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

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

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

                       

      “The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ” 

                              (Revised from 7/11/2013)

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings in Christ, bruce r. mills

(Message me here, with any questions)

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

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

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

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

“IDENTITY OR ACTION? OR BOTH?” 2/06/2023 Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

2 Corinthians 5 17 - Scripture on the Walls

Here is a link to 10 scripture verses on who I am in Christ-  https://faithfullyplanted.com/bible-verses-identity-in-christ/

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

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2023/01/30/identity-or-action-or-both/

IDENTITY OR ACTION? OR BOTH?

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Pastor Randy

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians chapter 2, verse 20; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

Just exactly who are you? What determines the essence of you? What is the bottom line? Fact Time: Everyone has a, call it, bottom-line identity. It is what you are known by to others. Are you identified by your roles? Dad? Mom? Lawyer? Plumber? Preacher? Son? Daughter? Sister? Brother? Accountant? OR is your bottom-line identity in what you do? Kind? Helpful? Patient? Caring? Friendly? Empathetic? Energetic? And when it comes to your spiritual life (and everyone has one of these), what is the singularity that marks your life?

Do you consider yourself a Christian? Maybe I should ask a tougher question: What makes you a Christian?  Is it an identity based on things like confessing and repenting of your sins and saying the sinner’s prayer?  Being baptized?  That you are a member of a particular church? That you read your Bible and say your prayers? That you avoid certain vices? Or is it because you show love to others? That you volunteer at the local homeless shelter? That you support the local food bank? That you demand justice for animals? That you cry out for equality for all people? So tell me, which is it? What you say or what you do?

That it’s both? Being a Christian is more than a title or a label. It’s more than a statement about what you did. And it’s more than actions we think make us a Christian! It begins with the recognition that it’s something we are totally powerless to become. It requires that admission that we ARE sinners. And more than admitting we ARE sinners, it’s being honest enough with ourselves to say we are tired of being sinners! It demands a total surrender of heart, mind, and will to Jesus. Then, we trust that what Jesus did on the Cross was done purposefully by Him for us sinners. And that a whole new life is now in front of us!

And as difficult as they may seem for some, it’s only the beginning. Being a Christian isn’t a matter of personal holiness or social holiness. It’s both!!!! (Notice the extra exclamation marks!!!!) This is exactly what Paul was trying to tell the Galatian church. Following Jesus begins with faith. It continues with faith in actions. And to the Church in the United States, Jesus didn’t live, die, and rise up from death to create a Christian nation. He did all this to call us to storm the strongholds of Satan and reclaim the territory he stole for the Kingdom of God. No, actions don’t save us. But our actions do determine if we are or are not saved.

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

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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“God won’t see !!” 2/05/2023 Written by bruce r. mills for “God’s group”

Posted on February 5, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

Psalms 10:11 WEB - He says in his heart, "God has forgotten. He

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

“God won’t see !!”

Psalm 10:11…  He has said in his heart, “God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see.”  (NKJV)

How many times have you taken something from work without asking permission ??  I know years ago, way before I became a redeemed, “born again” child of God…I took small stuff from work without asking…  I said to myself, “They’ll never miss it” !!  “No one saw me take it” !!  We make up these reasons in our minds to justify stealing…  That’s right STEALING !!

But once you become a “born again” child of God…your old thoughts and habits should disappear, once you have become alive in Christ…  The apostle Paul pens this…

2 Corinthians 5:17…  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  (NKJV)

Not yet a “born again” Christian ?? Not 100% sure you will be going to heaven when you die ?? You absolutely CAN be sure you are heaven bound when you are “born again” by God above… Open the P.S. below, and seek Jesus Christ to become your personal Lord and Savior before it’s too late…

It’s amazing how your perspective on life will totally change, just like this scripture verse above in…2 Corinthians 5:17…  What you thought you wanted or needed to please yourself, should change to “what can I do for those around me who don’t have what God has blessed me with”…  My last company car before I left my last job, was a 1996 Cadillac SLS…  Nice car !!    I always tried to keep up with the Jones’…  I actually have a young couple with the last name of Jones living right next to me now !!   But since I was graced by God with salvation, it doesn’t take much to make me happy…  I now drive a 1994 Pontiac Sunfire, and that’s all I really need to get around…

Once you understand that God is sovereign, and in total charge of your life…there should be no way you would keep anything that doesn’t belong to you because God sees everything…  God promises to provide for all of our needs…Mathew 6:33…   And every good gift and perfect gift is from God…

James 1:17…  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  (NKJV)

Our goal in life, once we become a redeemed, “born again” Christian is to bring honor and glory to our Father in heaven…  We can accomplish this only one way…  We must do our best to live in God’s will for our lives…  God wants us to spend time reading, studying, and applying His Word to our lives…  Jesus told us twice how important it is to feed our soul by reading His Word, in…Matthew 4:4…&…Luke 4:4…

Matthew 4:4…  But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”   (NKJV)

The Bible is God’s inerrant, infallible, and perfect guide for us to live by…  But we must pick up and read the Bible (hopefully every day), to feed us spiritually…just like we need physical food to live…

Do you want to be set free from Satan’s bonds of sin and shame ??  Jesus tells us how this can be done, in…

 

John 8:31-32…  Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  (NKJV)

Our ultimate goal is to live in God’s will for our lives…  Here is some Bible scripture verses to help us understand God’s will…  This first one was penned by David, who wrote half of the Book of Psalms…

Psalm 143:10…  Teach me to do your will, for you are my God!  Let your good Spirit lead me  on level ground!  (ESV)

Ask God to guide and direct you by always urging you to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit that God has indwelt every one of His redeemed children with…

1 Thessalonians 5:18…   in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  (NKJV)

Knowing that God is sovereign and that all things work for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28), we should give God thanks no matter what we are going through because we know God is in charge of our lives and wants the best for us…  We also see the word thanks along with prayer in this scripture…

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)

When we are living “Spirit-filled” lives, we become beacons of light for Christ…God wants others around us to see that difference in us…

Matthew 5:16…   Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.  (NKJV)

Here is another piece of scripture showing God’s will by our doing good…

1 Peter 2:15…   For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—  (NKJV)

And lastly, there is this scripture penned by the apostle Paul…

Romans 12:2…   And 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.  (NKJV)

You want to know the “perfect will of God”  ??  It’s right there in this scripture…  Do not love the world, or the things in the world (1 John 2:15-16)…

Allow the Holy Spirit to take control of your life and transform you into the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29)… As you mature in your walk with the Lord, you will develop the mind of Christ…

1 Corinthians 2:16…  “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.  (NKJV)

Once you are able to look at every situation with the mind of Christ…you will be well on your way to prove “what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”.

 

 

Gracious God and heavenly Father…I thank You and praise You for who You are…  I pray that Your living and powerful Word (Hebrews 4:12), will awaken our minds to understand what Your will is for our lives…  I pray Father, that as we seek Your will with all sins confessed to You with godly sorrow and a repentant heart filled with the love of Christ…that You will be glorified by all of our actions and deeds…  I pray now for Your richest blessings to fall upon those of us who live in obedience to Your will for our lives…  I pray for hearts and lives to be changed by You in the blink of an eye, in Jesus’ most precious name and for His sake…Amen…

Blessings in Christ,  bruce

P.S.  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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“Hidden With Christ” 2/04/2023 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org

Posted on February 4, 2023 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Colossians 3 - Holy Bible English - BibleWordings.com

Posted by Alister Begg  for  www.truthforlife.org

Original post @ https://www.truthforlife.org/daily/?tab=alistair_begg_devotional&date=01%2F24%2F2023&src=23ELAB0&utm_campaign=Alistair%20Begg%20Daily%20Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=242792585&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-86wXQ1H3fGGh5p4hCuMxAyGCS87KR3ZsgIfyy4_MnbgRZpI_YEM4wstZUXFDBL3iGZBEFyC_az3O4O0DZxpPDpddl2D859vFvPkUbnbJKNEwor_Pw&utm_content=242792585&utm_source=hs_email

Hidden With Christ

 

You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:3Colossians 1:27

One of Satan’s main schemes for attacking believers is accusation (Revelation 12:10). As the father of lies (John 8:44), he will use anything within his arsenal of demonic devices to cause Christians to feel condemnation—though the truth, of course, is that “there is … now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

So how are we to stand firm in Christ when the Accuser tempts us to despair? When he whispers, “Would a Christian really think that?” or “How could a Christian ever do that?” what will we say? Should we point out that last week was a very good week or that this Bible reading or that prayer time ought to offset our guilt?

Surely, any good thing in our life is evidence of God’s grace at work. But no list of good works will ever assuage the Accuser. Our best response is to confront the Evil One head-on and tell him that Jesus bore our sins in His death, He rose to victory, and we are now united to Him and all His benefits by grace and through faith. We certainly want to live in a way that demonstrates real, active, vibrant faith; however, the most important thing about us isn’t what we do but who we are in Christ. “You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God,” says Paul. It is “Christ in you” who is “the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

In the fight for faith, the issue is always the gospel. We must ask ourselves, “Have I come to entrust myself to Christ? Have I admitted who He is, who I am, and why I need Him? Is my hope in Jesus and what He has done for me, and not in any way in what I do for Him?” If we can answer yes, then we can confront the devil’s lies and insinuations with the gospel. So, when the Accuser comes to you and suggests that you are not really a Christian, not really saved, not really forgiven—and he will!—take refuge in the finished work of your Lord on your behalf. Jesus has already won the victory. Therefore, hidden in Him, His triumph is now yours, and not one of Satan’s schemes can change that glorious truth.

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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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“Why did Jesus tell people to “go and sin no more” if sinlessness is impossible?” 2/03/2023 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Gospel of John 8:1-11 - Clipart, Coloring pages, Puzzles, Children's Stories

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/go-and-sin-no-more.html

Why did Jesus tell people to “go and sin no more” if sinlessness is impossible?

ANSWER

There are two instances in the New Testament when Jesus told someone to “sin no more,” and they were each under very different circumstances. The first is when Jesus healed an invalid by the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1–15). Afterward, Jesus found the man and told him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you” (verse 14). It is clear that Jesus knew what had caused the man’s condition. We are not told the specifics of the man’s physical impairment, but the context implies that it was caused by sinful choices. Jesus warned the man that he had been given a second chance and that he should make better choices. If the man returned to his sinful behavior, he would have wasted the opportunity Jesus gave him to live whole and forgiven.

The second instance is in the account of the woman taken in the act of adultery (John 8:3–11). When the woman’s accusers brought her before Jesus, expecting Him to pronounce judgment, He told them that the one who was without sin should throw the first stone. One by one, the condemning crowd left. Then Jesus told the woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more” (verse 11). She had been caught. She was guilty. She did deserve stoning according to the Law of Moses (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). But the religious leaders who had dragged her there had no concern for holiness. They were trying to trap Jesus into saying that the Law did not matter (verse 6).

Jesus often reminded those religious leaders that He had not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). He, as God, was the Author of the Law (2 Timothy 3:16). The Pharisees focused on the letter of the Law but missed the true spirit of it, which is given in Galatians 5:14: “The whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” When Jesus refused to condemn the woman, He was not minimizing the importance of holiness. He was offering her the same kind of forgiveness He offers every one of us (Acts 3:19).

In saying, “Go and sin no more,” Jesus was not speaking of sinless perfection. He was warning against a return to sinful lifestyle choices. His words both extended mercy and demanded holiness. Jesus was always the perfect balance of “grace and truth” (John 1:14). With forgiveness comes the expectation that we will not continue in the same path of rebelliousness. Those who know God’s love will naturally want to obey Him (John 14:15).

When we turn to Christ and receive His forgiveness, we experience a heart change (Luke 9:23; Acts 1:8). Forgiveness is not cheap, and it does not excuse the sin that separated us from God. It cost God everything to offer us the cleansing that pronounces us righteous before Him (John 3:16; 15:13). Rather than continue in the self-centered path that led us astray from Him to begin with, the forgiven can walk in God’s path (Luke 14:27). A move toward God is a move toward righteousness, purity, and holy living (1 Peter 1:16; Romans 8:29). We cannot experience the transforming power of forgiveness without being forever changed.

It goes without saying that the woman caught in adultery did not return to her infidelity. She had met Jesus. She would not be perfect. No one is. But she was forever changed. Her eyes had been opened to the depravity of what she was doing. Sin no longer held the appeal it once did. When we meet Jesus, sin no longer holds its fatal attraction. Grace changes things. “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1–2).When we are born again (John 3:3), the power of the Holy Spirit breaks the power that sin once had over us (Romans 6:6). Once we lived only to please ourselves, but when we have been forgiven, our motivation changes. We now live to please God (Galatians 2:20).

It should be the goal of every Christian to “sin no more,” although we recognize that, while we are in the flesh, we will still stumble (1 John 1:8). God’s desire for each of us is to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). We still sin, but sin is no longer a lifestyle choice (1 John 3:9–10). When we fail, we can come to God and ask forgiveness (1 John 1:9; 1 Peter 4:1–2). And if we are truly God’s children, He will correct us, disciplining us when we need it (Hebrews 12:6–11). His work is to conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

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

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

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT 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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“The Pink Coat” 2/02/2023 Written by Elisa Morgan for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on February 2, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

2 Corinthians ‭9:7‬ ‭ | Loose Him and Let Him Go‬

Written by Elisa Morgan 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 @ https://odb.org/US/2023/01/28/the-pink-coat

January 28

The Pink Coat

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give . . . for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

 

Today’s Scripture & Insight:

2 Corinthians 9:6–9

Brenda was walking toward the mall exit when a flush of pink from a display window caught her eye. She turned and stood spellbound before a “cotton-candy-colored coat.” Oh, how Holly would love it! Finances had been tight for her coworker friend who was a single mother, and while Brenda knew Holly needed a warm coat, she was also confident that her friend would never lay down cash on such a purchase for herself. After wavering ever so slightly, Brenda smiled, reached for her wallet, and arranged for the coat to be shipped to Holly’s home. She added an anonymous card, “You are so very loved.” Brenda practically danced to her car.

Joy is a by-product of God-nudged giving. As Paul instructed the Corinthians in the art of generosity, he said, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). He also noted, “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (v. 6).

Sometimes we slip cash into the offering plate. At other times we donate online to a worthy ministry. And then there are moments when God leads us to respond to the need of a friend with a tangible expression of His love. We offer a bag of groceries, a tank of gas . . . or even the gift of a perfectly pink coat.

By:  Elisa Morgan

Reflect & Pray

Who might you show God’s love to today? How can your generosity bubble up in joy as a return gift to you?

Loving Father, You gave me the gift of Your Son, and so I want to give to others. May I respond to Your gentle nudge to meet the needs of 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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“FIRST RESPONSE OR LAST RESORT?” 2/01/2023 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Which Will You Be? | SeekGrowLove.com

                                 

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

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2023/01/27/first-response-or-last-resort/

FIRST RESPONSE OR LAST RESORT?

Posted on January 27, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Worry seems to be part of our human nature. It’s interesting to me that animals don’t seem to carry that trait, and what a blessing for them. I mean, they have to find a warm place to sleep when it gets cold. They need to find food when they’re hungry. If the climate changes, they adapt to a new way of life. Still, not one of them has to worry about those things. They just do what needs to be done. As part of the human race, I tend to be a worrier. As a mother, that makes me twice the worrier. As a woman, I feel an extra measure of worry is built into our DNA. However, Jesus told His followers not to worry about anything. Come to Him and lay your burdens on His shoulders.

Sounds easy – right? It should be easy as pie to turn our worries over to someone else, but it doesn’t naturally work that way. Instead, we try to find a solution on our own. Maybe that comes from having free will and a mind of our own, but we have a resource that gives us permission to let it go. Surrendering is never easy, however. Our pride gets in the way. Our determination and wherewithal tell us that we should be able to handle whatever life throws at us, without help from anyone else.

When the Creator of all things invites us to turn things over to Him, He gives us a blessing beyond our wildest imagination. No, that doesn’t mean He’s a genie in a bottle, ready to endow us with whatever we wish, but what He gives is far greater than anything we want. Since He is the One who made each and every creature (including us) it’s a pretty good sign that He will deliver.

Waiting until all else fails to pray, is not the answer. Going to God immediately with your concerns, your troubles, your decisions, whatever – will open doors you may never have dreamed of. Prayer can also be answered in dramatic ways with instant results. Most of the time, that doesn’t happen. We don’t have the wisdom or foresight to look into the future. God does. In fact, He has already planned the course for our lives. There may be prayers that go unanswered because God knew they were not the right thing for you. There are prayers that come back with a giant “NO!” or a “MAYBE LATER.” Just remember that God loves you and wants only what’s best for you. He has complete control over the course of our lives and when the answer is, “YES!” you will have the comfort and peace of knowing it.

We don’t possess the ability to hear God’s voice or to know exactly what He wants for us, but the peace that comes with His plans are always for our benefit. He encourages us to pray. He speaks to us daily through His Holy Word. We can see evidence of His existence in the majesty of creation. He loves us more than we know. He is always with us. He laid down His life for all. Don’t wait until nothing else works. PRAY NOW!

 “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1 John 5:14 ESV

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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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“God’s Power is Perfect” 1/31/2023 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on January 31, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV Images | My Grace is Sufficient For Thee

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

Original post @  https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2023/01/30/10680/

God’s Power is Perfect

 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

These were my mom, Belle’s, favorite two verses in the Bible. She has it engraved on the cover of one of her Bibles.

We can be strong, because of the grace that is given to us through Christ. When we are weak, He is strong. His strength and power never run out.

My dear mom, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus, on the morning of January 21st. Of course I miss her, and find it hard to believe she is no longer here with us. However, I am thankful for the life she lived and the love she gave to me, my family and countless others.

Mom was ill for a while, so I am also thankful she is no longer suffering. I can’t imagine the bliss she is now experiencing, being in God’s presence for all eternity, with a new glorified body. She loved trees, so I thought of her when I chose this picture…

Photo by: Felix Mittermeier of Germany

God’s grace is sufficient. That is a truth that my mom lived each day and I am thankful that through Christ, we can continue to live in that truth too. Weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties, do not change who He is. His power is perfect. We are secure in His love.

We are busy planning my mom’s memorial service, plus I am still processing the reality of losing her, it’s very difficult. So, I may not post every Monday for a while, but I will still be checking in, reading, and commenting, from time to time.

I ask for your prayers during this time. May God continue to direct your path as you trust Him, and as always, thank you for your love, support, and prayers. Blessings.

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

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

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=AJOqlzXj04icoUbasM3EMn8t4bNbs-ObHA:1675168926051&q=image+2+cor+12:9&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=7Uu1kETuy_XWwM%252CVaf798UzusDQoM%252C_%253BW4BiE0OsYkUZeM%252CezT2fd7ZqYn7GM%252C_%253Bhgm3cmJba2Q5RM%252CPNy8zi0lgRItJM%252C_%253BK7pNVfDdJkmxeM%252Clcb_W-ua4W5haM%252C_%253Br4ow4fuaHDJ5wM%252CnGv5YemGsIY9CM%252C_%253B9mbIKZ5G8yBSKM%252CxoaKt2yU5WDExM%252C_%253B1ivPPLnc3Vl8kM%252CpO14zwJhnx1AXM%252C_%253B_1FK-d86ZgkNmM%252Cf7wdykjN98PceM%252C_%253B8IaSh9QW65pcjM%252CywzGhr7xCDi6QM%252C_%253BNKFa0ypJqYTsvM%252C3z-3gT1b-S6tyM%252C_%253B9ItNaQQgVdnpGM%252CGNyMnEpAB4TYhM%252C_%253B1bDcuYtRVFvXAM%252CRyePaEIXzSRGfM%252C_%253BNts4eHxz6A2b3M%252CPpxpDDEeFuFxbM%252C_%253BYCAUIrfRkWxTvM%252Clcb_W-ua4W5haM%252C_%253BcFLzzzuC9EtNVM%252CdCYO_J35dPuS2M%252C_&usg=AI4_-kSz8hNZ_OUmZ1R9XpARBEKl_58Tgg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwidsZrG6vH8AhXxg4kEHR4XDnEQ7Al6BAgJEEI&biw=1319&bih=930&dpr=1#imgrc=9ItNaQQgVdnpGM

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“The More I know about the Bible, the more questions I ask when I read the Bible” 1/30/2023 Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth”

Posted on January 30, 2023 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” @ veritasdomain.wordpress.com

Original post @  https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2023/01/07/the-more-i-know-about-the-bible-the-more-questions-i-ask-when-i-read-the-bible/

The More I know about the Bible, the more questions I ask when I read the Bible

January 7, 2023 by SLIMJIM

bible blur christ christianity

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I noticed something over the years: The More I know about the Bible, the more questions I ask when I read the Bible.

I don’t mean questioning the Bible (as in I doubt the veracity of the Word of God).

What I mean is that the more I grow in the Bible the more I realize I need to pay attention to the details in the Bible to figure out what God is saying through a narrative, a law, poetry, or an epistle. Since the more I learn from the Bible makes me marvel at God and His Word, and the more I realize I need to learn from the literary details rather than just read my assumptions into the text.  So I ask a lot of questions.

In fact I think I ask more questions about a passage than when I first started full-time ministry twelve years ago.  And when I was new to the ministry I ask more questions about the Bible than my first year in Seminary.  I still remember my first semester in seminary thinking that an assignment to write down fifty questions and observation of a passage was difficult.  You should see the beginning of my sermon prep notes now; there are so much questions in my translation of Greek or Hebrew and also my preliminary question about the grammatical and syntactical function of words in a passage!

I saw an article on Open Bible that says “The Bible has so many questions! In fact, there are approximately 3,294 questions in Scripture.”  That’s a lot of questions!  Maybe we can take a cue from that of how it’s important to read the Word of God with a teachable and humble attitude and what that looks like practically is we ask good questions about a passage in order to really know what God’s Word is saying.

Keep studying and keep asking good questions!

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P.S.  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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“Do Dogs Go to Heaven?” 1/29/2023 Written by Shelby Turner for www.Biblestudytools.com

Posted on January 29, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

Do Dogs Go to Heaven? A Christian Perspective - PetHelpful

Written by  Shelby Turner for www.Biblestudytools.com

Original post @ https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/do-dogs-go-to-heaven.html?utm_source=Pushnami

NOTE !!  Open this post and view the 4 min audio at the end for a hero dog that was truly an angel sent from God !!

Do Dogs Go to Heaven?

Shelby Turner

Author

January 09, 2023

Do Dogs Go to Heaven?

Many of us have felt the heartache that comes from losing a family pet. And to soothe the pain, we may begin to wonder where are they now? Will we ever see them again? Do dogs go to heaven?

Recently, I sat across the table from a precious five-year-old girl in a kid’s church classroom and asked her how I could pray for her. Without missing a beat, she asked me to pray for her because her dog, whom she loved dearly, had recently died. My heart broke with her words. I could see on her face the pain she felt over losing her doggy friend, and so we prayed.

The Bible doesn’t give an outright answer on this question, but we as we dig into Scripture, we can piece together a conclusion on this tender topic. Let’s set the stage well for this discussion by looking at what heaven is and who will find their way to it.

Heaven is Better Than We Know

When you picture heaven, what is it that you see? Do you think of streets of gold and of beholding Jesus face to face? Do you think of seeing loved ones that have passed on? Or maybe the promises of Revelation 21:4 come to mind, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”

No matter the picture you see, it is limited to the abilities of the human mind to imagine something that is entirely of God. Even our best guess of the kinds of joy heaven holds can’t come close to what it will really be like.

1 Corinthians 13:12 puts it this way, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.” Seeing the reflection of your children in the mirror is nothing in comparison to picking them up, swirling them around and holding them close to your chest. In the same way, our experience of heaven will be infinitely better than our small thoughts of what it may be like.

Heaven Is for Those Who Are Saved

There is only one way to enter heaven and it is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Anyone who believes in their heart and confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Lord will be saved (Romans 10:9). Whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but will have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Based on these verses alone we can start to form a conclusion. Heaven will only be good and full of every kind of joy, so whether we see animals there or not, we will not feel sorrow, grief or longing for what was on earth.

We also see that admission to heaven is granted to those who believe and confess Christ; these are two things animals cannot do. Jesus never once in all his ministry made an effort to bring salvation to an animal. In fact, in Mark 5:11-13, he actually allowed a legion of demons to enter a herd of pigs, which led to their death. But we have a few more passages of Scripture to search before we reach our final conclusion.

God Created Dogs and All Animals for a Good Purpose

The creation of all animals happened on days five and six of creation. Sea animals and birds were created on day five and God said they were good. Land animals were created on day six, the same day that humans were created. Maybe this was symbolic of the special relationship people would have with the animals that walk the same ground they do? We can’t be sure, but it’s possible.

Ultimately, God created animals to be ruled over by humans. Animals are a gift and responsibility for men to steward, they aren’t equals to men in the eyes of God.

God Created Man in His Image

The earth, sky, sun, stars, moon and animals were all created by the words of God. He spoke them into existence. But when God says that he is going to make man in his image in Genesis 1:26, he takes an approach to creation that he doesn’t take with any other thing on the earth.

He scoops dust and forms a man and later forms the woman from the man. And he breathes his breath of life directly into them. God made them to reflect him, he made them with spiritual qualities that no other being has. You and I have the breath of God in us and we are image bearers of the Lord in the way that no animal ever could be.

Only Humans Have a Soul

Because we are uniquely created in the image of God, we are the only residents of earth that have a soul. Our soul is the inner part of us that is indwelled by the Holy Spirit. It is the part of us that is more than just flesh and bone. The part of us that we can’t completely understand or describe, but that we know exists.

When a soul that has been saved by belief and confession of Christ dies, it goes to heaven where God gives it a new, perfected body to house it (2 Corinthians 5:2). Ecclesiastes 12:7 says, “and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” We have the Spirit of God in us, and it is our spirit that returns to God in heaven. Animals don’t have this spirit and therefore, we are making a stronger case that they are not in heaven.

At this point, our conclusion seems to be very heavily leaning towards animals, including our beloved pets, not finding a residence in heaven after they die. But we can’t end here, there’s one more of Scripture that can’t be ignored.

Will I See My Dog in Heaven? Animals are Listed Among the Residents of the New Heaven

In two separate descriptions of the New Heaven and New Earth, the Bible mentions that animals will be present. Isaiah 11:11 says, “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.”

This description of peaceful relations between species of animal continues for three more verses and a similar passage is found in Isaiah 65:25. There are no household pets mentioned in either place, but the fact that animals at all are mentioned means it is completely possible that we could see dogs and cats as well.

This is where all of our digging into what the Bible literally says about heaven meets the very first point we made head-on. Heaven is better than we know. Therefore, it is entirely possible, that because of the joy and happiness animals bring, God will bring them into eternity with us.

We won’t know until we get there whether or not our animals will be with us in heaven, but we can be assured that whether they are or not, we aren’t going to feel any lack or longing! God’s presence will be enough!

Photo credit: Unsplash/Eric Ward

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

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

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

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

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=AJOqlzXquBBZ4hil-QgOLdfgwiCKadKOvQ:1674995387529&q=image+will+dogs+go+to+heaven&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=zPlBqAdQDqeFpM%252CR-xvTieevW6zUM%252C_%253BtlLXGBfq0CiniM%252CnPyAN3hZwtynTM%252C_%253BAomZKcCoOFNiWM%252CIfjVNKp4hpfZIM%252C_%253BCGu8lA-DrisUVM%252C7fP1iL17-WFdYM%252C_%253B9HFwctlVadY1gM%252CSHmvFFKi2Txt8M%252C_%253BVoveG2I6HQv2oM%252CT79EwsfEFT_YhM%252C_%253BYzOAQ3kEdxvsbM%252CBL0DE9ig2REHHM%252C_%253BTl_ZZIoeJQs5LM%252Cs14FFZavXMp9LM%252C_%253BlfMFrftaG9Zx0M%252CCUrqFO66agBm5M%252C_%253B46Si51camS-OdM%252C8hYjXLjxU5A7KM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTQWXOUIC08joSMtXKpqRrhyZuZxA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjly8uI5Oz8AhUomokEHSFPCF0Q7Al6BAgIEEk&biw=1319&bih=930&dpr=1#imgrc=AmqNAeRMLDRGEM

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“Direct my steps OH Lord” 1/28/2023 Written by bruce r. mills for “God’s group”

Posted on January 28, 2023 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

Psalms 37:23-24, New Living Translation (NLT) | Psalms, Psalms quotes, Bible apps

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

“Direct my steps OH Lord”

Psalm 119:32-33…  Look upon me and be merciful to me, As Your custom is toward those who love Your name. 133 Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.  (NKJV)

When we were toddlers, we looked to our parents to provide us our food, our clothing, to help us get dressed in the morning, and to help us tie our shoes…  Our parents had to hold our hand when we were just starting to stand up, and possibly try to make a few steps on our own…  But when we got a little older, we thought we were big enough to walk without their help…  We couldn’t foresee the trouble ahead as we approached the top of a stairwell…  This was pride, even at this young age, that got us into trouble…

God has much to say about pride, and how it can be the ruination of those who believe they need no help in life…  Here are a few Bible verses on pride:

    1. Proverbs 16:18…  Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.  (ESV)
    1. Proverbs 29:23…  One’s pride will bring him low,  but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.  (ESV)
    1. Proverbs 26:12…   Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?  There is more hope for a fool than for him.  (ESV)
    1. Proverbs 21:4…   Haughty eyes and a proud heart,  the lamp of the wicked, are sin.  (ESV)
    1. 1 John 2:16…   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.  (ESV)

This last verse by the apostle John explains that our sinful desires all come from the world of sin and shame, which is controlled by Satan and our own carnal flesh…

God wants us to come to Him for guidance and direction…  To do this we must humble ourselves, and realize that God being God, doesn’t make any mistakes…  We must come to God with godly sorrow for our lifetime of sins, a repentant heart…and turn from our wicked ways to God, asking Him to send His Son Jesus Christ into our hearts to guide and direct every facet of our lives…  We must become a redeemed, “born again “child of God by understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…

Not yet a “born again” Christian ?? Not 100% sure you will be going to heaven when you die ?? You absolutely CAN be sure you are heaven bound when you are “born again” by God above… Open the P.S. below, and seek Jesus Christ to become your personal Lord and Savior before it’s too late…

Once we are saved by God’s grace alone and indwelt with the Holy Spirit by God Himself…we must remain humble by placing God first in our lives…  And we must do our best to live in God’s will for our lives…

If we are “born again” Christians, and God is NOT first in our lives we are living in the worst sin of all !!  We know God should be first and most important in our lives… This is the sin of omission as penned by the apostle James in…

James 4:17…  Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.  (NKJV)

I am reminded of this scripture written by the wise Solomon, made the wisest man their ever was by God Himself…(1 Kings 4:29-30)

Proverbs 3:5-6…  Trust in the Lord with all your heart,  And lean not on your own understanding  6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  (NKJV)

Friends, if you want to be blessed beyond belief…look to the Lord for the best way that you will be able to live a life worth living…  And the best part is that you will never die…  Sure you will physically die, but you will live forever face to face with Jesus when you breathe you’re last…

2 Corinthians 5:6-8…  So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.  (NKJV)

Gracious God and heavenly Father, I am ever so thankful that You have graced me with salvation, and have promised me a room in Your mansion when I die…(John 14:1-4)   I pray Father, that You would open the eyes of those who are not yet one of Your redeemed children, to be able to see the many blessings You promise to provide for those that are doing their best to live a “Spirit-filled” life…  And I pray for all of Your “born again” children who for whatever reason haven’t placed You first in their lives…  They are missing Your richest blessings You have reserved for those obedient children who consistently strive to live in Your will for their lives…  I pray for You to change hearts and lives to do Your will for everyone reading these words, in Jesus’ most precious name and for His sake…Amen…

Blessings in Christ,  bruce

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

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

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

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=ALiCzsacovnToQP9q13Jegr-h8t1nFfEFg:1667404610857&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+ps+37:23-24&fir=knaORNCvfi-zsM%252C6ucBIYgt-oqYYM%252C_%253BstEQWNLWCRt4RM%252C44jDgQKtKOwLSM%252C_%253BWZ0cXFu3cndtAM%252CfRji0PXPUYY6gM%252C_%253B-6jJRwjeBn49TM%252CJ7g-GV4QEehXWM%252C_%253B6iLcDp6FwGRpzM%252CkxVeevNItjCJFM%252C_%253BC7RE_tA6O6ml2M%252C4UEfQo0JViEkKM%252C_%253BIirwK5TdMhZ1yM%252C75RleJjlZTt2MM%252C_%253BSdW1kh25mnl6hM%252Ci92TdgoBzgjdoM%252C_%253BJ9mOBrazRr9Y0M%252CV1yXwv25YGtcTM%252C_%253BdINCys6jK-vSAM%252CuSD6a0ioNtE8MM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTClPJUbr4dys449y7-fROk_UZg0g&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjZm5uc7o_7AhUujYkEHRrpDHMQ7Al6BAgLEEo&biw=1304&bih=930&dpr=1#imgrc=-6jJRwjeBn49TM

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