“Judging Others” 10/15/2019 Posted by Don Merritt for “The Life Project”

Posted on October 15, 2019 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

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Posted by Don Merritt  for “The Life Project” @  https://lifereference.wordpress.com

Original post @   https://lifereference.wordpress.com/2019/10/11/judging-others-5/

Judging Others

Posted on October 11, 2019 by 

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Matthew 7:1-5

I’m tempted to simply post these verses, and wish all a great day without further comment, for they are more than self-explanatory. We are not to pass judgment on other people, period.

Experience tells me however, that if I just leave it there, I am going to get comments. Yes sir, I’ll be told that I’m not properly dealing with sin in our midst…

Maybe that’s true… but I doubt it.

It seems to me that Jesus’ point is that we must deal with our own sin before we should be getting after our brother’s. Of course, as a community, we encourage and help each other to deal with problems, including sin; I’m all for that, but let’s be very clear: That is not the same thing as judging others!

“Judging” is what God will do on the last day; it is condemnation to “eternal perdition” and that is reserved for God alone. Quite honestly, I am delighted that judging others is so far above my pay grade.

Does that mean that we must condone sin? Of course not, it only means that we deal with the problems of others without judging the people involved. To be very clear, we cannot possibly help our brother by condemning him, but we can help him by loving him enough to guide and encourage him onto the right path.

That is love in action, not judging. Love in action requires empathy and grace along with the truth to bring about healing and redemption… and with that, I’ll wish you a blessed 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 for this most important days writing, 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/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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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“Hope for the Future and Joy for Today” 10/14/2019 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org

Posted on October 14, 2019 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

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Posted by Alister Begg   for   www.truthforlife.org

 

Original site  @   https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/daily-devotionals/10/2/1/?ecid=ACsprvs0rvV-NLImouJ6d2LgJeU6A5C785u11znq5vMQznrkXFPYjfnMPGzI-ffyE8TXjK78BqFd&utm_campaign=Daily%20Devotion%20Emails&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=77511922&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9dsuYuLUiRdR1rn7CmaGHBOsoOE1FSnimS6rwe9dHgGdbA-ctzH9EjI-WWCk0S4DsR54mL8FdStsuKoephgxkGpbzqLOh1DXMYOd6jZfoQUuSVG5Y&_hsmi=77511922

 

Hope for the Future and Joy for Today

The hope laid up for you in heaven.

 Colossians 1:5

Our hope in Christ for the future is the mainspring and the mainstay of our joy down here today. Our hearts will be stirred by thinking often of heaven, for all that we can desire is promised there.

Here we are tired and weary, but over there is the land of rest where the sweat of toil will no longer soak our shirts, and fatigue will be banished forever. To those who are weary and worn, the word rest is full of heaven. We are always in the field of battle; we are so tempted and so molested by foes that we have little or no peace; but in heaven we will enjoy the victory, when the banner shall be unfurled in triumph, and the sword will be sheathed, and we will hear our Captain say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”1

We have suffered bereavement after bereavement, but we are going to the land of the immortal where graves do not exist. Here sin is a constant grief to us, but there we will be perfectly holy, for there will be nothing in heaven to defile it. There are no needs in the furrows of celestial fields. It is a source of deep joy to realize that the wilderness journey of our earthly pilgrimage will end and we will inherit heaven.

But let us make sure that we are not just dreaming about the future and thus forgetting the present. Let all thoughts of the future serve to make us useful in the present. Through the Spirit of God the hope of heaven is the most powerful force for producing virtue; it is a fountain of joyful endeavor; it is the cornerstone of cheerful holiness. Those who have this hope in them go about their work with vigor, for the joy of the Lord is their strength. They fight hard against temptation, for the hope of the next world repels the fiery darts of the adversary. They can work without immediate reward, for they anticipate a reward in the world to come.

1) Matthew 25:23

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright (c) 2003, Good News Publishers and used by Truth For Life with written permission. Today’s Bible Reading material is taken from McCheyne Bible reading plan and used by Truth For Life with permission. Scripture quotations are taken from Holy Bible: English Standard Version, copyright (c) 2001, Good News Publishers.

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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 for this most important days writing, 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/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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 Life of the Party” 10/13/2019 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on October 13, 2019 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

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

Original post @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2019/10/10/the-life-of-the-party/

 

The Life of the Party

POSTED ON  BY 

“My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you .”

(Psalm 42:6)

I used to throw amazing “pity-parties.” Like celebrations of ancient royalty, I could stretch a good bad mood for days on end. Of course, these soirees were always a solo affair. No one ever seemed to want to come. But a good pity-party was best when it was just me and my dark thoughts. Well, I stand corrected. There was always one guest I could count on every time: Satan. He loved my parties almost as much as I did. He brought the snacks and fed me hopeless thoughts and dismal forecasts. He lowered the lights and played the music of loneliness: “See, nobody notices that you are down. Nobody cares about you. Nobody loves you.” He was the perfect companion and kept the “party mood” going.


But something happened – or Someone happened. God. I discovered an incredible thing: it is hard to keep a pity-party going when God is around. Misery flees when the love of God is present. Despair has no place where there is hope and peace and Joy. Lies cannot exist in the presence of the Truth. And Satan will not stick around when God is in the house.


I still have down days and I will always fight against depression, but I’ve discovered a new way to “party.” I invite God as my Guest of Honor. He feeds me with His goodness and love when I meditate on His Word. I listen to the Spirit now instead of Satan’s playlist. I take negative thoughts captive and replace them with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. God had brought light where there was once only darkness. He truly is the “Life of the party.”

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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 for this most important days writing, 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/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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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“Help in our Daily Battles” 10/12/2019 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on October 12, 2019 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

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

Original post found @  https://davidkitz.blog/2019/01/28/help-in-our-daily-battles/

 

Help in our Daily Battles

28MondayJan 2019

Posted by  in Bible, Devotionals, Psalm 35, Psalms

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Reading: Psalm 35
(Verses 7-10)

Since they hid their net for me without cause
and without cause dug a pit for me,
may ruin overtake them by surprise—
may the net they hid entangle them,
may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD
and delight in his salvation.
My whole being will exclaim,
“Who is like you, LORD?
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them” (NIV).

20190117_l-kranz

Frost covered pines — photo courtesy of Liz Kranz

Reflection
Paul the apostle reminds us that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are engaged in spiritual warfare.Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand  (Ephesians 6:11-13).

The conflicts that David experienced in the Old Testament, reflected in the words of this portion of Psalm 35, are mirrored in the spiritual warfare experienced by New Testament believers. Make no mistake—the devil and his cohorts have dug a pit to trap you; they spread their nets to ensnare you in sin and degradation. But as was true for David, the LORD has also provided a way of escape for you and me. Once again Paul reminds us of this: No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The LORD has equipped us with the armor of God and He has provided a way of escape, so then with David we can rejoice in the victory the LORD will bring.

Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.”

Satan is a thief and a robber, who robs us of victory, peace and joy. But like David and Paul we can overcome. Victory is possible because the victory has already been won for us at the cross, and it was confirmed on resurrection morning at the empty tomb. “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25).

Response: Heavenly Father, I thank you that you have provided armor so that I can stand against the wiles of the devil. I praise you for the power of your holy word. I have victory through your blood, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: In your battle against sin are you using “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of 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 for this most important days writing, 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/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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 provides for His faithful Children” 10/11/2019 Written by Louis Mize, a Facebook friend

Posted on October 11, 2019 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

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Written by Louis Mize, a Facebook friend

Original post @  https://www.facebook.com/louis.mize

“God provides for His faithful Children”

And that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you. v.12: That you may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that you may have lack of nothing.
1st Thessalonians 4:11-12

I have lived long enough to understand that God expects a certain type of lifestyle from those who know Him and claim Him as our Lord, Savior, and God. When He calls us to study to be quiet, He is calling us to live a peaceful life. It is much more easier for us to live peaceable among others when we are minding our own business. And as we do that, we have little or no time to mind somebody else’s business. And along with all that, God has called His people to WORK. I have yet to see God bless laziness or the sluggard.

I have also came to realize that God will always meet our needs as we trust Him. Where God guides us, God always provides for us. I’m very thankful that God teaches us not to depend on others for the things we need, but to look to Him in faith and acknowledge that He is one supplying all our needs. And when we live this kind of life, even those who may despise us will respect us.

This morning I thanked and praised God that He has given us the recipe for having lack of nothing. Matthew 6:33 commands us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the good things will come to us as we allow God to be our source!

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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 for this most important days writing, 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/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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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“I Need Peace” 10/10/2019 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on October 10, 2019 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

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

Original post @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2019/09/29/1561-i-need-peace/

 

I Need Peace

POSTED ON  BY 

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I need peace. I need peace in my home and peace in my mind. I need peace in the midst of struggles and anxiety. I need a peace that doesn’t depend on knowing that everyone in my family is behaving and there’s enough money in the bank. I need a peace that doesn’t hang on having all the answers. I need a peace that:

  • “transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). In today’s language that means I can have a peace that doesn’t make sense, a peace that defies the circumstances of my life.

  • looks up, that “sets your heart on things above” (Colossians 3:1). Peace comes when I keep my heart set on “the hope that is stored up for me in heaven” (Colossians 1:5).

  • trusts in the heart of my Father, knowing that He is aware of my needs (Matthew 6:3) and is not just able to meet them, but delights in doing so (Matthew 7:9-12).

  • doesn’t deny the real challenges of life but “lets the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). That is, I need to let the words of Christ answer my doubts and questions.

  • knows I’m not alone, that God is always with me. A peace that knows “the LORD your God . . . will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

  • calms the storm within me, even while the storm rages around me. I need to hear Jesus say to my heart and mind, “Peace. Be still.” (Mark 4:39).

How do I get this peace? Can I make it? Where can I buy it? Could I even afford it?

There’s only one place to find this peace – Jesus. And it is free for the taking. He said,“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27). Jesus offers real peace for real life. Do you need peace today Beloved? Come to the source where peace overflows. Come to Jesus.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn for real peace…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 for this most important days writing, 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/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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 Holy Spirit and the Plann’rs.” 10/09/2019 Written by Gabrielle Guthrie for “See, there’s this thing called biology.~ insanitybytes

Posted on October 9, 2019 by

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

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

Original post found @  https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/2019/10/08/the-holy-spirit-and-the-plannrs/

 

The Holy Spirit and the Plann’rs…

08TuesdayOct 2019

Posted by  in Uncategorized

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We had a lovely sermon at church, the Book of James, the nature of planning, how our days are not promised. It was good stuff. And our reader board announced it all week with carefully laid out letters until the end where they would not fit because…..poor planning. Whether a happy accident or a moment of mischief, the irony, what is hidden on that reader board so often manages to capture the very nature of the problem.

Yep, that’s the church.

Full disclosure, I am a wounded and damaged planner, as in I have learned far too well the truth of the old adage, “Man plans and God laughs.” Too much planning on my part is sure to just create pre-emptive disappointment and frustration. I plan to spend time with the Lord everyday, and I plan to be at a few places during the week, but that’s the best I can manage.

However, I am keenly aware that this is no way to live, that at the very least we must have a dream, a long range vision of some kind, however vague. We need to look ahead at some future point and imagine where we would all like to be, and I am not just talking about heaven.

Somebody smart once taught me about Jesus in the temple, when He was lost and misplaced by His parents, when they finally found Him, He said, “Don’t you know I must be about my Father’s business??” That’s it exactly, that’s a concept I try to walk with. We are Sons, the inheritors of a kingdom, our job is to be about the Father’s business. So rather than planning out our entire lives and asking for the Lord’s blessing on it all, try figuring out what the Father is up to and see how you can join in with Him. “Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven.”

I really love that. The person who gave me those words was busy being about the Father’s business, because those were the exact words I needed to hear, that was the Holy Spirit talking to me, affirming what He had already been talking to me about.

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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 for this most important days writing, 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/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/

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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