“Be sure your fight is on God’s side !!” 8/14/2024 Written by Louis Mize, a good friend

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Romans 12 - Holy Bible English - BibleWordings.com

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

“Be sure your fight is on God’s side !!”

Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.

Psalm 144:1

Throughout the course of a man’s life, he will face many battles. Some of those battles just may evolve into full-fledged war. And even as God’s people should desire peace, some people refuse to live peaceable with us.

Romans 12:18 tells us this: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceable with all men.” But even as we desire peace, some people desire to be at war with us. And when people are bent on being at war with us, we better be willing and able to defend ourselves against them.

My God is the God who longs for man to be reconciled with Him. But sadly, some don’t desire fellowship with Him. And those people are making war against God and Christians. I thank God this morning that He teaches us in His word that there is indeed a time to fight. And when that time comes, Christians need the strength of the Lord. And we need His counsel on when and how to fight.

Does God desire for us to live in peace? Absolutely! Does God expect us to defend ourselves when people make war against us? The answer to those questions is YES! We just better make certain that when we fight our wars and our battles, we are on God’s side. Too many ask God to be on “their” side. For you see, when we are on God’s side, our fight will be under His direction and His perfect will.

And when that is the case, VICTORY is sure and certain! Defend yourselves! God will show us how!

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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…

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=70115b77c1e466d4&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+rom+12:18&udm=2&source=univ&fir=aF-aK_DQdJR3MM%252CGXMMlONzNHDD5M%252C_%253BEEVKT4tjdK-kxM%252CGXMMlONzNHDD5M%252C_%253Buy5O3-wy-kniiM%252CLpQaClrUHd1ylM%252C_%253BhbEdz7p-gxqgGM%252CXhamaLuaIJBidM%252C_%253BFOOIXEac-7IgkM%252Cz8P6N5Puh4AgmM%252C_%253BgtX0FCMYTyQb_M%252CVeI81DHs-HShrM%252C_%253BYpiFUqKiREgAIM%252CipZXidxvDBwMbM%252C_%253BAEhuleo_nM0ZLM%252C5OkG2vrJ6mHzmM%252C_%253BRDIVd63I3WAg7M%252CSdZKI1cWXEkJqM%252C_%253BCU7IlQ53-Ww3wM%252CPDT8nsrcxJTP4M%252C_%253BjVTrZ1ZPaLhZxM%252Cj3DOSOpUzUZnKM%252C_%253B06L5XK-CFd6RoM%252CwuUPa3WeaOXR9M%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQkEn3ZpB8exjpBwsbWjI8zPDOS0Q&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjms92juvSHAxVjl4kEHYkzMUUQ7Al6BAgTEAo&biw=1319&bih=910&dpr=1#vhid=icIQGMrFfxYtCM&vssid=mosaic
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“Eternal Comfort” 8/13/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 — Berea Project

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

Original post @  https://info.truthforlife.org/transformed-by-grace-2?ecid=ACsprvuiK161TY6gR9cQYZwlVd133dx99NJfC7Y69v1CLO8mkGJYnBrsPF_9XOaVCQhnXH_1EzZm&utm_campaign=Spurgeon%20Daily%20Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8oqFcRj4W_F0veOZxwF3JKdz84x8wCIIVF_LvD0VYoi9iKISTJxnzP4vzWB4ygT_k1oLHSr0wl1trJYh-5X3VzFUetACZL8Oljvrv8xQh4u1CbfMo&_hsmi=319479749&utm_content=319479749&utm_source=hs_email

August 11

Eternal Comfort

Eternal comfort.

2 Thessalonians 2:16

Comfort. There is music in the word: Like David’s harp, it charms away the evil spirit of melancholy. It was a distinguished honor to Barnabas to be called “the son of encouragement”;1 it is one of the illustrious names of one greater than Barnabas, for the Lord Jesus is the comfort of Israel. “Eternal comfort”! This is the best of all, for the everlasting nature of comfort is its crown and glory.

What is this “eternal comfort”? It includes a sense of pardoned sin. A Christian man has received in his heart the witness of the Spirit that his iniquities are put away like a cloud, and his transgressions like a thick cloud. If sin is pardoned, is that not an eternal comfort? Next, the Lord gives His people an abiding sense of being accepted in Christ. The Christian knows that God looks upon him as standing in union with Jesus. Union with the risen Lord is a comfort of the most abiding order; it is, in fact, everlasting. Let sickness prostrate us—haven’t we seen hundreds of believers as happy in the weakness of disease as they would have been in the enjoyment of blooming health?

If death’s arrows pierce us to the heart, our comfort does not die, for we have often heard the songs of saints as they rejoiced because the living love of God was shed abroad in their hearts in dying moments. Yes, a sense of acceptance in the Beloved is an eternal comfort. Moreover, the Christian is convinced of his security. God has promised to save those who trust in Christ: The Christian does trust in Christ, and he believes that God will be as good as His word and will save him. He feels that he is safe by virtue of his being bound up with the person and work of Jesus. Herein is comfort such as can be found nowhere else and in no one else!

  1. Acts 4:36
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…

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=2f2a9b615a786099&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&sxsrf=ADLYWIJv8FJHKuShjWeow13vrt8PDkio1A:1723552151570&q=image+2+thes+2:16-17&udm=2&source=univ&fir=gRjghqG-MDzxHM%252CYCV5m54755lhHM%252C_%253BVAYSMjHIB-JxHM%252Cp0J5t6Qed7YMXM%252C_%253Bh5EaM1t1iMdPEM%252C4VXg9n1ahU34tM%252C_%253BpZdC45KqtkPCnM%252CqeSteJHpIYa18M%252C_%253BfVtQGX70v2ft0M%252Cl2s3kaDCDmkPUM%252C_%253BLT-1JqmGsYGBHM%252CwKrn98sBVZW4yM%252C_%253BRU0C7bzcY5qZ5M%252CWmbqWbM0-VH7WM%252C_%253BPncUy8OuJlfORM%252CvVbwcCHAm2r2jM%252C_%253BCClpI9bVOySN-M%252CAZvoUsL6WqdwlM%252C_%253BBHku_BnwyjX4QM%252C-B7bWDdk5lPzcM%252C_%253BuATLd9uFMiWb0M%252CHN3_UUJCRurmJM%252C_%253BY5yxD6cXP_dLcM%252CXlxUgnv408uj7M%252C_&usg=AI4_-kRQysam_xImVvwzfqgHzJ1vUM0PKw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwio8PuN_PGHAxWvv4kEHRvuLuwQ7Al6BAgTEAo&biw=1319&bih=910&dpr=1#vhid=38zj1q0m1RlFJM&vssid=mosaic
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“My Solid Rock and My Salvation” 8/12/2024 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on August 12, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

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

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2024/06/28/my-rock-and-my-salvation-3/

My Solid Rock and My Salvation

28FridayJun 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 18, Psalms

Tags David, fortress, Psalms, Rock, rock of refuge, salvation, shield, strength, stronghold, the LORD, wisdom

 

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365

Reading: Psalm 18:1-5
For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD.


He sang to the LORD the words of this song
when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies
and from the hand of Saul. He said:

I love you, LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I have been saved from my enemies.
The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
 The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me (NIV). *

2021-07-16

Christ is our living Rock — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Psalm 18 is one of the longer Psalms in the Book of Psalms. Step by step, day by day we will glean wisdom from the psalmist, David, as we make our way through this psalm.

In many respects, Psalm 18 is a psalm of culmination. The introductory note tells us David composed and sang this psalm when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. For many long years David had been fleeing for his life from his master King Saul. At long last, after repeatedly calling on God in great distress, David has triumphed. And now through the words of this psalm, he gives all the credit and all the glory to God.

Notice the list of attributes David ascribes to the LORD: my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my rock, my shield, my salvation, and my stronghold. To David the LORD had proven Himself repeatedly during years of hard times to be the embodiment of each of those attributes. If you call on Him, the LORD can be all those things for you as well.

Did you notice my rock is the only attribute that is repeated in this list? Why repeat the phrase my rock? In the prophetic realm, during all those years of severe testing, Christ was the rock on which David took his stand. David did not build his life on the shifting sands of public opinion or popularity. He built his life on Christ. A thousand years in advance, David was putting into practice the words of Jesus, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).

Now that’s wisdom—applied wisdom for the ages!

Response: Heavenly Father, help me daily to build my life on the rock, Christ Jesus. Lord Jesus, You are my fortress, my salvation, and my stronghold. I put my full trust in You. Amen.

Your Turn: How is God like a rock in your life? Has He sustained you during difficult times? Is He helping you through tough times right now, or has He already turned the tide in your favor?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

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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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“On being Christ-like?” 8//11/2024 Written by Gabrielle Guthrie for “See, there’s this thing called biology…~insanitybytes”

Posted on August 11, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

1 Corinthians 2:16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

 15 Bible verses about being more like Christ-  https://everydayservant.com/top-15-bible-verses-being-more-like-jesus/

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

Original post found @ https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/2024/07/31/on-being-christ-like/

On being Christ-like?

31WednesdayJul 2024

Posted by insanitybytes22 in Uncategorized

Tags blogging, faith, humor, insanitybytes22, life, opinion, social critics

 

“Our foremost call is not to be armchair social critics but to be Christlike.” -John Crowder.

I enjoy John Crowder, he’s a rather charismatic charismatic, refreshing and much-needed voice in the world sometimes. Just off the top of my head, I can think of about a dozen Christian social media influencers with all their bizarre and off-the-wall “hot takes” on every single issue who really need to take his words to heart.

That said, I kind of had to laugh at the irony. I am pretty sure that Christ was actually a social critic. The ultimate social critic. Unlike some of the corny films from long ago, He did not hover 3 feet off the ground floating around and just being virtuous and Christ-like. In fact, it actually took me decades to get that false image of Him out of my mind, that distant and Holy Jesus with the stony look on His face that was often portrayed in some of those old films. That is so not the Jesus we read about in the Bible, the One who actually knocked over some tables and called a few people, white-washed tombs.

Much of what Jesus said to us involved some form of social criticism. His parables actually begin with something akin to, A priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan were walking down the road one day….Spoiler alert here, but at the time there really was no such thing as a “good” Samaritan. Jesus often liked to flip our preconceived notions on their head.

You simply cannot separate Jesus from both his social justice activities and His social criticism activities. As inconvenient as it might feel politically, to be Christlike is to incorporate them both. And yes, also to infuse your whole being with mercy, compassion, healing, love, forgiveness, joy kindness, gentleness, self-control….

It’s a tall order and none of us are capable of pulling it off, not fully and certainly not alone.

Thomas Aquinas is credited for once having said, “justice without mercy is cruelty; mercy without justice is dissolution.” Some people in the Christian world are like, just preach the gospel, implying that we should just ignore everything else so as not to convolute the issue. We Christian people need to get used to holding opposing concepts in tension. In fact, we have to stop making them “opposing” in the first place! There is no conflict between justice and mercy, at least not in Christ.

To be a social critic actually is to be Christ-like, it is an aspect of who Christ is and how He walked in our world. True, human beings can make a mess out of anything and I’m sure we can find numerous examples of social critics who seem to display something decidedly not Christ-like. Just the same, Jesus was a social critic.

We should probably go back to the definition of a “critic.” It does not necessarily mean, “a judgy, disapproving person,” it can also mean, “one who judges the merits of literary, artistic, or musical works, especially one who does so professionally” or even, “a person who engages in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of truth and beauty.”

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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…

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=4a9febc07b5fa96a&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&sxsrf=ADLYWIJ9bTdms-rDXxfbVRqAoEuB6EkR5A:1723379678871&q=image+1+cor2:16,&udm=2&source=univ&fir=rZMy0KnP3CHrrM%252Cd9CdMqYFSPMFFM%252C_%253B7lTepYrRyaBygM%252CEbgB2-SZqyle0M%252C_%253BFAkQYLCSYrPXSM%252CaHK4LX9CBi2oMM%252C_%253B37zZAM9Y9gg-7M%252CaHK4LX9CBi2oMM%252C_%253B0A4Tw9Ei0bjCVM%252C91782WeCSqgnrM%252C_%253BfL4SipPqyjE27M%252CdEX_dC5nuFYcAM%252C_%253BiltC01Gw5J18pM%252CG9i5pjC9toIlQM%252C_%253BfPEiP7AnJpDJeM%252CaHK4LX9CBi2oMM%252C_%253Bzx4j3jf4tWVvXM%252CVjwBeCuAVaMoZM%252C_%253BdFvmDF5smFNVaM%252CkpHMb1NeuIy0LM%252C_%253BQS9-AnXLsD372M%252C87E5pmTpkl49oM%252C_%253BgBNln4TatrnW7M%252CdEX_dC5nuFYcAM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kT6Wc_UGEBYJnxHeQ5BfxzUyBQyzQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjI2snM-eyHAxWCl4kEHVn9JTsQ7Al6BAgpEAo&biw=1319&bih=910&dpr=1#vhid=iltC01Gw5J18pM&vssid=mosaic
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“The Key to Everything” 8/10/2024 Written by Nancy Ruegge for “From The Inside Out”

Posted on August 10, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org 

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

Your Daily Bible Verses — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 — Integrated Catholic Life™

29  Bible verses about the importance of prayer-  https://www.bibleportal.com/topic/the-importance-of-prayer

 

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

View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/08/08/the-key-to-everything/

 

The Key to Everything

August 8, 2024 by Nancy Ruegg

How would you fill in the blank of this statement?

_______________ is the key to everything we need to do and be in life.

Many of us might choose faith, obedience to God, or perseverance.

But according to Pastor/author Timothy Keller, the answer is prayer [1].

He would have us understand that “there is nothing more important . . . or richer, or more life-altering as prayer. There is absolutely nothing so great as prayer” [2].

However, Keller readily admits that prayer is hard. It’s a discipline to stay focused on Someone invisible. Not only do distractions cause interference, but doubts produce discouragement, and disappointments over prayers not answered (as we’d hoped) can breed demoralization.

It’s easy to put this key aside and “let God be God” without our participation.

Oh, what we miss.

Puritan preacher and writer John Bunyan would have us understand:

That is, through prayer, every cranny of our lives is impacted by his uplifting influence—our personalities, thoughts, choices, circumstances, and more. Through prayer he fills us with the totality of his excellencies and his empowering presence. 

Could anything be more sublime?

In addition, we can enjoy these blessings:

Prayer makes a sour heart sweet, a sad heart merry, a poor heart rich, a foolish heart wise, a timid heart courageous, a sick heart well, a blind heart full of vision, a cold heart ardent. For it draws down the great God into the little heart; it drives the hungry soul up to the plentitude of God; it brings together those two lovers, God and the soul.

— Mechthild of Madgeburg, a 13th century German woman, a mystic

Could anything be more satisfying?

To be honest though, there are days when my prayer time is more discipline than delight. I need an attitude-adjustment through review of such benefits as listed above, reminders of what prayer is supposed to be in the first place, and the positive outcomes of prayer.

What Prayer Is Supposed to Be

First, let’s address what prayer is not.

Prayer is meant to be an intimate, personal encounter with God himself, the King of the universe. We so easily forget what a precious gift this is, a privilege beyond comprehension.

In addition, prayer is meant to be a “link between his will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit’s prayer” (Elisabeth Elliot).

Could anything provide greater honor?

Contemplation of such realities will surely renew our pleasure in prayer and produce joyful anticipation for what’s to come: amazement in our answered prayers.

The Impact of Prayer

Regardless of what the answers might be, prayer: 

  • fortifies human weakness with divine strength

  • transforms human irrationality into godly wisdom

  • gives to troubled minds the peace of God

  • unlocks the deepest joy

  • develops our friendship with God

  • augments our ability to discern the mind of God [3]

Those are life-transforming outcomes! And no doubt we could list more.

No wonder Timothy Keller named prayer as the key to everything.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Thank You, Father, for allowing us the privilege of prayer. What additional proof do we need of your marvelous loving kindness? Help us to use this gift wisely throughout this day [4].

 

[1] Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, 18.

[2] Ibid, 32.

[3] The first three results from Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, 287; points #4 & #5 from Sara Hagerty, Unseen, 201, 207; Point #6 from Oswald Chambers.

[4] Based on a prayer of Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, 287.

Art & photo credits: http://www.freerangestock.com; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.snl.no/Oswald_Chambers; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org.

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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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“Obey And Be Blessed” 8/09/2024 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

John 14 23 Them and make our home PowerPoint Church Sermon | Presentation Graphics | Presentation PowerPoint Example | Slide Templates

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

Original post @  https://seizetheday-blog.com/2024/07/17/obey-and-be-blessed-3/

 

Obey And Be Blessed

 

July 17, 2024

 

“Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.” Jeremiah 7:23 (NIV

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How do we know when someone is a true believer in God? When he/she obeys God.

Now keep on reading …

Intuitively most of us don’t like the word “obey”. When we hear it, we shut down. When we read it in the Bible we often think it’s a strident, harsh, cold, or demanding word. But we’re wrong! The word “obey” in the Old Testament is sama, which means “to hear.”

 

When God asks us “to hear,” He wants us to understand and respond, i.e., act in accordance with His Word. Then, when we hear/obey, God promises to bless His people (e.g. Leviticus 25:18-19, Deuteronomy 6:3).

 

The good news is that obedience is God’s loving invitation to blessing (Jeremiah 7:23). Here are some important things we should know about obedience:

  • to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)

  • life goes well for us when we obey God (Jeremiah 7:23)

  • we go backward, not forward, when we disobey God (Jeremiah 7:24-26)

  • God gets angry when we refuse to obey Him (Jeremiah 7:27-29)

 

Obedience is a response. It’s hearing, grasping what God wants me to do, and acting on it. Obedience is intrinsic to our relationship with God. He initiates by speaking, and we respond by obeying. When we obey, we’re blessed with what He wants to give us. When we disobey, we’re disciplined. So let’s remember, as we go about whatever we’re doing today, that we live in fellowship with God only as we obey Him.

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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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“WHEN IT GETS HARD AND HEARTBREAKING!” 8/08/2024 Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on August 8, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Psalms 143:10 – Becoming Mary

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

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2023/01/18/when-it-gets-hard-and-heartbreaking/

WHEN IT GETS HARD AND HEARTBREAKING!

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Pastor Randy

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

Psalm 143, verse 10; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

 

This morning is one of those mornings I don’t like! No, the coffee pot didn’t fail me, thank God! Yesterday afternoon was busy for me. I packed my bags for a trip I didn’t want to make. My wife Debbie’s cousin, Michelle, is in a hospice center in Auburndale, Florida. She is dying from a rare and rapidly advancing form of cancer. We are leaving this afternoon for that 12-hour trip to be with the family. A little background here. Michelle’s Dad, Wiley, has been and is more of a Dad to Debbie than her own Dad. So Wiley’s daughters are more like sisters to her. So they are like sisters-in-law to me. We just need to be there.

We are in a very hard moment in life. And though I am “just” an in-law, some may say “outlaw”, they are my family, too. And their friends are our friends. I’m trying to process all this pain, and yes some anger, and it’s. . . well it’s just plain hard! So I’m reminding myself that sometimes life IS hard. It’s the nature of this fallen world we all live in. And even after 66+ years of living here, I still don’t like it.

And is it OK with you if I’m honest with you? Well, I’m going to be honest with you, like it or not! I am struggling right now. More than struggling, I’m in a quagmire. Now I’ve got a choice: I can wallow in this quagmire like a pig wallows in mud. Or–I can do something different. Being covered in this muck isn’t desirable for me. I’m not the brightest person in the world, but I sure ain’t the stupidest either. So, the only option is to do something different. And what would that be? I’m so glad you asked me this question.

I can do what the most prolific songwriter ever did when he found himself in the mud hole of life. “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.”  I know this thing called cancer isn’t His Will. Sorry fundamentalists and Calvinists. Not everything that happens in life is God’s will. It’s OK to disagree with me on this point. But you’re still wrong. And I am going to be blunt with you: I haven’t a clue as to what God is teaching me in this hard and difficult season!

But there is something I do know. I know that God is Good! I know that He loves me. I know that He is faithful to me. He proved it to me on that Cross and a gazillion times since then. And I know that whatever it is He is teaching me, it’s good, good for me, and will bring Him honor and glory. What am I doing right now? Checking the list of things we need to pack, making sure they will get into the car, and I am saying the very same prayer David did when he was in the muck and mire of life as it happens: May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. God, I sure need some firm footing right now! And if you can spare the time, please pray for our family and that I will be a good student of Jesus–paying attention to Him and applying what He is teaching me!

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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 Permanent Promise” 8/07/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

JOHN 6:37 (Today's Gospel Reading: John 6:37-40) | A CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE

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

Original post @ https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/7/30/2024/?ecid=ACsprvu7xJRZfXCAEmMMR7I4HSD_exclUnM08wuGxynnuMB1Oyr0ucWbyfy0vmXPyOGlmUo7zMQj&utm_campaign=Spurgeon+Daily+Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8iN-3K0tMxjMCWcmwNMpYV9niYJ2gkvYJ6iSb6lBYENMaUGCREhJ-whS-gOcVyZ3J6aqVkEti9ItrbxGW47UsyzL3H6UFJVCunNFw65pnxEt88vk8&_hsmi=317743079&utm_content=317743079&utm_source=hs_email

A Permanent Promise

 

Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

John 6:37

There is no expiration date on this promise. It does not merely say, “I will not cast out a sinner at his first coming,” but “I will never cast him out.” The original reads, “I will not, not cast out,” or “I will never, never cast out.” The text means that Christ will not at first reject a believer, and that as He will not do it at first, so He will not to the last.

But suppose the believer sins after coming? “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”1 But suppose that believers backslide? “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them.”2 But believers may fall under temptation! “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”3 But the believer may fall into sin as David did! Yes, but He will “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”4

Once in Christ, in Christ forever,
Nothing from His love can sever.

Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”5 What do you say to this, O trembling, feeble mind? This is a precious mercy. Coming to Christ, you do not come to One who will treat you well for a little while and then send you about your business, but He will receive you and make you His bride, and you shall be His forever! Live no longer in the spirit of bondage to fear, but in the spirit of adoption, which cries, “Abba, Father!” Oh, the grace of these words: “I will never cast out.”

1) 1 John 2:1
2) Hosea 14:4
3) 1 Corinthians 10:13
4) Psalm 51:7
5) John 10:28

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.

Get the Program, Devotional, and Bib

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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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“What does it mean to walk in the Spirit?” 8/06/2024 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on August 6, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

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

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

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

Click on the original post and speaker at the top…  You can listen to the whole post !!

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.

For Further Study

The Spirit-Filled Life: Discovering the Joy of Surrendering to the Holy Spirit by Charles Stanley

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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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“Transforming Worship” 8/05/2024 Written by Tom Felten for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on August 5, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

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Written by Tom Felten for “Our Daily Bread” @  http://odb.org

[Click on the “Listen Online” link and listen to the audio version at the top, including the prayer at the end in the original post link below]

Original post @ https://odb.org/2024/07/28/transforming-worship

July 28

Transforming Worship

 

Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people.

Psalm 30:4

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Psalm 30

Susy wept as she sat outside the hospital’s intensive care unit—waves of paralyzing fear sweeping over her. The tiny lungs of her two-month-old baby were filled with fluid, and doctors said they were doing their best to save him but gave no guarantees. At that moment she says she “felt the sweet, gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit reminding [her] to worship God.” With no strength to sing, she played praise songs on her phone over the next three days in the hospital. As she worshiped, she found hope and peace. Today, she says the experience taught her that “worship doesn’t change God, but it definitely changes you.”

Facing desperate circumstances, David called out to God in prayer and praise (Psalm 30:8). One commentator notes that the psalmist prayed “for grace issued in praise and transformation.” God turned David’s “wailing into dancing” and he declared that he would “praise [God] forever”—in all circumstances (vv. 11-12). While it can be hard to praise God during painful times, it can lead to transformation. From despair to hope, from fear to faith. And He can use our example to encourage and transform others (vv. 4-5).

Susy’s baby boy was restored to health by God’s grace. While not all challenges in life will end as we hope they will, He can transform us and fill us with renewed joy (v. 11) as we worship Him even in our pain.

By: Tom Felten

Reflect & Pray

How might worshiping God as you endure pain affect you? How might your example affect others?

Dear God, please transform me even as I worship You in my pain and difficulties.

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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…

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=image+Romans+12%3A2&sca_esv=4411dbe1c3f361d6&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&udm=2&biw=1319&bih=910&sxsrf=ADLYWILqZ09OLuFM-DOPxKZlXgkct41HZA%3A1722860394108&ei=asOwZoGnBqitptQPz-jB6QE&ved=0ahUKEwiBhKeO692HAxWolokEHU90MB0Q4dUDCBI&uact=5&oq=image+Romans+12%3A2&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiEWltYWdlIFJvbWFucyAxMjoySJwXUK4JWK0McAF4AJABAJgBPKABcaoBATK4AQPIAQD4AQGYAgCgAgCYAwCIBgGSBwCgB1o&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#vhid=3E8zSN6-rwGfuM&vssid=mosaic
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