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

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

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

                       

      “The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ” 

                              (Revised from 7/11/2013)

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God finally graced me with salvation when I prayed with true godly sorrow and a repentant heart…and I absolutely knew beyond any doubt, that I was just then a redeemed child of God…(Romans 8-16) It is   God’s decision, and God’s perfect timing, to grace someone with eternal life with Him in heaven.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings in Christ, bruce r. mills

(Message me here, with any questions)

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

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

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

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

“Spin for Joy!” 1/23/2022 Written by Nancy Ruegg for “From the Inside Out”

Posted on January 23, 2022 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org 

 

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

My Bible Journal: Bible verse for today ... James 1:2-4

 

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

 

View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2022/01/20/spin-for-joy/

Spin for Joy!

January 20, 2022 by Nancy Ruegg

Remember Christmas morning as a child—the first glimpse of the enticing packages tucked under the tree?  Did you hop and clap with delight?

Or how about that winning touchdown for your team—in the last few moments of the game with your school’s arch rival? Did you jump up and shout in celebration?

Perhaps a family member or dear friend recently announced glorious news—a baby on the way, better employment obtained, or a clean bill of health finally received.  Did you find yourself dancing for joy?

Over-the-top pleasure and exciting events will do that to us. And although the body may no longer respond with hops, jumps, or dance, our spirits certainly soar in the moment.

photography by Nicole Sánchez : love.nimagens.com

The prophet Habakkuk of Old Testament times wrote about just such a response.  I love the way Eugene Peterson paraphrased the verse: “I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God” (Habakkuk 3:18 MSG). Sounds like the prophet received the answer to a heartfelt prayer or perhaps a miracle had occurred.

Truth is, Habakkuk’s home city of Jerusalem faced imminent invasion by the brutal Babylonians.  Recent conquests of other kingdoms left no question about the city’s fate.

God had made clear why disaster loomed.  The people of Jerusalem had continually ignored his wise ways and reveled in wickedness. Multiple warnings had been proclaimed and disregarded.

In response God was about to provide a means of saving his people—not from the ruin of their city—but from the ruin of their souls.  He would allow the invasion and a period of captivity in a foreign culture 900 miles away (Isaiah 39:5-8; Jeremiah 25:1-11).

(Isaiah foretold this scene in the latter half of the eighth century BC,
Jeremiah in 605 BC. The invasion took place in 586 BC.)

Habakkuk questioned God’s decision, wondering why he would allow the Babylonians, a people more wicked than the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to “swallow those who are more righteous than they are (Habakkuk 1:13)?”

By the end of his book, however, the prophet’s doubts had turned to faith and he declared—in the face of calamity–“Yet I will celebrate the Lord. I will rejoice in the God of my salvation” (3:18 NIV).

The word rejoice in this verse is ‘alaz’ in the original Hebrew, and means to “spin around for joy.”* Can you imagine? Disaster loomed. All Habakkuk had ever known would be destroyed.  If not killed, he would be forced into captivity in a hostile country.

Yet Habakkuk determined to dance for joy in his spirit—spin cartwheels even.

How does a person acquire such joy? Not by setting her sights on things that make her momentarily happy.  Deep-down dancing joy grows in proportion to our trust in God, and our trust grows in proportion to our knowledge of God—knowledge gained as we spend time in His Word.

We’d also do well to remember the close relationship between joy and gratitude.

As 2022 unfolds, a number of crises threaten—in our cities and states, our country, and around the world.  With Habakkuk of old we have a choice: to sink into despair over the real possibility of disaster, or to rejoice in our God who will enable us to endure whatever we may face (James 1:2-4).

It is our turn to spin for joy–in the God of our salvation!

*Linda Dillow, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul, 202.

Art & photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.love.nimages.com; http://www.maxpixelnet; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.pixabay.com.

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=AOaemvLVy2o07ohvQ5Vw7LhJBxAIHYdehQ:1642940758140&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+james+1:2-4&fir=2GnAKCkIP4YPzM%252C7IS7sVGYibiOFM%252C_%253BSIoWfTM_OixW5M%252CBTEHvHUJ14mhDM%252C_%253B836fZnHYi_GXMM%252CoGHadFnoAS0j0M%252C_%253BA64fgPu7eFiezM%252CLzjimhMjZvu5eM%252C_%253BRdGrC_ua7Ej4CM%252Ccmey4nqlKoWRpM%252C_%253Bw6Z8_VgcsL5W-M%252CExUcMz5lqoSaxM%252C_%253B8NFwXr56uneFgM%252C_OIDMfiRKTQvdM%252C_%253B7palC2aShVKpXM%252Cb3fycb0ejcSs3M%252C_%253BBXEwRcBrA0b3GM%252CDRdp3CJnwVGG_M%252C_%253BYtmUTIG7GIVuqM%252C7IS7sVGYibiOFM%252C_%253BxQNipjcVGnWLxM%252CBzh3U0TL66LeAM%252C_%253Bs3m_doLqaCjnzM%252CaAJ2TdO4OOT0EM%252C_%253BrmcHNQVGFBm5DM%252CIxwGe16IH5tldM%252C_%253B0-jAK1nBVZUelM%252C3XPLfZf_ILKgQM%252C_%253BlA4gS6kqmiiGRM%252C7IS7sVGYibiOFM%252C_%253BAnVIT1aawXbc1M%252CeZe2kw4210IXcM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kS9kVC-6gy-NxQ_eH8fizEPN1kKLw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0i5qi78f1AhV8kIkEHXWvCIgQ7Al6BAgCEDs&biw=1119&bih=860&dpr=1#imgrc=vAgFeowqySn9cM

 

 

Posted in Spin for Joy! | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“Disappointments are not dead ends” 1/22/2022 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on January 22, 2022 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Philippians 4:13 Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | Shutterstock

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

Original post @ https://seizetheday-blog.com/2022/01/20/disappointments-are-not-dead-ends-4/

Disappointments are not dead ends

JANUARY 20, 2022

 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NIV).

Have you given up? Have your hopes been crushed? Are you tired of trying? Weary with effort? Feeling dejected? Limping along? Wondering whether it’s worth pressing on? Maybe not on the surface, but in your heart?

There’s probably a good reason too. You may be struggling with persistent pain. Or wrestling with a gut-wrenching grief. Perhaps it’s a sense of betrayal. Or someone has unrealistic expectations of you. On the other hand you may be depressed by money matters. Or lonely because of the loss of a loved one. Then again you may be at a point in life where you feel totally useless. Or even worse – you’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness and the doctor has told you to get your affairs in order.

No matter what the setback is, you’re tired and dejected. Feeling like it’s just too much to endure. In fact it may be so bad you’ve even though the unthinkable. About ending it all. Writing the final chapter.  Just giving up. After all, you’ve argued, what’s the point. Nothing seems to help and no one seems to care.

Life can be like that. Hard. Unyielding.  A Gordian knot.

But here’s the good news. If you’ve dedicated your life to Christ. If Jesus is your Lord and Savior. Then you “can do everything through him who gives” you “strength”  Philippians 4:13. Disappointments are not dead ends. There is no insurmountable barrier until you stop trying. There is always something around the corner. And there are no hopeless situations. For even though you may be discouraged, God never gets discouraged. And even though you may be wanting to call it quits, God never quits. As it says in Isaiah 40:28-29, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary … He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Yes, your extremity is God’s opportunity. Disappointments are not dead ends. “All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG).

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=AOaemvJ52ci3p0GLGb-CRXwEbqhh-l2F-Q:1642858680746&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+Philippians+4:13&fir=UZNrPIFrjWY3oM%252C6yny4DGtU5N69M%252C_%253BR0diLySp2aDZYM%252Ca-hUkpyq2qh4eM%252C_%253BYcROdVjkCz19aM%252CnItnjOciU6BOhM%252C_%253Bf0iSvDvEHx7ILM%252CXqJ3mUzKOERctM%252C_%253Buz_zSeosw5lgwM%252Cn5QSk2ep2qkxBM%252C_%253BMiaFjJ0i4__IdM%252CpoyZf3rc0iCWDM%252C_%253BgZ696ShRnmiLTM%252Cn5QSk2ep2qkxBM%252C_%253BMRcJjiyapA2xDM%252CZYKlsB_x_c4jDM%252C_%253BqwgoKRAdJBe2KM%252C4Cm4ulfGFoQY0M%252C_%253Bg4vLnIKkmCxTnM%252C8vmrbsIP48x5VM%252C_%253BMH_agDHNnd9H7M%252CDsDsY2wk3ExTyM%252C_%253BRyg_80YD_dnCAM%252CmQxGJXpWiGksFM%252C_%253BBTqypWEuv7JoAM%252CYrzJcWQUgjZM7M%252C_%253BRvIKdROt8ueszM%252CW7R3GDYwhlKdzM%252C_%253B72CH2nv0ATYTeM%252COKDVLF5d1kFkkM%252C_%253B4qXlV97rkJdIjM%252Cx2zh-RQgQjhxjM%252C_%253BqeryzcGDfrPlFM%252CwPYW-UQQc_zg4M%252C_%253Bwj40Vid6JZf1hM%252Cn5QSk2ep2qkxBM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTsviRIsX9eR8ZLTM-4tEJIr8TL7Q&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwipudPAvcX1AhVHj4kEHdIwDSMQ7Al6BAgCEEs&biw=1119&bih=917&dpr=1#imgrc=gZ696ShRnmiLTM

Posted in Disappointments are not dead ends | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“Discipline is Everything” 1/21/2022 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on January 21, 2022 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

1 Peter 1:3 NLT | Church Motion Graphics

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

Original post @ https://seizetheday-blog.com/2022/01/12/discipline-is-everything-3/

Discipline is Everything

JANUARY 12, 2022

 

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.        1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV).

In his book, “Disciplines of a Godly Man,” R. Kent Hughes says that “discipline is everything!” I believe he’s right. Countless examples prove the point:

Leonardo da Vinci on one occasion drew a thousand hands in his attempts to reach anatomical perfection in his paintings. The great violinist, Jascha Heifitz, started playing at three years of age and practiced for four hours a day until he died at seventy-five. Ernest Hemingway, although an alcoholic, was the quintessence of discipline. He would spend hours polishing a sentence or searching for the right word and rewrote the conclusion to his novel, “A Farewell to Arms,” seventeen times before he was satisfied.

We have the incandescent light today because Thomas Edison kept working at it despite a thousand failures. And then there’s Winston Churchill. Because he had a problem with a lisp, he would write everything out and practice it. In the margins of his manuscripts he even choreoraphed the pauses and pretended fumbles for the right phrase. In addition, he anticipated the cheers and standing ovations, and even practiced his facial expressions and retorts in front of the mirror. As F. E. Smith said, “Winston has spent the best years of his life writing impromptu speeches.”

Be it in the arts, commerce, sports, academics or your spiritual walk, discipline is everything. In 1 Timothy 4:7-8 Paul emphasizes the importance of discipline when he tells his prodigy, Timothy, to “train yourself to be godly” 1 Timothy 4:7.

The word “train” is an athletic term. It comes from the Greek word “gumnos,” which means “naked.” Traditionally, the Greek athletes competed without clothing. They competed naked in order to not be encumbered by clothing. Similarly, the only way to train the inner you is to shed yourself of every association, tendency, or habit that impedes godliness. To be godly we must strip away anything that impedes progress.

Training oneself to be godly begins with learning “to distinguish good from evil” Hebrews 5:14. It’s being big enough to humble oneself – to repent from sin and seek the Lord. “Therefore, since we are surrounded but such a great crowd of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” Hebrews 12:1.

Will you do that? Will you take control of your body and mind and the passions that drive you? To be godly your primary commitments must be to the disciplines of prayer, purity, engagement with God’s Word, self-examination, fellowship, worship, accountability, integrity, work, and ministry.

That’s a tough call, isn’t it? But no one ever said that spiritual training would be easy. It doesn’t just happen. It takes spiritual sweat. There’s no maturity without exertion. For as Paul says, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” 1 Corinthians 9:25-27.

So run the race in such a way as to “complete the task the Lord Jesus has given” you “the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” Acts 20:24.

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

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

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=AOaemvJfYujGz9CEbUcpY_hQbpr0auukjQ:1642770000239&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+1+Peter+1:3&fir=p1nk9WkyNbseJM%252CPZ-1pXA6MinLKM%252C_%253B606_KWz6eLZBKM%252C0NMzeb8TbDIxiM%252C_%253BdmC3LqO_SPMrAM%252C__mncD-YVTgzKM%252C_%253BBAEjdJT86o1YBM%252ChlKejBfDg1ONTM%252C_%253BLTPUfQUw6voXhM%252CPZ-1pXA6MinLKM%252C_%253B1FrOeJxU3-5YmM%252C7j6RMgaJhV392M%252C_%253Btfz8XcWQcdf85M%252C-vOnRC7C-RGLZM%252C_%253BuQrnRBZKPo53iM%252CPFeToTfzkIwJiM%252C_%253B2_zevRNwNM0j_M%252ChlKejBfDg1ONTM%252C_%253BuRlKp439ZlMZEM%252ChlKejBfDg1ONTM%252C_%253BeefvcnwPnsd1XM%252C7BisHjFDQ_szvM%252C_%253B4tlSNs1oAX59-M%252C__mncD-YVTgzKM%252C_%253B14PTiYp_wjtNTM%252Ct_djqRpQiLFHvM%252C_%253BjrQPICrhHqC01M%252C74dB-NKrRtc7AM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQFLNhzcpCBqMfNpnI4T39AtqhmWA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj2gr-S88L1AhUDjYkEHTUMATsQsAR6BAgCEAM&biw=1119&bih=917&dpr=1#imgrc=fyZv_73X-PFU_M

Posted in Discipline is Everything | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“What is the difference between God’s sovereign will and God’s revealed will?” 1/20/2022 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on January 20, 2022 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

                                Bible Quote Designs on Trusting God: Scripture Verses & SVG Files – DIY Projects, Patterns, Monograms, Stencils, & Templates 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by www.gotquestions.org  

Original post @  https://www.gotquestions.org/Gods-will.html

 

 

What is the difference between God’s sovereign will and God’s revealed will?

ANSWER

Human will is fairly straightforward: when we want something to happen, we “will” for it to take place; when we do something, we have shown our “will” in the matter. God’s will is a little more complex. In fact, theologians see three different aspects of God’s will in the Bible: His sovereign (decretive) will, His revealed (preceptive) will, and His dispositional will.

God’s sovereign or decretive will is also called His “hidden” will. It is “sovereign” in that it shows God to be the Sovereign ruler of the universe who ordains all that happens. It is “decretive” because it involves God’s decrees. It is “hidden” because we are usually unaware of this aspect of God’s will until what He has decreed takes place. There is nothing that happens that is outside of God’s sovereign will. For example, it was God’s sovereign will that Joseph be taken to Egypt, languish in Pharaoh’s prison, interpret the king’s dreams, and eventually save his people from famine and be honored by all (Genesis 37–50). At first, Joseph and his brothers were completely ignorant of God’s will in these matters, but, every step along the way, God’s plan was made plainer. When Ephesians 1:11 describes God as the one “who works all things according to the counsel of His will,” it speaks of God’s sovereign or decretive will. God Himself expresses the fact of His sovereign will in Isaiah 46:10: “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Because God is sovereign, His will can never be frustrated.

The sovereign or decretive will of God can be divided into His efficacious will and His permissive will. We must do this because God does not directly “cause” everything to happen. Some of His decrees are efficacious (that is, they directly contribute to the fulfillment of God’s desire); others of His decrees are permissive (that is, they allow for an indirect fulfillment of God’s desire). Because God is sovereign, He must at least “permit” all events and happenings. Within God’s sovereign will, He chooses to permit many things to happen that He takes no pleasure in. Again citing the example of Joseph and his brothers, God chose, by an act of decretive will, to allow the kidnapping and enslavement of Joseph. God’s permissive will allowed the sins of Joseph’s brothers in order to bring about a greater good (see Genesis 50:20). At every mistreatment of Joseph, God had the power to intervene, but He “permitted” the evil and, in that limited sense, He sovereignly “willed” it to happen.

God’s revealed or preceptive will is not hidden from us. This facet of God’s will includes that which God has chosen to reveal to us in the Bible—His precepts are plainly stated. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). The preceptive will of God is what God wants us to do (or not do). For example, we know that it is God’s will that we speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), repent, and turn to God (Acts 3:19). It is God’s revealed will that we not commit adultery (1 Corinthians 6:18) or get drunk (Ephesians 5:18). God’s revealed will is constantly “making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).

We are obligated to obey God’s revealed or preceptive will; however, we have the ability to disobey. God’s revealed will for Adam and Eve was to be fruitful and multiply, tend the garden, subdue the earth, and not eat of a certain tree (Genesis 1–2). Unfortunately, they rebelled against God’s revealed will (Genesis 3). The consequences they suffered show that they could not excuse their sin. Neither can we claim that our sin simply fulfills God’s sovereign will, as if that absolves us from guilt. It was God’s will that Jesus suffer and die, but those responsible for His death were still held accountable (Mark 14:21).

God’s dispositional will deals with His “attitude”; His will of disposition is what pleases or displeases Him. For example, God “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). This is an expression of God’s disposition toward the lost—He wants them to be saved (if He did not, then He would not have sent the Savior). Although God’s heart desires all to be saved, not all are saved. So, there is a difference between God’s dispositional will and His sovereign will.

In summary, the will of God involves three aspects: 1) God’s sovereign will is revealed in His unchangeable decrees. He decreed that there be light, and there was light (Genesis 1:3)—an example of His efficacious decree. He allowed Satan to torment Job (Job 1:12)—an example of His permissive decree. 2) God’s revealed will is contained in His precepts, given to us in order that we may walk in holiness. We have the ability (but not the right) to break these commands. 3) God’s dispositional will is His attitude. At times, God decrees something that gives Him no pleasure, such as the death of the wicked (see Ezekiel 33:11).

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=AOaemvK2NdSK-ELTvghtTAJUaVyEVwGGiA:1642683326487&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+Gods+will+not+mine&fir=NG0xH3R_yim6JM%252CaZOZe5qmXHk3NM%252C_%253B3imJD6Y2uB9IDM%252CUeGMs81zjPCd0M%252C_%253BfAUVpix-i_TPKM%252CQ1xx2b4I-Qx0gM%252C_%253BYsTsgctcXp8ahM%252CNOqWJG2_lVxbLM%252C_%253Bf4GNOgZGZEGRvM%252CYvKlCZGSF6RAzM%252C_%253B74ffKeciQgCUjM%252CKPbXSCY2OyHjqM%252C_%253BsiE_AXJQb5OR4M%252CsWjCZLZRWM2ckM%252C_%253BLSWozjxIYerZSM%252CZl0LaMB-M-GfqM%252C_%253BhZC7EniFntXZ0M%252CQ1xx2b4I-Qx0gM%252C_%253BdvOd12hC4XpjHM%252CkxBwyja9T6SbwM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTmXrLuh1fH–DDh08GAzObVjIvnw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiC65yhsMD1AhUJjIkEHYa-AmEQjJkEegQICBAC&biw=1119&bih=917#imgrc=QcVgOQnBtNed6M

 

 

Posted in Sovereign will | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“Stay Awake!” 1/19/2022 Written by Marvin Williams for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on January 19, 2022 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

 

Watch and Pray - Matthew 26:41 - Today's Bible Verse

Written by Marvin Williams 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/2022/01/19/stay-awake

January 19

Stay Awake!

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41

Today’s Scripture & Insight:

Matthew 26:36–46

A German bank employee was in the middle of transferring 62.40 euros from a customer’s bank account when he accidentally took a power nap at his desk. He dozed off while his finger was on the “2” key, resulting in a 222 million euro (300 million dollar) transfer into the customer’s account. The fallout from the mistake included the firing of the employee’s colleague who verified the transfer. Although the mistake was caught and corrected, because he hadn’t been watchful, the sleepy employee’s lapse almost became a nightmare for the bank.

Jesus warned His disciples that if they didn’t remain alert, they too would make a costly mistake. He took them to a place called Gethsemane to spend some time in prayer. As He prayed, Jesus experienced a grief and sadness such as He’d never known in His earthly life. He asked Peter, James, and John to stay awake to pray and “keep watch” with Him (Matthew 26:38), but they fell asleep (vv. 40–41). Their failure to watch and pray would leave them defenseless when the real temptation of denying Him came calling. In the hour of Christ’s greatest need, the disciples lacked spiritual vigilance.

May we heed Jesus’ words to remain spiritually awake by being more devoted to spending time with Him in prayer. As we do, He’ll strengthen us to resist all kinds of temptations and avoid the costly mistake of denying Jesus.

By:  Marvin Williams

Reflect & Pray

What part of your prayer life needs to be more devoted and disciplined? How can you intentionally spend more time alone with God this week? 

Jesus, because I’ve been spiritually sleeping, I haven’t been praying. And because I haven’t been praying, I haven’t depended on You. I’m sorry. Please help me to spend more time with You.

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

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

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

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

Picture credit:https://www.google.com/search?q=image+matthew+26%3A41&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiEsd-Z8731AhXJn3IEHYiKCfoQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=image+matthew+26%3A41&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoHCCMQ7wMQJ1CLCFiyG2D8MWgAcAB4AIABO4gBlwOSAQE4mAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=SA_oYYTtLcm_ytMPiJWm0A8&bih=917&biw=1119&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832#imgrc=kyKwRHBWSREbIM

Posted in Stay Awake! | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“IT’S HARD TO BE HUMBLE” 1/18/2022 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

 

1 Peter 5 Inspirational Images

                                 

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

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2022/01/09/its-hard-to-be-humble/

IT’S HARD TO BE HUMBLE

Posted on January 9, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Back in the ’80s, Mac Davis wrote a song called, “Lord, it’s hard to be humble.”  Everyone thought the lyrics were nonsensical, because to be humble means putting yourself on the low end of the totem pole.

Being humble in the 21st century is old fashioned.  We’re told to be proud of our accomplishments – to hold our heads high when we do something that isn’t really out of the ordinary.  We should pat ourselves on the back for simply getting out of bed each day.  Our kids are given awards just for participating in an activity.  We receive bonuses at the end of a year for doing our job and nothing more.  We are told to expect honor because we deserve it.

Humility is seen in someone who is willing to put others before himself – to even give up their lives for them – to do it without receiving acclaim.  Jesus left His throne in heaven.  He became a human being – with emotions and feelings, but without sin.  He led a life of poverty.  He was born of an unwed mother – lived in squalor – was rebuked by the church – mocked and spat upon – nailed to a cross as a common criminal – suffered and died – rose from death on the third day.  He did this, not because He had to, but because of His great love for us.

Let’s start this year with hope for change in the ways of this world,  by learning from our Savior.  When He gave His followers the Beatitudes, the first blessing was to those who were poor in spirit.  That doesn’t mean physically poor.  It means those who show true humility.  We need to tear away the pride that covers our hearts and think of others as He thought of us.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” 

C.S. Lewis

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

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

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=AOaemvJYA1W1rvmwO4QD5sy1Hs8PDKGBXw:1642509767965&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+1+Peter+5:6&fir=w4iBbpwttoNpSM%252C2jHJMkqDT2UX5M%252C_%253B8I7Jo8BSm99joM%252C9gBBrnBNpdxjPM%252C_%253BkXutyHLSAPtPmM%252COu6lTfhnHOd6IM%252C_%253BPV6sHlRQCw7PHM%252Cgbg3yrpWH78SmM%252C_%253BW4cMQnYvt8uXIM%252CWK9R7hDwkkqK-M%252C_%253BMazWsjqxa8y3YM%252CbF4Yk04gDGg3hM%252C_%253BxKL7PQUDEaAqPM%252CfUR2sw-RIF4lOM%252C_%253BRQUsxUz2sHKURM%252ChdjKZ7A1IifcrM%252C_%253B4AeSPQVEHZVr6M%252C8Gwmwdfpo1OjFM%252C_%253Bx6-foV-YdLxyKM%252CVwVS7qJWBLKiDM%252C_%253BDyezkgjNbN3ZpM%252ChdjKZ7A1IifcrM%252C_%253BZRmoft7o3oPMDM%252CXykY36jZb5SBuM%252C_%253B7Tga13K6-1B_BM%252Co5LgWx8M7KuxbM%252C_%253BAcZYi7uh24w4YM%252CE7NaVydgydKmVM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQVwIkWR_EgEXJFyqGeaM9IQC6vuQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjNwYnaqbv1AhXzlIkEHYs0DzQQ7Al6BAgCEEM&biw=1119&bih=917&dpr=1#imgrc=kXutyHLSAPtPmM

Posted in Daily Devotion, IT’S HARD TO BE HUMBLE | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“OH, LORD! IT’S MONDAY! GRIEF” 1/17/2022 Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on January 17, 2022 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org 

 

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

 

 

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

 

Original post @  https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2022/01/17/oh-lord-its-monday-grief/

 

OH, LORD! IT’S MONDAY! GRIEF

Posted on  by Pastor Randy

Today I am intimately familiar with this Monday Spirit. This evening we will gather at the Funeral Home where Dad once worked–scratch that–where he shared the love of Christ with so many people. It just so happened he was on their payroll while he was doing that! He helped so many friends and strangers cope with their loss. And now, many of those same people will be there–for us!

Grief is two sides–good and harmful. The good side of Grief is that it gives us the opportunity to remember the love that was experienced. Grief is our way to cleanse our hearts and minds of all the emotions that comes with the death of someone close to us. Think of Grief as a purge–unloading all of that pain. And we have to unload that pain; otherwise it will eat us alive.

Grief also has a harmful side. The deadly side of Grief is when we fail to work through it. Grief isn’t designed nor meant to be a permanent state of life. And when we treat it as though it is permanent–well, Monday and every other day becomes a burden and we miss out on the joy of life. Grief is a part of living–but it’s not all there is to life. Sometimes people want to know why that person was allowed to die. Looking for reasons why prevents Grief from it’s good purpose. Looking for the why will lead you to either a false hope, or worse, it will make you blame God.

Grief has it’s own process. It’s not the same process for every person. And don’t allow anyone to tell you otherwise. Grief isn’t meant to be experienced alone–we need help to navigate the treacherous waters. I’ve been both comforted and amazed at the stories being told now on social media about Dad. Many I knew–many others I am hearing for the first time. I have been comforted by words of wisdom by the Sages in my life. And I have been comforted, strengthened, and held by the hands of my Heavenly Dad! So I can trust the process of Grief to bring me through this season–and it is only a season when we have Him to guide us through.

When we trust God to use our Grief as a process and not a destination, then we can say: “Good! Lord, It’s Monday! What shall we do together?” And here’s the song that The Spirit sent to me this morning in my Worship time!

 

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

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/

 

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged | Leave a comment

“You Are Equipped” 1/16/2022 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on January 16, 2022 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Pin on The Word

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

Original post @ https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2021/12/20/you-are-equipped/

You Are Equipped

Photo by: Cade Prior of Austin TX, USA 

DECEMBER 20, 2021 ~ DAWN

Hebrews 13:20-21, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

When we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, the same God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us through His Holy Spirit and will equip us with all we need to do His will. That brings us hope and encouragement as we face life’s challenges and uncertainties. Our God is always at work in us, in our circumstances, and in our world. He is never without answers because He is the answer. We can put our total trust in Him and keep climbing higher.

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

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

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=image+2+Timothy+3:16-17+Bible&tbm=isch&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiEvtDOgLT1AhUMnnIEHa0ZA44QBXoECAEQPw&biw=1102&bih=860#imgrc=OJgPcsjUsDJODM&imgdii=yzCTRxT3j0nCyM

 

 

Photo by: Cade Prior of Austin TX, USA 

Posted in You Are Equipped | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“The Formula for Rejoicing” 1/15/2022 Written by Keith Haney for “THE LIGHT BREAKS THROUGH”

Posted on January 15, 2022 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Philippians 4:6-7 Peace of God - Free Bible Verse Art Downloads - Bible Verses To Go

Written by  Keith Haney for “THE LIGHT BREAKS THROUGH” @ https://alightbreaksthrough.org

Original post @  https://alightbreaksthrough.org/the-formula-for-rejoicing/

The Formula for Rejoicing

 ByKeith Haney

DEC 13, 2021

A Brahman of distinction in Western India embraced the Gospel and was baptized. By this act, he lost possession of his houses, his fields, his wells, his wife, and his children. Such was the inexorable law of caste. On being asked how he bore his sorrows, he replied, “Ay, I am often asked that, but I am never asked how I bear my joys, for I have joys within with which a stranger intermeddles not. The Lord Jesus sought me and found me, a poor strayed sheep in the jungles, and He brought me to His fold, and He will never leave me.’’—Journal of Missions.

As we read the apostle Paul’s encouragement in Philippians 4, it invokes a similar puzzling dilemma for the world. How can you be joyful when there is so much broken around you? You have lost so much, so many people. Yet Paul calls us to — “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice!” — may sound like the empty words from a Christmas card, especially today given the times. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! It’s a great time! Everything is fine!

To understand Paul’s words, you need to understand the mess he was speaking to. Because everything is not fine with the Philippian house churches. Outsiders condemn them for their cultural practices. Insiders are bickering. Nor does it help when a verse later Paul adds, “Do not worry about anything ….” Are you nuts? How dare you lecture me, “Do not worry.” When I hear that, I go into worry overload. Maybe there is something I should be worried about I didn’t realize. So, now I have more on my worry plate. The kids are coming. The house is nowhere from being clean. Will the Christmas gifts I ordered arrive on time? Amazon has just moved the delivery date back to after Christmas. I can’t afford a big enough ham. Will the weather cooperate? The cookies aren’t baked, the beds aren’t made. Have I helped add to your anxiousness?

But Paul’s words will make a lot more sense when we realize he wrote this letter from death row.

Paul’s letter was written in Rome around the year A.D. 64, during the time Nero persecuted Christians following a great fire that destroyed much of that city. Tradition holds that Paul was eventually beheaded.

Paul saw his fate coming that is clear by the language of the text. The Greek word translated “Rejoice!” is also the same verb that ends most letters in that era: “Farewell!” Paul’s call for rejoicing in trials with a fatal farewell gives him the street cred to encourage us also to rejoice even amid trials. Paul, in this final farewell, gives instructions to all the members and to use.

Rejoice in the Lord (v. 4)

This joy-intoxicated man could not stress enough the need for and importance of believers to rejoice. But we need to be clear this is not some churchy happy talk. The foundation of the Christian’s rejoicing is in the Lord. There are no reasons for rejoicing without the Lord. Let me say that again, we have no reason to rejoice apart from Jesus. With Him, there is no end to rejoicing.

A Bible commentator shares Paul’s formula for joy. It is summarized by saying we must have:

  • THE CAUSE OF CHRISTas our priority. That cause, of course, includes the fellowship, the furtherance, and the faith of the gospel (1:5, 12, 27).

Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Phil. 1:5)

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, (Phil. 1:12)

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, (Phil. 1:27)

  • THE CHARACTER OF CHRISTas our pattern. This is the character of sacrificially giving oneself up in the interest of others (2:5–8).

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Phi. 2:5-8)

  • THE CARE OF CHRISTas our peace, which the apostle is about to express (4:6–7).

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Joyful Conclusion

When we lay all our agenda items at the feet of Jesus, we can walk away. Paul has indeed given a foolproof formula for joy. This is a reminder to all of us that our lives as Christians should not be filled with anxiety. Even though the world is filled with fear and anxiety. We have something they seek. We can bring our problems and needs to the Lord with the confidence that he cares for them. And His care like His grace is sufficient.

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

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

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=AOaemvL9DkFrxu1LMKNM99sGyWxfCqMhUQ:1642254092705&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+phil+4:4&fir=iTG7C0R1s9fEmM%252CybZd44V-q067ZM%252C_%253BPYeuuD8XwQRsLM%252Cd1vCvfNKAlRF-M%252C_%253Bf88rF9msQO_MmM%252CJNKjqnmIgPd_BM%252C_%253BJbfwV5ZfT_UNSM%252Cf4mogmv3mEsltM%252C_%253BIbcJmGuy6-KpfM%252CUyv_IGAHSPmF9M%252C_%253BdhbAhcYBLUNc0M%252C4hMarz-CoPRmyM%252C_%253BZ7pzPt_s7zclXM%252C4hMarz-CoPRmyM%252C_%253Bocwg28L_ON96NM%252CUyv_IGAHSPmF9M%252C_%253BUm91Lr_A6lhz2M%252CH4OII3-hH9D20M%252C_%253BqA_uPZBTZnexFM%252CR7yuG8NxP_sULM%252C_%253BZpGPp6etFCxbtM%252Ci7p1Cv0PzizMkM%252C_%253BBH31rD1m0qYfEM%252CrYSXDqGhskwoZM%252C_%253BLpSUiSpQFb6E8M%252Cz1L8rPkinpRVSM%252C_%253BrQwfyLbq2mnfRM%252CP5O3gtoB5ae2tM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kRpsv6_5Yxk1-RaF8uHdHXYGPQi1w&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjS9c2e8bP1AhWEjIkEHVXzA70QjJkEegQIAhAC&biw=1119&bih=917&dpr=1#imgrc=rQwfyLbq2mnfRM

Posted in The Formula for Rejoicing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

“Power” 1/14/2022 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

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

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2022/01/09/power/

Power

POSTED ON JANUARY 9, 2022 BY BETH ANDREWS

See the source image

The words escaped my lips without thought, “God I am so tired of…” How would you fill in that prayer?  Tired of financial struggles or health problems. Tired of battling family members.  Tired of too many responsibilities. Tired of the struggle against sin. It is so easy to get overwhelmed and feel powerless.  But God wants you and me to know that we are not powerless.  Quite the contrary, as believers in Jesus Christ, we have “incomparably great power (Ephesians 1:19),” power that comes from God.  But do we really understand what that means?

The Bible speaks of God’s “eternal power” (Romans 1:20), His “power for the salvation of everyone” (Romans 1:16), “overflowing hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13), and “[God’s ]power made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).  He said that God’s “power is at work within us-[doing] immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20), and “by His power, He [will] fulfill [our] every good purpose and act of faith” (2 Thessalonians 1:11).  “God [strengthens us] with all power according to His glorious might” (Colossians 1:11). And Peter declared: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

But perhaps the most powerful statement about the power of God is found in Ephesians 1:19-20, where Paul writes about God’s “incomparably great power for us who believe.  That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.”  Stop.  Go back and read that again. The same power that God exerted to raise Jesus Christ from the dead now lives in you and me through the Holy Spirit.  That is the power that will enable you to accomplish everything God has called you to.  Do you have a problem that is bigger than death?  No, and neither do I.  Whatever the problem, whatever the challenge, whatever the work you and I are called to do – in Christ, we have the power we need.

You possess the power to love others, to forgive every wrong, to endure trials and suffering, to fight for justice, to remain firm in the face of opposition, and to be Christ’s light in this dark world. You have the power to resist temptations, turn away from sin, and walk in righteousness.  God’s power strengthens your faith so you can be His hands and feet in a world filled with lost and weary people. His power is real and it is mighty. And it is all yours Beloved. What a powerful promise!

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

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/

Posted in Power | Tagged , , | Leave a comment