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

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

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

                       

      “The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ” 

                              (Revised from 7/11/2013)

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings in Christ, bruce r. mills

(Message me here, with any questions)

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

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

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

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“Only God can change hearts” 10/17/2021 Written by Louis Mize, a good friend

Posted on October 17, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Pin by M.A.C. on Charles Spurgeon Quotes | Spurgeon quotes, Christian quotes, Charles spurgeon quotes

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

 

“Only God can change hearts”

Through God we shall do valiantly; for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Psalm 108:13

I’m starting to see a revival of the “Don’t Tread on Me” banners. People are starting to feel as if we are losing our freedoms. And as we allow our freedoms to be taken, or willingly, blindly, and unwisely, just give them up, it is evident some would tread on us. But while evil men plot the destruction of our Republic, most of us still hold our freedoms near and dear. And we intend on holding on to them as long as we have breath. But we must never lose sight of the fact that only God can turn this around. And only God is able to tread down all the enemies coming against Him and us.

This morning I proclaim that God cannot and will not be defeated. And if and when our enemies are to be treaded down, it must be God who does the treading. And as God works, God’s people will do valiantly. You see, God will always prevail. And because we are His people, when God wins, so do we! But we must come to the place where we stop asking God to be on OUR SIDE, and commit ourselves to be on HIS SIDE. Then, victory can and will be achieved, but ONLY THROUGH GOD!

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

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

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT 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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“A Holy Calling” 10/16/2021 Written by Bruce R. Mills for “Gods group”

Posted on October 16, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”  http://odb.org

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

Pin on Looking Up & Adoring Him

Written by Bruce R. Mills for “Gods group” @ www.Godsmanforever.com

[Revised from 3/18/2013]

“A Holy Calling”

Psalm 51:3-4… For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.  (NKJV)

The opening scripture comes from the sincere prayer for repentance, that King David made to the Lord…after the prophet Nathan (who was sent by the Lord), came to David (2 Samuel 12), confronting him with his sin of adultery and the pregnancy of Bathsheba…  David then had Bathsheba’s husband Uriah murdered, to try and cover up his horrendous sins…2 Samuel 11…

I read this opening scripture this morning, and it really gave me pause to truly understand that a Christian’s sins aren’t against other people…they are against the Lord Himself…  We as children of God must understand, that there is nothing we say or do that God does not see, (Hebrews 4:13)… But praise the Lord that He will forgive even the most horrific sins of His children, if they are truly sorry with a repentant heart, as they turn from their sins and seek forgiveness from the Lord…1 John 1:8-10…

This doesn’t mean that there will not be repercussions for a Christian’s sins…  We will still be held accountable for sins that break the laws of our society…  There is many a prisoner with a lifetime jail sentence, with no chance of parole…which has been forgiven by the Lord for their sins, when they become a child of God…

David was forgiven his sins of adultery and murder by God…but God took the baby that was born to Bathsheba; and God stopped King David from building the Temple that he was going to build for the Lord…  David’s son Solomon, that God blessed David and his then wife Bathsheba with…would eventually be allowed to complete David’s dream, for a permanent Temple in Jerusalem to worship the Lord…1 Kings 6…

If you are a Christian, you have been chosen by God to live a life set apart from Satan’s world of sin and shame (1 John 2:15-16)… The Christian is called to be obedient to the Lord…1 John 2:3-6…

1 Peter 1:13-16… Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”  (NKJV)

So if you are a “born again” Christian …the next time you are thinking about sinning…think of that sin as a slap in the face to the Lord, who has chosen you to be holy, as He is holy…  If you still can’t stop from sinning, knowing the disappointment your sin will cause the Lord (Ephesians 4:30)…the lusts of your own carnal flesh have obviously overtaken the power of the Holy Spirit that God has given you to combat sin…John 14:26…

For those Christians with no ability to stop sinning (assuming you want to stop)…get down on your knees and seek forgiveness for your sins from the Lord with a truly repentant heart, like King David did…

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

God will forgive His children of their sins, and restore the full power of the Holy Spirit with-in them, to help them “Walk in the Spirit”…

The Apostle Paul pens this, in…Galatians 5:16-18… I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  (NKJV)

For those Christian’s, that have no desire to stop sinning, as they grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)…you may be experiencing the longsuffering that the Lord sometimes shows His children… But sooner or later, God will catch up with you…

Hebrews 12:11…   Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.  (NKJV)

And if you have been sinning for a long time, and things still seem to be going great for you, without being chastised by God…well, the writer of Hebrews has this to say…Hebrews 12:6 & 8… For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”   8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.  (NKJV)

Do you understand what this means ??  “then you are illegitimate and notsons“

This means you have never been saved by God’s grace alone, through saving faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ…     Open the “good mews” gospel message in the P.S. below, and seek the Lord while He may still be found…Isaiah 55:6-7…  You will be blessed beyond belief when you live a life that is obedient to the will God has for your life…

Blessings in Christ,  bruce

Heavenly Father, Your Word is clear, that Christians in Your eyes cannot live in constant sin for any length of time, without being chastised, or worse, scourged…to bring them back into submission to Your will and Your ways… I pray Lord, that each of us understands the eternal consequences, of not being forgiven of our sins by You before we pass on from this life (John 8:24)…  Help each and every one of us Lord, to seek the forgiveness of our sins (by understanding and obeying the gospel of Christ [See P.S. below]…  And then Lord…help Your children to “Walk in the Spirit”…so that You can fully bless them with all that You promise for those who are obedient to You…  I pray for this fullness of Christ for all of us, in Jesus’ most precious name and for His sake…Amen…

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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“Jesus” 10/15/2021 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Who Is Jesus To You? | Wesley Methodist Church Klang

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

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2021/10/10/jesus-2/

Jesus

POSTED ON OCTOBER 10, 2021 BY BETH ANDREWS

“. . .the One and Only, who came from the Father full of grace and truth”  John 1:14b

Who is this Jesus?

Matthew said He is “God with us” – “Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23).  For thirty-three years He was “God-in-the-flesh with us,” walking among His people, touching them with hands they could feel, speaking words their ears could hear.  Yet He was very much God, performing miracles and speaking with divine authority.  Twice Matthew reports a voice from heaven saying, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him, I am well pleased” (3:17; 17:5).

Mark expands the truth that Jesus is the Son of God, showing His uncommon power to heal, raise the dead, give sight to the blind,  multiply a few loaves and fishes, calm the raging sea, and drive out demons who recognized Him as “the Holy One of God” (1:24).  He also shows Him to be a King who endured uncommon suffering to rescue His people from the sentence of death.

Luke revealed Jesus as the salvation of all people (2:32).  He wrote to give an ordered account of Jesus from reliable eye-witness testimonies.  Luke offers the most detailed version of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, and tradition holds that these were Mary’s own memories.   How incredible that we have the testimony of Jesus’ Father, and the recollections of His mother to confirm that this Jesus was fully God and fully man.

From his opening testimony – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (1:1) – John most powerfully proved Jesus as the Son of God, the One and Only, divine in nature and one with His Father.  John records Jesus’ “I AM” statements, a direct connection to God’s own self-revelation (Exodus 3:14). He recorded Jesus’ statement:  “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (14:9).  John also devotes half of his gospel to Jesus’ final week, His death, burial, resurrection, and post-resurrection appearances. (John 12-21).

Paul said that He is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15), and the writer of Hebrews said “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being’ (Hebrews 1:3).  Jesus. “God with us.” “The Son of God.” “The Salvation of God.” “The Word of God” “One with the Father.” “The image of God.” “The radiance of God.” “The exact representation of God.”   And that barely scratches the surface. Jesus is . . . everything. Beloved, what more do you need to believe?

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

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

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

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=AOaemvKYkUdgPLRQQZtNBguWuL5IUdSkgA:1634297834102&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+who+is+Jesus?&fir=L7QEN4VeoMwPEM%252CUtS_S_ad64XxhM%252C_%253BG5B55Zo41PYtuM%252C0YUixCJXnnpObM%252C_%253BcZkOUkkAZxNQ2M%252C2Cceab8Lq4HTxM%252C_%253BxIGspRsdH91t5M%252CHX12QJQYXmOgRM%252C_%253BIkR8e-yHyyF4mM%252CexmoOnaXlzczgM%252C_%253BFNuRP686l4m8VM%252CexmoOnaXlzczgM%252C_%253BZpOa_2emGXqDsM%252CibT045qcE9b1HM%252C_%253BteqdUKoNCxKIpM%252CVgPzs4axnSu_KM%252C_%253BvL4j-ckxH7NIxM%252CWhNRcsa8A-_PMM%252C_%253BQua1GYJqFAhgnM%252CSLEZsHNfKNALjM%252C_%253BF42SkIAltVaxbM%252CGiSVaodCoESpSM%252C_%253ByyelQyVdjw_FNM%252CexmoOnaXlzczgM%252C_%253BLC97qSDhAnt0HM%252CHX12QJQYXmOgRM%252C_%253BRDn7xJP0Dh4jFM%252CR7CK2uHRcZtcIM%252C_%253BM_NNGrg7vvR5JM%252CRzZekvMQfRmWrM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kR42QBEw7Xd-fO2s5DPthGXvViv9w&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjzgu_uqczzAhUrknIEHTnBA4cQjJkEegQIDxAC&biw=1163&bih=890&dpr=1#imgrc=loDNN6Lx3y4naM

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“Our greatest witness” 10/14/2021 Written by Mel Wild for “In My Father’s House”

Posted on October 14, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

 

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

Pin on Christian Scripture II

 

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

 

Original post @  https://melwild.wordpress.com/2021/10/07/our-greatest-witness/

 

Our greatest witness

Posted on October 7, 2021 by Mel Wild

 

We don’t prove that Christ is real by philosophical argumentation, although that may help our minds sort out what we already believe. Philosophy can only show us why there must be a God, why we continue to exist, but it cannot give us an experience of God. And only our experience of Christ changes us, which is also our greatest witness that He’s real and very much alive.

Here’s a verse I was thinking about this morning.

6 For the reality of the truth of Christ is seen among you and strengthened through your experience of him. (1 Cor.1:6 TPT)

What Paul is saying is that we prove that Christ is real to others by our changed life. By the reality of our ongoing transformation.

I remember when I first got saved back in 1978. I was 20-something, very happy and satisfied as a full-time musician in Texas living the “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” lifestyle. But when I experienced the reality of Christ’s love for me for the first time, and accepted the invitation into His life, I threw away my drugs and left this life because I felt something I never knew before. Complete love, acceptance, affirmation, and fullness of joy! I had found what I was always looking for and didn’t even it know it!

I also remember one of my band mates reaction to my “finding Jesus.” One I distinctly remember was my car ride to a gig with the bass player and turning down his offer to do some drugs we always did together. I remember the bewildered look on his face when I told him why, because he assumed I gave them up because he interpreted finding Jesus with  “finding religion.” I actually laughed at the thought since I’ve never been any good at religion (still not!). My still immature, yet intuitive response was that I didn’t stop because I was supposed to quit but because I didn’t need them anymore.

At first, my close friends and family members ridiculed me for becoming one of those “Jesus freaks” (term used for hippies who got saved in the 70’s). Not that they weren’t all religious. Like me, most of them grew up Catholic. My older sister figured I was just going through another fad or phase and would quickly move on to something else as I had done many times before. But I didn’t. I kept growing in Christ…and I kept changing. Until, my family and friends didn’t make fun of my faith anymore.

In fact, a few years back, one of my former band mates asked me about my life in Christ and has since become a believer. (I wrote about this time in my post, “A dance for Paul” back in 2014. You can hear a clip of our old band there too!)

Of course, my point is that I didn’t influence my friends and family by making clever arguments for Christ. I influenced them by my changed life. As one classmate asked me at our 15-year High School class reunion, “What happened to you!” She could see the dramatic change in me. At the time, I hadn’t realized I changed that much. But one thing was certain: the change was Jesus.

Beloved, our greatest witness is not our clever words, and especially not our canned speeches for Christ. Our greatest witness is our changed life. It’s also our greatest defense. As Bill Johnson said, “A man who has an encounter is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.”

As we continually open our heart to Him, these encounters with God change our nature, our character, makes us more gracious and loving…more authentic to who God intended us to become. And He promises to do this very thing if we will but trust Him to do the changing in us. Paul goes on to say this about God’s work in our lives:

8 He will keep you steady and strong to the very end, making your character mature so that you will be found innocent on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is forever faithful and can be trusted to do this in you, for he has invited you to co-share the life of his Son, Jesus, the Anointed One, our King! (1 Cor.1:8-9 TPT)

This is what I call “the invitation process.” And when words are necessary, our history with Jesus will provide a ready defense for that hope that lives in us (1 Pet.3:15). He strengthens and empowers us to live this changed life. And people will notice.

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

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

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

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=AOaemvLH-JzEhBITeacG0fc_L8gIWqIwdg:1634158422747&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+1+cor+1:8&fir=fNFfWysaIE0p3M%252CBtJOAGDDLtIHwM%252C_%253B1oG8-j8OHXhJDM%252CjtV_0TA7hxJHLM%252C_%253BIxbN3PmUNLQi6M%252Cwrr_WNy-YruC5M%252C_%253BA77UzGJJ3hdqLM%252CLYbMs286YAXvCM%252C_%253BizYTbKrRUGhj4M%252CYggNKaPJ7Ach7M%252C_%253BCmqvQwcjLTeOPM%252CYoGFFrH2twbgZM%252C_%253BvcCsWqSU7f5Z8M%252CmmdwYeo5iKeJmM%252C_%253Bp8yJZO79CXLIJM%252C9TWoWmACLbMR3M%252C_%253BrxoLF-UzUzYTCM%252Cnva_cTNzzsvdPM%252C_%253B_XexZJjUht1TGM%252Cwrr_WNy-YruC5M%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQ-r5uhIAdFRwczQNHKwUy-07tVlg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiG76zCosjzAhXNg-AKHZ2pBocQjJkEegQIBhAC&biw=1163&bih=833&dpr=1#imgrc=ntoJPO0XRQg–M

 

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“When We Need To Slow Down!” 10/13/2021 Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Psalms 40:1-3, New King James Version (NKJV) | Psalms, Bible encouragement, Encouraging scripture

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

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2021/10/07/when-we-need-to-slow-down/

When We Need To Slow Down!

 

OCTOBER 7, 2021PASTOR RANDY

I am nearly always up long before the sun. Sometimes it’s the alarm clock; most of the time I just wake up. I reckon it’s part of growing older; at least that’s what Solomon said in Ecclesiastes. I do it because I both need and want some quiet time with God. Even this early in the morning, there is some traffic on Alabama Highway 18. I suppose it’s people on their way to work.

Most mornings the vast majority of the drivers are in a hurry, exceeding the posted speed limit. Highway 18 is a two lane road. And the battle is between those who observe the posted limit and those who think they are in a NASCAR race. This morning it’s foggy–really foggy. An advisory has been issued. And between songs and talking with Papa, I noticed this: Most vehicles were driving slower because of this fog. But then–some were driving like the visibility was unlimited–even though it was severely limited. And it got me to thinking. I know, it doesn’t take much for me.

Here’s what I was thinking: It’s dangerous to keep moving at the same speed when we can’t see clearly what’s ahead. I’m not just talking about cars–though around here, deer have a tendency to be moving at this time of morning–and if a car hits a deer, the outcome isn’t good for either. No, I’m talking about life!

Fog isn’t just a meteorological phenomenon; it happens in Life; and sometimes it happens frequently. There are events that happen that hit us hard–so hard that the visibility of what is ahead is limited. And some people, like some cars I witnessed this morning–keep driving fast as if everything will be OK. And when it happens in Life, the results can spell disaster.

So what should we do when the road ahead cannot be clearly seen? Slow down–both our cars and our lives. And to remember, that when we can’t clearly see what’s ahead–our Heavenly Father sees with clarity. All we need to do is heed the advice of David:

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 40:1 (NLT)

 

One of the meanings of the Hebrew word translated “waited patiently” is “to wait for, linger for”. Indeed, Life often moves at a fast pace, but it doesn’t mean we have to move at that pace. Linger for a moment, and God will hear your cry. It’s safer for you–and everybody else.

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

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+psalm+40%3A1-3&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwip18zb3cLzAhXLg3IEHZ5eAV8Q2-cCegQIABAA&oq=image+psalm+40%3A1-3&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1Cv0QhYm9kIYPXsCGgAcAB4AIABNogBZpIBATKYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=GmBkYaniOcuHytMPnr2F-AU&bih=858&biw=1163&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832#imgrc=sYsyPq0qqiWFuM

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“Are you filled to overflowing with living water ??” 10/12/2021 Written by bruce r. mills for “God’s group”

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”      http://odb.org

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

                            From Whom Are Rivers of Living Water Flowing? | Gone Fishin'

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

“Are you filled to overflowing with living water ??”

John 7:38…  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  (NKJV)

There is much in the Bible about living water…  Check out this link in Reference 1. Below, for 10 Bible verses about living water…

I see this living water as the Holy Spirit living within the “born again” Christian…  If you do not have the Holy Spirit that God has indwelt you with at the moment of salvation…then sadly, no matter what you call yourself, you are NOT a Christian in God’s eyes…  Here is the biblical definition of what a Christian is…

How does the Bible define a Christian?

According to the Bible, a Christian is a person who has been offered the Holy Spirit upon repentance of their sins. When you repent, you are baptized and you receive the Holy Spirit. As a Christian, this spirit enables you to gain insight into the truth of God as well as his word.  (See Reference 2 for the link for this definition)

As you read in this definition, the Holy Spirit enables the believer to understand the truth that God reveals to them in His inerrant Word, the Bible…  I came across this link in Reference 3. Below that gives us “5 WAYS THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE”…  I am quoting this link, because it gives us a very good understanding of what the Holy Spirit will do to help the “born again”, redeemed child of God live for Christ…

5 Ways the Holy Spirit Helps Us Understand the Bible

  1. Opens Our Spiritual Eyes – Jesus told the Laodicean church to “anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” Revelation 3:18. Sin has blinded our hearts to the truth. We need a miracle to open our eyes. The Holy Spirit is given to do that. “The Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13

  2. Leads Into All Truth – Do you want to know truth? Then you need the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples, and us, that “when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” John 16:13

  3. Gives Us Understanding– Jesus’ teachings gave new insight the Old Testament Scriptures. Where did He get that understanding? “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” Isaiah 11:1-3We too can have deep understanding into God’s Word through the illumination by the Holy Spirit.

  4. Leads Us in What to Study– Do you ever struggle to know what to read in the Bible? Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He will show you. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14

  5. Reveals the Things of God– “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-12

 

Spending time reading, digesting, understanding, and then applying God’s Word to your life is what is needed to grow and mature as a “born again” Christian…  Jesus tells us the importance of spending time in the Bible in several pieces of scripture…  Here are 3 that come to my mind…

John 8:31-21…  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)

Abiding in God’s Word means you spend time reading the Bible, hopefully every day…and then apply the truth found in the Bible to guide the way you live by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit…  Jesus tells us twice what it means to spend time in the Bible…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)

Just like we cannot live without food and water for too long a time…if we are a believer, we need to feed our spirit to continue to grow and mature in our walk with the Lord…  And this spiritual growth should never stop throughout our lifetime as a redeemed child of God…  God uses scripture to teach us everything we need to live a life that will please our Father in heaven…  The apostle Paul gives us a very good description of what it means to spend time in God’s Word…

2 Timothy 3:16-17…  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  (NKJV)

Going through each of these reasons to spend time in the Word, is for another day…  The importance of this scripture is found in verse 17…  “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

 

Getting back to the first piece of scripture which defines the title of today’s post… “Are you filled to overflowing with living water ??”…

 

John 7:38…  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  (NKJV)

I have often wondered what Jesus means by “out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  ??  Jesus wasn’t talking about little streams…  He is talking about at least two “rivers of living water.”  If you have rivers of living water flowing out of your heart…where does it go ??  The word picture I see from this scripture, is that these rivers fill up the believer to a point where living water pours out of them for all people around them to see…

As I said earlier, I see this living water as the Holy Spirit living within the “born again” Christian…  And when our hearts are filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, others around us will see this outpouring of the Holy Spirit…  This word picture is much like when the Bible talks about the light of Christ living within the Spirit-filled Christian, that will have those around us be able to see the light of Jesus in our lives…   You will find a link in Reference 3 below, with 34 verses about the light of Christ…  Here is one of these verses where Jesus teaches us about His light within us, in the Beatitudes…

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

 

My friends, if you are truly living a “Spirit-filled”, “Christ-centered” life, you should be so focused on what the Holy Spirit is urging you to do, that if you are obedient to His leading, the Holy Spirit will open doors for you, that you could never open in your own mortal strength…  I am reminded of this scripture I share with the younger generation every chance I get…

Ephesians 3:20…   Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  (NKJV)

Why wouldn’t you want the help of the Holy Spirit to help you decide what vocation you would be best suited for…what college to attend…and help in choosing the right person you should settle down with and marry ??  Since God doesn’t make any mistakes…for me it is a “no brainer” that allowing God to direct every step of our lives just has to be the best path for us…  Solomon, King David’s son, who was made the wisest man there ever was by God Himself, (1 Kings 4:30)…penned half of the Book of Proverbs; and we should all learn from this important piece of scripture penned by Solomon…

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)

God’s Word is living and powerful, as we read in Hebrews 4:12… For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (NKJV)

I pray you will see in all the scripture above all the blessings that God wants to shower upon all of you who are living as “born again” Christians, who are obedient to God’s will for your lives…  Not yet a “born again” Christian ??  Open the P.S. below for a presentation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…and humbly pray to God with Godly sorrow and a repentant heart to forgive you of your lifetime of sins… Believe that Jesus Christ shed His blood to cover your lifetime of sins… Pray that God would send Jesus into your heart to guide and direct every facet of your life…

Gracious God and heavenly Father, I pray that Your living and powerful Word would move in the hearts of every reader today…  I pray You would draw every reader in to Yourself (John 6:44), who is not yet a redeemed, “born again” child of Yours…and that their lives would be changed in the blink of an eye when they understand and obey the gospel of Your Son Jesus Christ…[See P.S. below]  And I pray that all of the believers reading todays post, would be moved to confess any and all sins (1 John 1:9), and then do their best to live a “Spirit-filled”, “Christ-centered” life…  I pray for You to fulfill both of these life changing requests for both believers and unbelievers, in Jesus’ most precious name and for His sake…Amen…

Blessings in Christ,  bruce

References:

  1. 10 verses about living water-  https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Living-Water

  2. Biblical definition of a Christian-  https://www.google.com/search?q=Biblical+definition+of+Chhristian&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&oq=Biblical+definition+of+Chhristian&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i13j0i13i30j0i8i13i30j0i390l3.15824j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

  3. The light of Christ-  https://www.openbible.info/topics/light_of_christ

 

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=AOaemvKd9tAzHeemg1SfTAOzyjONnkQRgQ:1633538241747&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+living+water+Bible&fir=Ua0NruHTN-aLNM%252C-_AVVyjbLGrrFM%252C_%253BedotrfptFJa7jM%252COaBq6hY7zSmJWM%252C_%253Be4jirJL5HwYV2M%252COQ6K9f50aW4l4M%252C_%253B8w6ZuYfO5N0IpM%252CR2EbbZ7HSgiJwM%252C_%253BWBifOBhX7NAypM%252CXEVIJn_cyLKiDM%252C_%253B2Hxf13iU78cR-M%252COaBq6hY7zSmJWM%252C_%253BlK-ezD0lzCP6ZM%252CvsgIt4TmaFJbyM%252C_%253BFGyVeJAbBAQUCM%252CQax_D1ps77aKeM%252C_%253BwRSfA8CdlnkJ8M%252CbjTq74hsbTpgjM%252C_%253Bxfr_ZH2pm_ndzM%252C8_vVuQVtWgt4JM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kT2fDch83afkRjiCwtLFeZC6YGi5g&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjj34CVnLbzAhU-mHIEHbotAUgQjJkEegQIBhAC&biw=1258&bih=801&dpr=1#imgrc=ZoNaRNAi-eYUAM

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“I am here!” 10/11/2021 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on October 11, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

God Stands By Your Side | LSW Ministries "No One Left Behind"

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

Original post @ https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2021/09/20/i-am-here/

I am here!

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 ~ DAWN

Matthew 14:27 NLT, “But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Photo by: Artem Beliaikin of Russia

I am sure most of us are familiar with the story of Jesus walking on the water, and Him calling Peter out of the boat to join Him. You can read the whole story here if you like, Matthew 14:22-33.

However, this particular verse in the chapter, verse 27, stood out to me the last time I read it. It is a reminder that Jesus wants us to be willing to step out in faith and not be afraid because as He said, “I am here!” When we are met with new challenges or even called to pursue new ventures, He is with us, giving us what we need to obey Him and move forward. Do you trust Him to supply your every need and be with you as He promised? Our faith filled steps of obedience will lead to God’s best for our lives, and our obedience is even a blessing to those around us.

Trust Jesus today and don’t be afraid to do as He says; He is right there with you. Take courage!

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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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“IT’S CHURCH DAY” 10/10/2021 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on October 10, 2021 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

 

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

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2021/10/03/its-church-day/

IT’S CHURCH DAY

Posted on October 3, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Going to church has always been a part of my week.  It’s a time to refresh from the burdens of the past week and to look forward to the next one with hope and regeneration.   The church we attend is small in comparison to our last one, but the love of God fills its walls, just like our old one did.

We greet each other each Sunday with concern about health issues.  We hear about treatments being done, loss of loved ones, hurting hearts, but we also see smiling faces of reassurance and thoughts of hope for an end to suffering someday.  We pray for our family and friends.  We pray for our government.  We depend on God to direct our path.

Little children with inquiring, hungry minds sit at the altar to hear God’s message to them.  We share the Sacrament of the Lord’s supper.  We sing hymns of praise and thanksgiving and hear God’s Word preached in truth and purity.

The joy of attending church each Sunday comes from so many things.  It can be the comforting words from the pulpit or the compassion for a friend in need.  It can be a firm handshake or hug from someone you haven’t seen for a while.  It can be a time of reflection, repentance and forgiveness.  Most of all, it’s time well spent, with the King of Creation.

God’s home is open to all who seek sanctuary in His loving arms.  Try it.  You’ll like it!

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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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“Persevere 10/09/2021 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on October 9, 2021 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 | CHRISTian poetry ~ by deborah ann

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

Original post @ https://seizetheday-blog.com/2021/09/14/persevere-4/

Persevere

 

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

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we get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. 2 Corinthians 4:9 (NLT).

George Danzig was a senior at Stanford University during the Depression. All the seniors knew they’d be joining unemployment lines when the class graduated. There was a slim chance that the top person in the class might get a teaching job. Danzig was not at the head of his class, but he hoped that if he were able to achieve a perfect score on the final exam, he might be given a job.

Danzig studied so hard for the exam that he arrived late for the exam. When he got to class, the others were already hard at work. Embarrassed, he picked up his paper and slunk to his desk. He sat down and worked the eight problems on the test paper; then started on the two written on the board. Try as he might, he couldn’t solve either of them.   He was devastated. Out of ten problems, he had missed two for sure. But just as he was about to hand in the paper, he took a chance and asked the professor if he could have a couple of days to work on the two he’d missed. He was surprised when his professor agreed.

Danzig rushed home and plunged into the questions with a vengeance. He spent hours and hours, but he could find the solution for only one of them. He just couldn’t solve the other.    It was impossible. When he turned in the test, he knew he’d lost all chance of a job. It was the darkest moment of his life.

The next morning a pounding on the door awakened Danzig. It was his mathematics professor. He was very excited. “George! George!” he kept shouting, “You’ve made mathematics history!” Danzig didn’t know what his professor was talking about. The professor explained: Before the exam he’d encouraged the class to keep trying despite setback and failure. “Don’t be discouraged,” he’d counselled. Remember, there are classic problems that no one can solve. Even Einstein was unable to unlock their secrets.” He then wrote two of those problems on the blackboard.

Danzig had come to class late and missed those opening remarks. He didn’t know the problems on the board were impossible to solve. He thought they were part of his exam and was determined to solve them. And he solved one! He did the impossible.

That very morning the professor made George Danzig his assistant and he got to teach at Stanford until his retirement.

Perseverance … toughing it out … staying the course … the tenacity to keep going when the odds are stacked against you. Are you feeling exhausted? Is there no get up and go left in you? Do you feel like giving up? Are you demoralized? Persevere.

In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Paul says, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going” (NLT).

There’ve been times in my life when I wondered whether I should get out of bed. Times when I’ve been emotionally battered and bruised. Times when I’ve been absolutely drained – spent – not an ounce of energy left in me. Times when I’ve felt exposed and vulnerable. And times when I’ve felt like no one understood and maybe no one really cared. But despite the vicissitudes, afflictions and snubs of life, God continues to give me the strength to stay the course.

Life isn’t an easy ride – but God’s there for you. He’ll give you power and passion to persevere to the end. But before God will do His part, you must do your part. Make Christ the Lord of your life. “Put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear” Philippians 2:12 (NLT).

Do your part and God will do His. It’s a win-win proposition. If you make Christ the Lord of your life “I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again” Philippians 1:6 (NLT).

So hold up your end and God will hold up His. Obey “God with deep reverence and fear” and He’ll help you persevere.

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

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=AOaemvK0qfDBUMTLC4kn55M2nPySp24ZRg:1631721080400&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+2+cor+4:8-9&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi39vnaqoHzAhVrl2oFHctmBIAQjJkEegQIBhAC&biw=1258&bih=858#imgrc=Rt5rIMZS2IcyKM

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“Never Be Thirsty” 10/08/2021 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org

Posted on October 8, 2021 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

thirst Inspirational Images

Posted by Alister Begg   for   www.truthforlife.org

Original post @  https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/10/6/2021/?src=21ELJV0&utm_campaign=Daily%20Devotion%20Emails&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=165022681&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8SzT32eJNnT_JyyDvuGWq5kzU10z6tLAtLByPglj8uZsWJU2GbLHxXEMjV3WoqqfcXnSKUb4mC1DlEp8Dj5TnYErTkysLDBmoBoIeS_rUDT69mC3s&utm_content=165022681&utm_source=hs_email

Never Be Thirsty

 

But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever.

John 4:14

The person who believes in Jesus finds enough in his Lord to satisfy him now and to content him forevermore. The believer is not the man whose days are weary for lack of comfort and whose nights are long on account of the absence of heart-cheering thought. The believer finds in faith such a spring of joy, such a fountain of consolation that he is content and happy. Put him in a dungeon, and he will find good company; place him in a barren wilderness, and he will eat the bread of heaven; drive him away from friendship, and he will meet the “friend who sticks closer than a brother.”1 Destroy all his shade, and he will find shadow beneath the Rock of Ages; erode the foundation of his earthly hopes, but his heart will still be fixed, trusting in the Lord.

The heart is as insatiable as the grave until Jesus enters it, and then it becomes a cup full to overflowing. There is such a fullness in Christ that He alone is the believer’s sufficiency. The true saint is so completely satisfied with the provision of Jesus that he no longer thirsts—except perhaps to drink more deeply at the living fountain.

In that sweet manner, believer, you will thirst; it will not be a thirst of pain, but of loving desire; you will find it a sweet thing to be longing for a deeper enjoyment of Jesus’ love. An old saint once declared, “I have been lowering my bucket into the well so often, but now my thirst for Jesus has become so insatiable, that I long to put the well itself to my lips and drink right out of it.”

Is this the feeling of your heart now, believer? Do you feel that all your desires are satisfied in Jesus and that you have no need now except to know more of Him and to have closer fellowship with Him? Then come continually to the fountain, and take the water of life freely. Jesus will never think you take too much but will always welcome you, saying, “Drink; yes, drink abundantly, loved one.”

1) Proverbs 18:24

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

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

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=AOaemvKiDLpwwWNR0fqpQpYwFjm2k2d3xQ:1633624469393&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+never+be+thirsty+Bible&fir=ifk0tebUw6uZMM%252CaJpjg1WvgRDepM%252C_%253B1L09_t6ZilK8iM%252CaX1UmNLud3CZeM%252C_%253BHCh7JUvgz3HinM%252CXpGdIzrL4yEbWM%252C_%253BGXgLGqFT_yZNFM%252CU5Hs021KbCK_KM%252C_%253BedotrfptFJa7jM%252COaBq6hY7zSmJWM%252C_%253BXjEGNL_DhFJilM%252C_FeVbzGH-G2h0M%252C_%253BtXBJUX-T-Q97vM%252CQ00rnNRgFoarNM%252C_%253BzL0qk6mBSlUE-M%252CZYGiy0NRsBc1DM%252C_%253BOE1kVpf884Y5YM%252CZf5VHOiySSKQcM%252C_%253BTFwphY_oB5nsqM%252CFUocRX0w1BehKM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kRSY2S_3isels_xaO3GP_0T2wuoGQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi03cax3bjzAhWQqXIEHQPLCqsQjJkEegQIBxAC&biw=1258&bih=801&dpr=1#imgrc=HCh7JUvgz3HinM

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