1-8. This duplicity continued generation after generation until the Babylonians swept in and destroyed Jerusalem. Harsh judgment brought change. Will harsh judgment bring change in us, or will the mercy of God bring us to repentance?

Response: Father God, I don’t want to learn things the hard way. I want to be quick to obey you. Help me to learn from the lessons of history. You are the one, true God. I worship you. Amen.

Your Turn: How faithful are you to the LORD? Do other interests draw you away?

[1] K.R. “Dick” Iverson, Spirit Filled Life Bible, New King James Version, Jack W. Hayford, General Editor, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN, 1991, p. 750.

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P.S. (from bruce) If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+looking+up+to+God&rlz=1C1VFKB_enUS610US619&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiuw4-mmqvcAhVHdt8KHYavDmwQsAR6BAgFEAE#imgrc=almqrr4EX5YgZM:

“Stone or Flesh?” 8/16/2018 Posted by Alister Begg for “Truth for Life”

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

Posted by Alister Begg for “Truth for Life” @ http://info.truthforlife.org

Original post @ https://info.truthforlife.org/devo-aug15-2018?ecid=ACsprvt7el7pWfIdEBX6jf5GnELBSu0zxi0hG3-Gd4B4JcNYNDDzbU1uTdgYzV7V9bh4rYV8oxVK&utm_campaign=Daily%20Devotion%20Emails&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=65177399&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–t48jDkR1x-EH9rJPasarl945_FvJqQBefoJzc4WBcGuJANlaliIvDsgGsdWlbQgSZFINki1BpbHuFy96VNwc53PsEMQxjHw6J3Cw7JVUn-wozkWM&_hsmi=65177399

DAILY DEVOTIONAL AUGUST 15, 2018

Stone or Flesh?

And I will give you a new heart . . . A heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26

A “heart of flesh” is known by its tenderness concerning sin. To have indulged a foul imagination or to have allowed a wild desire to linger even for a moment is quite enough to make a heart of flesh grieve before the Lord. The heart of stone calls a great iniquity nothing, but not so the heart of flesh.

If to the right or left I stray,
That moment, Lord, reprove;
And let me weep my life away,
For having grieved Thy love.

The heart of flesh is tender to God’s will. Unlike a strong heart that refuses to bow before God’s dictates, when the heart of flesh is given, the will quivers like an aspen leaf in every breath of heaven and bows like a willow in every breeze of God’s Spirit. The natural will is cold, hard iron, which refuses to be hammered into form, but the renewed will, like molten metal, is quickly molded by the hand of grace. In the fleshy heart there is a tenderness of the affections. The hard heart does not love the Redeemer, but the renewed heart burns with affection toward Him.

The hard heart is selfish and coldly demands, “Why should I weep for sin? Why should I love the Lord?” But the heart of flesh says, “Lord, You know that I love You; help me to love You more!” There are many privileges of this renewed heart. It is here the Spirit dwells; it is here that Jesus lives. It is fitted to receive every spiritual blessing, and every blessing comes to it. It is prepared to yield every heavenly fruit to the honor and praise of God, and therefore the Lord delights in it. A tender heart is the best defense against sin and the best preparation for heaven. A renewed heart stands on its watchtower looking for the coming of the Lord Jesus. Do you have this heart of flesh?

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Good News Publishers and used by Truth For Life with written permission.

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P.S. (from bruce) If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=pic+Ezekiel+36:26&rlz=1C1VFKB_enUS610US619&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj1qNPBv_HcAhVDZN8KHZxEAM0QsAR6BAgGEAE&biw=1225&bih=873#imgrc=w5VNZUzQgIhDqM:

“What do I need to do to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” when I arrive in heaven?” 8/15/2018 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on August 15, 2018 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/well-done-good-and-faithful-servant.html

What do I need to do to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” when I arrive in heaven?

Question: “What do I need to do to hear, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ when I arrive in heaven?”

Answer: In Jesus’ parable of the talents, the Lord tells of two faithful servants who used what they had been given to increase the master’s wealth. When the master returned from a long absence, he rewarded his two faithful servants and said to each of them, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21, 23). Every Christian longs to hear those words from Jesus’ lips someday in heaven.

We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), but we are saved “to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus spoke of laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), and His parable of the talents hints at various rewards for those who faithfully serve Him in this world.

To hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” from Jesus, first make sure you are saved. The unbelieving will never hear those words, for “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). And recognize that Jesus is not only your Savior; He is also your Lord (see Luke 6:46). “Serve the LORD with gladness!” (Psalm 100:2, ESV).

Here are some ideas on ways you can serve the Lord:

1. Share the gospel. The Lord Jesus desires us to make disciples, teaching others of the nature and character of God and sharing the meaning of His death and resurrection (Matthew 28:18–20).

2. Help the disadvantaged. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19–31, the rich man is condemned because he doesn’t help Lazarus and because he trusts in his wealth too much. Don’t put self-gratification before the needs of others. First John 3:17 says, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

3. Forgive others of their offenses. This isn’t the same as reconciliation or trust, but it means you renounce vengeance. The Lord Jesus modeled forgiveness: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to [the Father] who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23).

4. View your position of authority as an opportunity to help the people under you, and view your position of subservience as an opportunity to submit to your authority, just as Jesus submitted to the Father’s authority. Either way, you can be Christlike, because Jesus was both master and servant to different people. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

5. Seek to know the character of God better through church fellowship, listening to sermons, studying the Bible, praying, and chronicling how He seems to have been involved in your life.

6. Recognize that every advantageous position you’re in is because of God, the Source of every blessing: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17).

7. Be willing to be unpopular, displaying rare courage like the Good Samaritan in Jesus’ parable (Luke 10:30–37). Do what the Bible says is right, always. “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29, ESV).

8. In introspective moral judgment (evaluating your own character), look at the character of Jesus as a measure rather than rationalize your questionable actions and attitudes. Show humility.

It all comes down to this: love God more than anything, and love others sincerely (Mark 12:30–31). At the judgment seat of Christ, those who are faithful to the Lord who saved them will hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” No true servant of the Lord could ask for more.

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

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P.S. (from bruce) If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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

Picture credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502784745880685650/

“Do You Really Know for Sure?” 8/14/2018 Posted by Don Merritt for “The Life Project”

Posted on August 14, 2018 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Posted by Don Merritt for “The Life Project” @ https://lifereference.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://lifereference.wordpress.com/2018/08/14/do-you-really-know-for-sure-3/

Do You Really Know for Sure?

Posted on August 14, 2018 by Don Merritt

This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

1 John 3:19-24

Chapter 3 of John’s first letter ends with the assurance that we can know for sure where we stand with God, but it isn’t the answer that most of us give if we are asked “how we know”…

John’s answer is that we know by the Spirit within us.

Well steady on there, isn’t that the Spirit that so many are waiting for…until “it” decides to move…? Yes, that one, the one that we say we can’t hear.

Yes, that’s the one John is referring to!

John takes a little different tack that we often do. He says that we will notice whether or not the Spirit within us condemns us, we know that God is greater than our hearts and knows all. I think that many of us today use slightly different terminology for this by saying that we “feel convicted” about something. When this happens, we have something to seek forgiveness for and have the need to alter our behavior or attitudes in some way. When we are not condemned by our hearts, we are confident in His presence. We know that in saying these things, John is making reference to the work of the Spirit in our lives because he says so in the last part of the passage. Now, the remaining question is whether or not this is really true in our lives.

Over the years I’ve noticed that many people will tell me about their active prayer lives. They will tell me all about the countless hours they spend with God and all the rest. On other occasions, they will tell me that they never notice the Spirit working within them, and that’s how I know for sure that they don’t have any of this great prayer life they like to go on about. The reason is that seeking His presence is how we are able to discern the Spirit that is within us. Notice that John linked the two in verses 21 and 22:

Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask,

You should notice something else here. Here’s verse 22 in full:

and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.

Yes, we will receive anything we ask in prayer, if we “keep his commands and do what pleases him.” As always in John’s writings, asking and receiving are mentioned firmly within the context of doing His will, and not in doing our will.

So, can you really know for sure where you stand with God?

YES!

Seek His presence and you’ll find out.

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P.S. (from bruce) If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+seek+God%27s+presence&rlz=1C1VFKB_enUS610US619&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjl0Li8uOzcAhVoRN8KHbf2ANkQsAR6BAgCEAE&biw=1225&bih=873#imgrc=XCiXYgGAWPqTMM

“A life of responsiveness” 8/13/2018 Written by Mel Wild for “In My Father’s House”

Posted on August 13, 2018 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

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

Original post @ https://melwild.wordpress.com/2018/08/09/a-life-of-responsiveness/

A life of responsiveness

Posted on August 9, 2018by Mel Wild

Our life in Christ is a life of responsiveness. As Paul had to tell the religious and spiritually immature Corinthians, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Cor.4:7). As I’ve said before (quoting C. Baxter Kruger), “Religion is about us inviting God into our lives; following Christ is about God inviting us into His life.”

Religion wears us out and wearies our soul. Accepting Christ’s invitation into His life recovers our life and restores our soul.

^28-30“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matt.11:28-30 MSG *)

Responsiveness is an action, or should I say, a re-action. This is the part we do in the relationship; open up our hearts and respond to Him. Our life with Christ begins with God’s Répondez S’il Vous Plaît , which simply means “please reply.” It’s included in invitations when the host of a party wants you to tell him or her whether you are going to the party. Over and over, Jesus told parables about this invitation. God has sent out His invitation out to all humankind. In fact, the last words of the Bible repeat this invitation:

¹⁷The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” (Rev.22:17 NIV)

The “water of life” is a metaphor for the life of God through communion with His Spirit (John 4:10-14, 23-24; 7:37-39). This is the source of “eternal life” that overflows from God’s heart to ours, and out from us to those around us. I wrote more about this here.

“Whoever is thirsty may come to me and drink. If anyone believes in me, rivers of living water will flow out from their heart.” (John 7:37b-38 ERV *)

Nothing in our life in Christ begins with us. We didn’t choose God, He chose us to be his sons and daughters before time began (John 15:16; Eph.1:4-7). We didn’t even know love without Him loving us first (1 John 4:19). Indeed, the only way we can truly live out the Greatest Commandment (Matt.22:37-40) is if we abide, or sojourn, in the same love that the Father has for Jesus (John 15:9). We didn’t earn this invitation, it was a gift of grace freely given to us by God (Eph.2:8).

Yet, responsiveness means that we can and should respond. We cannot benefit from any relationship, no matter how much it promises, without actually being in the relationship. And relationships that are meaningful are intentional and self-giving.

¹⁴My brothers and sisters, if a person claims to have faith but does nothing, that faith is worth nothing. Faith like that cannot save anyone. (James 2:14 ERV)

We aren’t saved by grace, we’re saved by grace through faith. For God says to us, “Today, if you hear my voice, do not harden your heart…” (Heb. 4:6-8), which means we canharden our heart and remain unaffected. We exercise faith by accepting the invitation.

Finally, it’s His overflowing love, not fear of punishment, that compels us to enter into this other-centered life of Christ (2 Cor.5:14-15; 1 John 4:17). All we have to do is leave our orphan-hearted fear behind and follow Him.

I’ll let you think about that while you’re listening to Tasha Cobb sing, “Fill Me Up.”

You provide the fire
I’ll provide the sacrifice
You provide the Spirit
I will open up inside

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P.S. (from bruce) If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+Mat+11:28-30&rlz=1C1VFKB_enUS610US619&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjO_4DJppHZAhVDzlkKHVjpCqgQsAQIWQ&biw=1258&bih=724#imgrc=eOl6eacsj7YrCM:

“Before Going to Church Remember: Let us not lose heart in doing good” 8/12/2018 Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “THE DOMAIN FOR TRUTH”

Posted on August 12, 2018 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

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

Original post @ https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2018/08/05/before-going-to-church-remember-let-us-not-lose-heart-in-doing-good/

Before Going to Church Remember: Let us not lose heart in doing good

August 5, 2018 by SLIMJIM

Been a long week of ministry!

Here’s a verse that stood out to me today. May it be an encouragement to continue to be faithful to serve God.

⁹Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. ¹⁰So then, ^[b]while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

(Galatians 6:9-10)

From my many posts it should be clear that the Bible teaches salvation is by God’s grace. Nevertheless when we serve God faithfully and not lose heart we do reap rewards. Again the reward is not our salvation; but this is in reference to reward after our salvation.

When serving God is hard, when you feel like giving up this verse tells us don’t give up! Don’t become weary. Be motivated with the truth in verse 8 that what we reap we will sow from God. Press on!

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P.S. (from bruce) If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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

“Who Is Your King?” 8/11/2018 Written by Elihu Anderson for “Elihu’s Corner”

Posted on August 11, 2018 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Image result for Pic who is your king ?? bible

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

Original post @ https://elihuscorner.com/2018/08/10/who-is-your-king/

Who Is Your King?

August 10, 2018Elihu

shirly-niv-marton-377770-unsplash

As Samuel listened to the Israelites, a pang of grief shot through his chest. For as long as he could remember, he had been in service to Jehovah. His mother told him the story each year when she came to visit him, of how he had been given to her by the Lord and why she had given him back to God. The years flew before his eyes in a flash, and he gazed mournfully at the group assembled before him.

He had served faithfully all these years—and they were rejecting Him.

The people said, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.”

Dejected, Samuel consulted the Lord in prayer. As always, God faithfully responded with an answer. The sound of the Lord’s voice still filled him with a mingling of joy, fear, and awe, even after all these years.

The Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.” (1 Samuel 8.7-9)

Samuel’s heart ached for the Lord’s sorrow far more than his own. God was grieved! He did as God commanded, explaining to the people all the challenges and problems associated with an earthly king. Surely now they would see their foolishness.

But the people said, “No! But there shall be a king over us,that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” (1 Samuel 8.19-20).

The Israelites wanted to be like all the nations surrounding them. They desired a king who would provide them with Security, Happiness, and Pride, not realizing they had rejected the blessings of God through their own pride and disobedience.

Are we guilty of wanting someone or something to care for us besides God?

Do we seek other kings to rule in our hearts so we can be like everyone around us?

The King of Security

This world is an uncertain place so we seek security.

living in “safe” neighborhoods
installing security cameras
carrying a weapon
carrying insurance (life, health, home, auto)
Savings accounts
invest in retirement
pursue well-paying, stable careers

None of these things are inherently bad. It is wise to save money, particularly for emergencies. It is smart to try to live in a good neighborhood. Carrying insurance is usually required by law, but it is also useful in a crisis.

The question we need to ask ourself is, in what (or whom) do we actually place our trust? Do we count on God to provide security or do we rely solely on our own measures? Do we want earthly security or eternal security? Do we set our spiritual relationship aside in pursuit of a “secure” earthly life?

If Security is your king, disappointment will come. Only in God can we have the security of sure promises, eternal life, and transcendent peace of heart.

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

~ Matthew 6.31-34, ESV

The King of Happiness

The second king we seek is The King of Happiness. This is the king that should give us “the good life.”

Approval
A Pinterest-Perfect House
Amazing vacations
The perfect spouse
Favorite foods/drinks/pleasures
New Stuff (latest tech, a boat, a motorcycle, craft supplies, books, hobbies…)
A strong and prosperous country
Good Health
Doing whatever makes us happy without consequences

There is nothing evil about working toward a good marriage, a restful vacation, or even a nice house. These are pleasant things, but the Happiness King only gives us temporary satisfaction. God alone is able to supply a lasting joy that cannot be stolen or destroyed.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

~ Matthew 6.19-21, ESV

The King of Pride

When pride is king, self is king.

C.S. Lewis wrote, “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on thing and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.”

We think too much of and about ourselves and not others–even God! Our pride blinds us to our flaws and magnifies the flaws of others.

Pride comes in many forms, including:

Believing we control our future (James 4.13-17)
Rebelling against God’s commandments (1 Samuel 15.22-24)
Disregarding the needs of others (Philippians 2.3-4)

Do not allow pride to be king in your life. He talks a good talk, but his walk is destructive.

Who or what is your King? Which of these kings are vying for your allegiance, or are all three reigning like a triumvirate?

Samuel kept the Lord as his king in his heart from his youth to his death. The Israelites, by contrast, sought the triumvirate—Security, Happiness, and Pride. Even Saul was not enough for them because he truly couldn’t give them their desires. They rejected God as their king and their lives were all the more pitiful because of their choice.

Keep God as King in your heart. He provides eternal security and joy beyond mere happiness. He deserves to be exalted above anyone and anything on this earth.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

~ 1 John 2.15-17, ESV

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 View all posts by Elihu

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P.S. (from bruce) If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=Pic+who+is+your+king+??+bible&rlz=1C1VFKB_enUS610US619&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwix-PCW8OTcAhXRTd8KHYVYCL4QsAR6BAgEEAE&biw=1225&bih=873#imgrc=RaqpZGYKP0a0gM:

Posted in Bible, Catholic, Christ, Christianity, Daily Devotion, Exortation, faith, God, Gospel, Holiness, Hope, Jesus Christ, Love, Mercy, Peace, Praise, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

	Wally Fry on “When Our Plans Are Not…
	Godsmanforever on “When Our Plans Are Not…
	Wally Fry on “When Our Plans Are Not…
	Wally Fry on “Let’s Get Sad Ove…
	Roland Ledoux on “Listening Prayer”…

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Written by bruce r. mills for “God’s group” @ www.Godsmanforever.com

(revised from 1/19/2011)

“The Helmet of Salvation… Part 2 of God’s Armor”

(For the first 2 days writing…type 4/02-03/2017, as separate dates into the search window of www.Godsmanforever.com)

Ephesians 6:17… And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; (NKJV)

The apostle Paul tells us in this, in…Ephesians 6:11… “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (NKJV)

John 8:24… “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (NKJV)

But once we are “Born Again” Christians, we must keep “the helmet of salvation” on 24/7… Each and every day, we must be thankful for the grace God has gifted us with, as we have been accepted by Him into His family as a redeemed child of God…

Blessings in Christ, bruce

References:

Here is a link for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…https://godsmanforever.com/2014/10/26/the-truth-about-sin-10262014-by-bruce-reposted-from-7112013/

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+of+the+helmet+of+salvation+Bible&espv=2&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjSpOXs24rTAhVG0iYKHYAKD10QsAQIGQ&biw=1126&bih=686#imgrc=Hvsl7EgqC555oM:

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“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

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

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2018/08/17/the-homesick-captive/

Reading: Psalm 137 (Verses 1-6)

Reflection

Psalm 137 is distinct, because we can tell from its content that this psalm was written early during the period of the Babylonian exile. Memories of Nebuchadnezzar’s destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC were still fresh—etched with bitterness and pain in the mind of the author.

Response: Father God, I don’t want to learn things the hard way. I want to be quick to obey you. Help me to learn from the lessons of history. You are the one, true God. I worship you. Amen.

Your Turn: How faithful are you to the LORD? Do other interests draw you away?

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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“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

Posted by Alister Begg for “Truth for Life” @ http://info.truthforlife.org

DAILY DEVOTIONAL AUGUST 15, 2018

And I will give you a new heart . . . A heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

If to the right or left I stray, That moment, Lord, reprove; And let me weep my life away, For having grieved Thy love.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Good News Publishers and used by Truth For Life with written permission.

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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“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/well-done-good-and-faithful-servant.html

What do I need to do to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” when I arrive in heaven?

Question: “What do I need to do to hear, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ when I arrive in heaven?”

We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), but we are saved “to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus spoke of laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), and His parable of the talents hints at various rewards for those who faithfully serve Him in this world.

Here are some ideas on ways you can serve the Lord:

1. Share the gospel. The Lord Jesus desires us to make disciples, teaching others of the nature and character of God and sharing the meaning of His death and resurrection (Matthew 28:18–20).

5. Seek to know the character of God better through church fellowship, listening to sermons, studying the Bible, praying, and chronicling how He seems to have been involved in your life.

6. Recognize that every advantageous position you’re in is because of God, the Source of every blessing: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17).

7. Be willing to be unpopular, displaying rare courage like the Good Samaritan in Jesus’ parable (Luke 10:30–37). Do what the Bible says is right, always. “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29, ESV).

8. In introspective moral judgment (evaluating your own character), look at the character of Jesus as a measure rather than rationalize your questionable actions and attitudes. Show humility.

It all comes down to this: love God more than anything, and love others sincerely (Mark 12:30–31). At the judgment seat of Christ, those who are faithful to the Lord who saved them will hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” No true servant of the Lord could ask for more.

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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“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Posted by Don Merritt for “The Life Project” @ https://lifereference.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://lifereference.wordpress.com/2018/08/14/do-you-really-know-for-sure-3/

Posted on August 14, 2018 by Don Merritt

1 John 3:19-24

Chapter 3 of John’s first letter ends with the assurance that we can know for sure where we stand with God, but it isn’t the answer that most of us give if we are asked “how we know”…

John’s answer is that we know by the Spirit within us.

Well steady on there, isn’t that the Spirit that so many are waiting for…until “it” decides to move…? Yes, that one, the one that we say we can’t hear.

Yes, that’s the one John is referring to!

Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask,

You should notice something else here. Here’s verse 22 in full:

and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.

Yes, we will receive anything we ask in prayer, if we “keep his commands and do what pleases him.” As always in John’s writings, asking and receiving are mentioned firmly within the context of doing His will, and not in doing our will.

So, can you really know for sure where you stand with God?

YES!

Seek His presence and you’ll find out.

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

Share this:

Like this:

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

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

**Ephesians 6:17*… And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;*** (NKJV)

Reading: Psalm 137
(Verses 1-6)

And I will give you a new heart . . . A heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26

If to the right or left I stray,
That moment, Lord, reprove;
And let me weep my life away,
For having grieved Thy love.