“CHILL!” 10/21/2024 Written by Nancy Ruegge for “From The Inside Out”

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org 

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

Romans 12:1-2 A CD of this message will be available (free of charge) immediately following today's Bible study. This message will be available via podcast. - ppt download

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

View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/10/03/chill/

CHILL!

October 3, 2024 by Nancy Ruegg

Years ago when our middle granddaughter was a preschooler, we took her to an arcade. In the back corner stood a few free games and among them, two old Tetris side by side.

Some of you will remember this game. Shapes drift down from the screen-top; the player must manipulate them, fitting them together in a solid wall as they reach the bottom—without leaving holes.

After a quick explanation of how to play, E. happily started pushing buttons. I decided to play the neighboring game. Bad mistake.

Video games never were my forte, and the passing years had not contributed to my skills. Frustration began to build as hole after hole appeared in my wall.

At game’s end, E. cried with joyful triumph, “Look Nana! Look at the pretty design I made!”

Though her screen displayed many colorful shapes, there were numerous holes. But that didn’t matter to E. In her view she’d created an eye-catching piece of art.

E. taught me a lesson that day. My attitude could often be improved if I just focused on the positive of what IS and not on the negative of what ISN’T.

All too frequently I’ve strived for unattainable goals, wasted time on unimportant details, or sacrificed rest while slaving through a lengthy to-do-list. I’ve also cared too much what other people thought.

All of these traits are symptoms of perfectionism.

Why are we perfectionists so strict on ourselves? Perhaps it’s because we don’t want to be:

  • ashamed of our performance or handiwork

  • blamed when our efforts aren’t up to par

  • judged inferior or lacking in some way

To move away from such fears and toward the freedom Christ offers (John 8:36), we need to CHILL by affirming these attitudes and actions.

I am:

  • C elebrating more often what’s right, criticizing less often what’s wrong

  • H appy with “good enough” when appropriate

  • I nspiring others with my imperfections!

  • L istening to the truth

  • L oved by God as I am

To jump-start such declarations, consider the following.

CELEBRATE

When faulty efforts occur, we can CELEBRATE this: “A flawed rose still smells sweet” (Unknown). I can still carry the fragrance of Christ as I rely upon him through the mistakes and failures.

(Be) HAPPY

“We don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful” (Unknown).

Lots of fantastic people in this world display admirable qualities, but not one of them is perfect.

You’re wonderful too! Give yourself the same grace you give others.

INSPIRE

“There’s no need to be perfect in order to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections”—Ziad K. Abdelnour.

Also true:

LISTEN

Listen to such truths as these to silence the voice of perfectionism:

  • Jesus did live a perfect life yet was criticized incessantly. However, all he cared about was his Father’s approval, which God bestowed (Matthew 3:17). You know who else is approved? Everyone who believes in Jesus!

Everyone who believes has God’s approval

through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:22a GW

  • The godly Apostle Paul admitted—after thirty-years as a Jesus-follower— he hadn’t achieved perfection. Even so, he found satisfaction in pressing on toward spiritual maturity (Philippians 3:12-13).

  • We can combat the striving as we embrace God’s desires for us—to lie down in his green pastures now and then, and not fill every minute with activity—to lead us beside quiet waters, and not struggle in a churning ocean of busyness (Psalm 23:1-3).

(Receive) LOVE

God has made it clear: “[He] loves us because of who he is, not because of who we are” (Unknown, 1 John 4:10).

His love for us is:

  • Sacrificial (Romans 5:8)

  • Lavish (1 John 3:1)

  • Patient, kind, unfailing, and more (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

  • Forgiving (Ephesians 4:32)

  • Everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3)

So! When perfectionism insists we aim even beyond excellence, let’s remember:

There are no perfect daughters, wives or mothers; no perfect sons, husbands, or fathers; no perfect employees, no perfect homes. No one has it 100% together.

“What we do have is a perfect God who is able to lead us through this imperfect life with unfailing strength, incomparable wisdom, and infinite love” (Unknown).

Like our granddaughter E., we can celebrate with joyful triumph the cumulating designs of our lives—imperfect though they may be.

Let’s CHILL!

Art & photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.canva.com (4); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.canva.com.

TAKE NOTE! A newsletter launches this month that will include additional topics to what’s on the blog. Please sign up below and check out the first installment. Thank you!

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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…

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/844143523919620278/

 

 

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“Loving, Learning, Living And Leading Others to the Scriptures.’ 10/20/2024 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

JILHK WanChai Friday Church - "But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' "-Luke 4:4 (NKJV) | Facebook

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

Original post @  https://seizetheday-blog.com/2024/07/16/loving-learning-living-and-leading-others-to-the-scriptures-3/

Loving, Learning, Living, And Leading Others to the Scriptures.

July 16, 2024

Blessed are they … who walk according to the law of the Lord. Psalm 119:1 (NIV).

A cursory reading of Psalm 119 clearly indicates that David loved the Scriptures. The first hint comes in verse 11 when he says, “I have hidden your word in my heart …” The heart, as we know, is the seat of our emotions. When we value someone we draw them to us … that is, we take them to heart. Who do you love? I love my wife, my children, my grandchildren, my dog, and more. But what about the Scriptures? Do we love God’s Word?

For many years I’ve researched why people do or do not connect with the Bible. Some people don’t read the Bible because they say it’s archaic, complicated, bigoted, unscientific, confusing, or not true. Others, like the majority of church-going folk, will read some of it but never read it from cover to cover. In fact, in Christian circles, evidence suggests that it may be true to say that the Bible is the most popular least-read book! Maybe that’s because Christians don’t really love the author because if we did, we’d value every word He has to say to us.

Psalm 119 is laced with references to loving and to learning the Scriptures. In verse seven David speaks about how he ‘learns’ the Scriptures and in verse fifteen how he ‘meditates’ and ‘considers’ the Scriptures. God hasn’t given us His Word to be left on a dust-covered shelf. He’s entrusted it to us because He wants us to study it. Yet research reveals that while the Bible is generally available and accessible, there’s only a small number of people who earnestly and responsibly study it personally, with their families, and with their communities of faith. Something’s lost that needs to be found.

How are you doing? Are you working up a spiritual sweat digging into the Scriptures? Or do you leave it to the pastor or read the latest popular Christian book. Now the last thing I want to do is make you feel guilty. Guilt, while it’s a motivator, is a poor one at best. But here’s the point, if you consider yourself to be a Christian, and it’s not your priority to regularly and consistently study the Scriptures, then you need to know there’s a problem.

David asks, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” Psalm 119:9. Then answers, “By living according to your word.” God entrusted the Scriptures to us for a reason – that we would live by them. What goes in is what comes out. If we spend two to three hours a day watching TV, playing video games, interacting on social media or texting friends, then these things will inform our values and actions. How we use time is critical. To live as God wants us to live we need to spend more time meeting with God through His Word. David chose to live by God’s Word. He considered God’s ways (Psalm 119:15), delighted in His decrees, and did not neglect His Word (Psalm 119:16).

Loving, learning, and living by the Scriptures are the three foundational actions that inform the fourth action – leading others to the Scriptures. In Psalm 119:43 David asks God to not snatch His Word from his mouth and in verse 46 he mentions his intention to speak about the Scriptures before kings. While God has given us the responsibility to love, learn, and live by the Scriptures, He’s also entrusted us with the important work of leading others to the Scriptures.

Some years ago, I asked a congregation if anyone had shared the Scriptures with someone in the past week, month, or year. There were about 100 people in the meeting and only 1 person indicated he had shared the Scriptures with someone during the past week while a few others said they’d shared the Scriptures with someone during the past month or year. Most of the people had never shared the Scriptures with anyone. Are you helping others to connect with God’s Word?

So according to Psalm 119, we’re to love, learn, live by the Scriptures, and lead others to it. Why is this important? Because the Scriptures aren’t an end in themselves. Because in loving, learning, living by, and leading others to the Scriptures we’re loving, learning, living for, and leading others to the One of whom the Scriptures speak – the Lord Jesus Christ.

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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…

Photo credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=6fb316b76142e146&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+Luke+4:4&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J_86uWOeqwdnV0yaSF-x2jpXXSZVlK6C0YPjHbsLu8HQWfm38FRPm5FVWQmVvNxikPuGUro0kULs737NLvYt_770cqPBb-7c9YW98tWSpANkOcZZylZvCbVkKD2SeH_fJOnPgXdUsVXCVyRh_eSp_T6GxUwRZE0bpoVyiYh4GfPMFOiP6w&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjPv5_j95yJAxUqmIkEHfnBEvsQtKgLegQIDhAB&biw=1303&bih=903&dpr=1#vhid=H0glNUMiYZwZwM&vssid=mosaic
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“WHEN YOU FEEL ALONE!” 10/19/2024 Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on October 19, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Joshua 1 9 by Scripture on the Walls Wall Art

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

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2022/07/

When You Feel Alone!

Posted on July 29, 2022 by Pastor Randy

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in.

John chapter 20, verse 11 from the New Living Translation

The Resurrection Story! Tell me, is the only time you think about it at Easter? For many, this falls into the category of You Only Read It At The Appropriate Liturgical Season. You know, like the Incarnation–you’re only supposed to read it around Christmas time, right? But, if any epic story from the Bible is appropriate 24/7/365, it’s The Resurrection. This morning it was Verse 11 from John’s account that hit me. Remember it with me.

Mary Magdalene had gone to the tomb. An appropriate response to grief. But the stone had been rolled away and the body wasn’t there. She ran back to tell the others, and some ran there to see for themselves, including Mary. With me so far? Good! Then they all went back, except Mary. Now she is all alone with her pain. Do you ever feel alone in your pain? A crisis? A fear? A problem? Uncertainty? At home? Even in church?

Perhaps you feel alone with your cancer. Or maybe you feel alone as you read that eviction notice or foreclosure statement. It could be as you are reading your termination letter. The feeling of being alone pounces on you as you read your divorce decree. You watch your loved one just lie there in the midst of dementia and you feel alone. You watch your youngest child leave for college. Your child is The Prodigal Son and they just won’t reach out to you. And it could be you’re in your “Mary” moment. You are grieving at the grave. The dirt may be still fresh, or maybe the grass has grown back over it and it’s been years ago. Situations are different–but the loneliness is still the same.

And if John had ended his account of the Resurrection, then we would be justified in our “feeling alone”. But isn’t that just like God, to not let the story end at that point? Jesus is right there! She just doesn’t know it–YET! She stays and stays, then finally decides to leave the grave. Remember! She is still carrying her pain though she is leaving the grave. So, what happens next? Just in case you forgot or didn’t know:

14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. 15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” 16 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).

John chapter 20, verses 14 through 16 from the New Living Translation

There were two Resurrections that morning. The first was Jesus and the second was Mary. When YOU feel all alone, you’re not. The Owner And Master of The Resurrection is also present, even if you don’t recognize Him. Resurrection isn’t bound and tied to a liturgical calendar. It happens every day and all the time. And it’s not just in the lonely places where we need a Resurrection. Problems may be mounting, and chaos may seem to be the ruler over your life. Even sin may be telling you that you can never be free. But guess what? The CEO of The Resurrection is right there, ready to share with you The Resurrection you need. Oh, and don’t be surprised if He looks like a Groundskeeper!

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

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

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“A Salvation to be Dreaded” 10/18/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on October 18, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Romans 12:1-2 A CD of this message will be available (free of charge) immediately following today's Bible study. This message will be available via podcast. - ppt download

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

Original post  @ https://info.truthforlife.org/loves-strength-1?ecid=ACsprvsYOUi8FJsem2oEOBWm_CTpSZxvjmMULHBryCOJvdsuQhgwCbjSGQ46TZdU6dIbil1CGspD&utm_campaign=Spurgeon%20Daily%20Devotion&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=328711390&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9dmHfuyVirj7CIDQgvAY2GLYx9upK5yyjg62510AEFD1vRZ9QPbEwVjyxJAY3Apj3YMjImOw3CtZi7Kty0qcUCVB3HsSZzRnc4yldQHUXLs9zouY8

October 14

A Salvation to be Dreaded

Do not be conformed to this world.

Romans 12:2

If there is any possibility of a Christian being saved while he conforms to this world, it can only be so as through fire. Such a bare salvation is almost to be dreaded as much as to be desired. Reader, would you like to leave this world in the darkness of a desponding deathbed and enter heaven like a shipwrecked sailor climbs the rocks of his native country?

Then allow the world to squeeze you into its mold and refuse identity with Christ or to bear His reproach. Would you like to have a heaven below as well as a heaven above? Do you want to comprehend with all saints what are the heights and depths and to know the love of Christ that passes knowledge? Would you like to receive an abundant entry into heaven? Then do not live as a friend of the world.

If you would attain the full assurance of faith, you cannot do so in communion with sinners. If you desire to be on fire for God, realize that your love will be dampened by the cold rain of a godless society. You cannot become a great Christian; you can never be a mature believer in Christ Jesus while you give in to godless maxims and modes of life. It is incongruous for an heir of heaven to be a great friend with the heirs of hell. It has a bad look when the servant is too intimate with the king’s enemies. Even small inconsistencies are dangerous. Just as small thorns make great blisters and little moths destroy fine clothes, so little frivolities and little indiscretions will rob your testimony of a thousand joys.

Professing Christian on the fence, you do not know what you are losing by your conformity to the world. It cuts the tendons of your strength and makes you crawl when you ought to run.

So for your own comfort’s sake and for the sake of your growth in grace, if you are a Christian, be a Christian, and be a marked and distinct one.
Devotional material is taken from Morning and Evening, written by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org. Used by Truth For Life with written permission.

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

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

Photo credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=987a2e6060705a91&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+rom+12:1-2&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J_86uWOeqwdnV0yaSF-x2jpXXSZVlK6C0YPjHbsLu8HQWfm38FRPm5FVWQmVvNxikPuGUro0kULs737NLvYt_770cqPBb-7c9YW98tWSpANkOcZZylZvCbVkKD2SeH_fJOnPgXdUsVXCVyRh_eSp_T6GxUwRZE0bpoVyiYh4GfPMFOiP6w&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi1–6K9ZeJAxXcjYkEHU8jNb8QtKgLegQIDBAB&biw=1303&bih=903&dpr=1#vhid=n0M1Nbrt-9jqQM&vssid=mosaic
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“What does it mean to walk in the Spirit?” 1/17/2025 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26)

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Click on original post and speaker at the top, or the video in the middle…  You can listen to the whole post !!

Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/Spirit-walk.html

Question

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit?

Answer

Believers have the indwelling Spirit of Christ, the Comforter who proceeds from the Father (John 15:26). The Holy Spirit assists believers in prayer (Jude 1:20) and “intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:27). He also leads the believer into righteousness (Galatians 5:16–18) and produces His fruit in those yielded to Him (Galatians 5:22–23). Believers are to submit to the will of God and walk in the Spirit.

A “walk” in the Bible is often a metaphor for practical daily living. The Christian life is a journey, and we are to walk it—we are to make consistent forward progress. The biblical norm for all believers is that they walk in the Spirit: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25, KJV; cf. Romans 8:14). In other words, the Spirit gave us life in the new birth (John 3:6), and we must continue to live, day by day, in the Spirit.

To walk in the Spirit means that we yield to His control, we follow His lead, and we allow Him to exert His influence over us. To walk in the Spirit is the opposite of resisting Him or grieving Him (Ephesians 4:30).

Galatians 5 examines the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer. The context is freedom from the Law of Moses (Galatians 5:1). Those who walk in the Spirit “eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope” (verse 5) and are free from the Law (verse 18). Also, those who walk in the Spirit “will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (verse 16). The flesh—our fallen nature under the power of sin—is in direct conflict with the Spirit (verse 17). When the flesh is in charge, the results are obvious (verses 19–21). But when the Spirit is in control, He produces godly qualities within us, apart from the strictures of the Law (verses 22–23). Believers “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (verse 24), and now we walk in the Spirit (verse 25).

Those who walk in the Spirit are united with Him and are the bearers of the fruit the Spirit produces. Thus, those who walk in the Spirit walk in love—they live in love for God and for their fellow man. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in joy—they exhibit gladness in what God has done, is doing, and will do. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in peace—their lives are not defined by worry or anxiety (Philippians 4:6). Those who walk in the Spirit walk in patience—they are known for having a “long fuse” and do not lose their temper. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in kindness—they show tender concern for the needs of others. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in goodness—their actions reflect virtue and holiness. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in faithfulness—they are steadfast in their trust of God and His Word. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in gentleness—their lives are characterized by humility, grace, and thankfulness to God. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in self-control—they display moderation, constraint, and the ability to say “no” to the flesh.

Those who walk in the Spirit rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them in thought, word, and deed (Romans 6:11–14). They show forth daily, moment-by-moment holiness, just as Jesus did when, “full of the Holy Spirit, [He] left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” to be tempted (Luke 4:1).

To walk in the Spirit is to be filled with the Spirit, and some results of the Spirit’s filling are thankfulness, singing, and joy (Ephesians 5:18–20; Colossians 3:16). Those who walk in the Spirit follow the Spirit’s lead. They “let the word of Christ dwell in [them] richly” (Colossians 3:16, ESV), and the Spirit uses the Word of God “for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Their whole way of life is lived according to the rule of the gospel, as the Spirit moves them toward obedience. When we walk in the Spirit, we find that the sinful appetites of the flesh have no more dominion over us.

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

 

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

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“God’s Provided Protection” 10/15/2024 Written by Dave Branon for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

320 FULL ARMOR OF GOD ideas | armor of god, god, word of god

Written by Dave Branon for “Our Daily Bread” @  http://odb.org

[Click on the Original post below, the start audio arrow, and listen to the audio version at the top, including the prayer at the end]

Original post @  https://odb.org/2024/10/01/not-optional

October 1

God’s Provided Protection

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand.

Ephesians 6:11

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Ephesians 6:10-18

My wife and I put hundreds of miles on our bikes each year, pedaling the trails around West Michigan. To enhance the experience, we have some accessories that we’ve attached to our bikes. Sue has a frontlight, a backlight, an odometer, and a bike lock. My bike has a water bottle holder. In reality, we could ride our route successfully every day and rack up all those miles without the extras. They’re helpful but optional.

In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul writes about another set of accessories—but these aren’t optional. He said we must “put on” these things to be successful in living out our faith in Jesus. Our lives aren’t easy rides. We’re in a battle in which we must “stand against the devil’s schemes” (6:11), so we must be well-equipped.

Without the wisdom of Scripture, we can be swayed to accept error. Without Jesus helping us live out His “truth,” we’ll give in to lies (v. 14). Without the “gospel,” we’ll have no “peace” (v. 15). Without “faith” shielding us, we’ll succumb to doubt (v. 16). Our “salvation” and the Holy Spirit anchor us to live well for God (v. 17). This is our armor.

How vital that we travel the pathways of life protected from its real dangers. We do that when Christ equips us for the challenges along the way—when we “put on” the armor God provides.

By:  Dave Branon

Reflect & Pray

What does it mean for you to “put on” God’s armor? What situations are you facing that require His armor the most?

Dear Father, thank You for reminding me in Scripture how I can stand against Satan’s attacks.

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

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

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“A PLACE CALLED NEVERLAND . . .” 10/14/2024 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on October 14, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV) 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, - ppt download

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

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2024/10/07/a-place-called-neverland/

A PLACE CALLED NEVERLAND . . .

Posted on October 7, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Growing up is an amazing thing when you think about it. Our bodies mature. Our limbs stretch out. We add bulk to our tiny forms. Hair appears in all kinds of places. Our teeth come in and eventually fall out. Our senses get stronger but weaken with the years. Having had the wonderful experience of holding my newborn and only great-grandson on two separate occasions this week has given me a look at how beautiful the process of growing up becomes as we age.

There is nothing we can do to stop the progression, but I’ve learned in 82 years of living to never stop playing, laughing, or enjoying life. Even when you can’t find anything worth laughing about.

Some might call me cockeyed or a little crazy, but this thought process as served both my husband and me through 60 years of marriage and 8 years of knowing each other before then. We’ve been through countless difficulties during those years, but we continue to have fun even during the hardest of times. Many may think of me as not wanting to grow up or give up. When you can laugh through adversity – when you can enjoy the life God has given you – when you can turn darkness into light – I believe that is a good life. So instead of simply waiting to grow up or waiting to die, we continue to bring humor into our otherwise depressing situations. We talk in a Minnesota accent as we drive through the Scandinavian towns around us. We laugh at misspelled or inappropriate closed captioning. We brainstorm ideas for new stories. We laugh at our own shortcomings. We share life with each other in a joyful way. We press on for the prize.

The deadly “C” word has consumed much of the past fifteen years. Add to that heart issues, an aneurysm on the brain, and many assorted maladies. We could’ve given up a long time ago, but instead, we prayed and continued to do so. This isn’t a cure-all for healing, but it gives us time with the Creator of the Universe. What a gift that is. He will hear our prayers and answer them in His time and way. Maybe not always as we pray them, but in His wisdom and according to His plan.

So, as I looked at this perfectly formed life in my arms, I hoped I might be able to show him how to do the same. There will be times when he can’t wait to grow up. He will get angry with the rules required of him. He will try to control things by himself. He will develop physically, emotionally, and spiritually. God has a special future all mapped out for him, and it will be wonderful. Becoming older can be overrated, but walking through life with God only gets better each day.

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

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

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“The Real Pandemic…” 10/13/2024 Written by Gabrielle Guthrie for “See, there’s this thing called biology…~insanitybytes”

Posted on October 13, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

1 Peter 3:15 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

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

Original post found @ https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/2024/10/07/the-real-pandemic/

The Real Pandemic…

 

07MondayOct 2024

Posted by  in Uncategorized

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Somebody smart recently said, “The real pandemic is how stupid people are becoming.”

Join me for more tips on how to win friends and influence people.

Anyway, it’s very true and I couldn’t agree more. I think the Bible gives us a good clue as to the nature of the problem, in 1 Romans 1:22-32, all of it really, but summed up,  “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”

We have access to so much information, more than at any other time in human history, but we also have really short attention spans. So today people will watch a 15-second video clip and decide they just know everything there is to know about a subject. Or worse yet, a celebrity has a certain view on something and I hold that celebrity in esteem so that is now my view. Or, all the cool people think this so it must be true.

Pride, arrogance, and ego also tend to make us incredibly stupid and we are now living in a really narcissistic, self-absorbed culture, so the world is actively engaged in trying to make you even stupider than you already are to begin with.

It’s so important to immunize yourself against “teh stoopid” by practicing some humility, and by reminding yourself you do not always know what you think you know. Something that makes me crazy is that the Bible clearly tells us in 1 Peter 3:15, “….be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you….”

Judging by the answers that so many Christian people give on the internet like, “You’re an idiot,” “You’re delusional,” or “Go to hell,” I’m going to conclude that people are not prepared to give an answer. A whole lot of people don’t seem to know what they believe and why. That’s why they attack when they are challenged.

If you actually know what you believe and more importantly why you believe it, you are far less prone to react to other people as if they pose some kind of genuine threat to your entire belief system.

Now of course, people can be annoying, irritating, inconsiderate, and grate on your last nerve. There is plenty of grace needed here. Things can get heated, people can get snappish, and conflicts happen. I’m not lamenting the existence of hotheads, relational dysfunction, and poor communication skills, so much as I am lamenting what it reveals. It reveals that many do not know what they believe in and why. It’s not enough to just pick a position or take a stand on something, one also needs to know what they believe in and why they believe in 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…

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“Persevere in Hope” 10/12/2024 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on October 12, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

11 Bible Verses about 'Perseverance' - NCB - DailyVerses.net

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

Original post @ https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2024/09/23/persevere-in-hope/

Persevere in Hope

Romans 15:13 NIV, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

If you live here in the U.S., welcome to Fall!  I hope that you had an enjoyable summer. Or whatever part of the world you’re in, welcome to your new season! My daughter is spending some time in South America, and she says they just entered spring, which is my favorite season. I consider her lucky to get to enjoy spring twice.

At the beginning of the year, I shared that perseverance was my word for 2024. Almost ten months into the year, I can definitely see why the Lord gave me that word. I have certainly had to persevere through some difficult things. As you reflect on the word persevere, I am sure you can think of multiple things you too have had to persevere through. Or perhaps, you’re still in the battle.

Photo by: Yelena Odintsova of England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

I have been thinking about hope lately, and I think that to remain hopeful takes courage, determination, and perseverance, especially in the midst of the many changes that life often brings our way.

I saw this simple definition of hope from Oxford languages, “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” This definition alerts us to the close relationship between hope, expectation, and desire. When we’re hoping in someone or something, we usually have expectations and desires attached to that hope.

We all know it can be disappointing when our expectations are not met, and our desires go unfulfilled. Even sometimes when we hope in God and have expectations of Him, we may feel He has somehow let us down. However, I love it when God’s word reminds me of His faithfulness in the midst of my anxious thoughts…

Psalm 145:16 NIV, “You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.”

Psalm 37:4 NIV, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

I believe there is hope in the fact that God always sees and hears us and will ultimately do what is best for us. Even when we don’t see the results right away.

In my own life, I have had to decide, sometimes daily, not to give up on hope. Romans 15:13 tells us, God is called the God of hope and He is willing to fill us with joy and peace that will cause us to overflow with hope. This promise assures us that we can keep persevering in hope, by His grace.

Photo by: Lynnelle Richardson of Australia

My biggest hope is to live eternally in heaven with Jesus, but as long as I am here on Earth, I have hopes for this life. I trust God to meet my needs and show me His goodness in this life. I encourage you to keep trusting Him as well. 

Psalm 27:13 NIV, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

Even in the midst of persecution, trials, difficult people or disappointing circumstances, decide not to lose hope. Decide not to give up on the God of Hope. He is the Giver of Hope and of all good things.

James 1:17 NLT, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

Remember, God has not forgotten you and He never will. So don’t lose hope.

Have a blessed and hope-filled day.

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

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

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“Perfect? Me?” 10/11/2024 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

You therefore shall be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect

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

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2024/09/20/perfect-me/

Perfect? Me?

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Beth Andrews

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

I’m trying. But I’ll never pull it off. I’ll never be perfect. I am too human, too flawed, too me. I am reminded of that painful truth every day. I’ll never reach that impossible measure. I might as well give up. Why would Jesus demand such a thing of me when He knows I can’t do it.

Because He is not telling me to be without fault, He is telling me to be complete. The word “perfect” in Greek is teleios, and it means to bring to an end, to finish, to be mature. (Honestly, I’m not even sure I can pull off mature.) Jesus used that word when He told the rich man to sell all he had and give it to the poor and follow Him (Matt. 19:21). Paul used it to say that we must put childishness behind us and be mature (1 Cor 14:20). James said that perfection comes from patience (sigh) (Jas 1:4). And John said that God’s love is perfect – complete and full (1 John 4:18).

Here’s the thing about our key verse in Matthew 5; it comes in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount – after the Beatitudes and the part about do not murder or commit adultery. It comes in the passage where Jesus said “Love your enemies” Oh.

He said “Do not resist an evil person . . . turn the other cheek . . . go the extra mile . . . give with no conditions. (vs. 38-42). He said, “Pray for those who persecute you, who despitefully use you.” (vs. 43-48). Be kind and gracious to those who stand against you. That, He said is what sons (and daughters) of the Father do. That is what perfect people do. That is what the Father has done for me and for you. That puts the whole idea of perfection in a new light, doesn’t it?

There are two times that Jesus used a word – teleo – that shares the same root meaning as teleios – both of these words come from the base meaning of “an end result or goal.” Twice Jesus said, “It is finished” – at the cross when the work of salvation was completed (John 19:30), and in Revelation 21:6 when the work of creation was completed. Finished. Done. Perfect.

I do want to perfect. But I can’t do that on my own. Thankfully, I don’t have to. Neither do you Beloved.

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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…

Photo credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=a4f4a06d7248b912&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+mat+5:48&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J03RPjGV0MznOJ6Likin94oGSh4l60tfPppA0C5BN3Bom6kHGpJHn7EVuNALQGJ5ECLZXcQeFVI9ZjFEYIlvC4A0X1A5hYXVZIchksHpMH7WV02tkRK7mBeeFqk9Ny5yKL-imh-pD9ICs2NKoknEXBlMy1ySIrn9rDpp5YVd48typlFRTQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiUgtHHpYaJAxVBMlkFHXeJFngQtKgLegQIERAB&biw=1303&bih=910#vhid=pCJvsQhGYrWgYM&vssid=mosaic
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