“God’s Duo” 7/15/2024 Written by bruce r. mills for “God’s group”

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/2012/12/22/the-heavens-declare/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie http://www.harvest.org/devotional/daily-devotions/home.ht

Written by bruce r. mills for “God’s group” [Revised from 12/22/2013]

“God’s Duo”

Hebrews 4:12-13… For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ¹³And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (NKJV)

Today will be the third day I am writing for someone I believe God has placed into my life to try and help… For those of you who have heard what I am about to write, I am sorry… But this is a new reader, whose problem of being attacked by Satan is a very real problem for all of us…

I spent the first 2 days (2/22 & 2/23/13) writing about the need for the Christian to be protected externally from Satan’s attacks… This can be accomplished by putting on piece by piece, the 6-piece set of God’s spiritual armor, which the Apostle Paul writes about in… Ephesians 6:10-20… Here is the link for this description of God’s protective armor… http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph6:10-20&version=NKJV

The key scripture about God’s armor is…Ephesians 6:11… ***Put on the* whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the *devil***. (NKJV)

The second part of what has absolutely helped me to be able to resist the temptations and evil thoughts Satan will use, to confuse and stop a Christian’s growth in their spiritual walk with the Lord…was finally accomplished by totally submitting my life to God… Sounds simple, doesn’t it ?? Well, it took me 7 years from the time God graced me with salvation, to realize that I had somehow stopped allowing the Holy Spirit to be in total control of my life, without realizing it…

I was putting on the “***whole* *armor of God***” daily; and though Satan was constantly trying to tempt me to sin…I praise the Lord for the truth about His whole set of spiritual armor being able (for the most part) to fend off Satan’s attacks… But my own flesh became an ever-increasing internal problem…

By neglecting to submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction, I had reached a point in my life where I had lost the fullness of joy (John 15:9-11), and the supernatural peace, which surpasses our mortal understanding (Philippians 4:6-7), that I once had, when I was Spirit-filled (Ephesians 5:18-20), and walking in sweet fellowship with the Lord…

The Apostle James gives us the second piece of God’s duo, that will help Christians to be on their way to walking in the Spirit most of the time (Galatians 5:16)…

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

The Holy Spirit won’t insist on being in control of the Christian’s life… And I must say, I believe my own flesh was (and still is) harder for me to keep under control than Satan himself… As a matter of fact…it is impossible for me to keep my own flesh under control, in my own strength… Just as it was impossible to keep Satan’s temptations to sin under control, until I put on ALL of God’s spiritual armor, in its entirety… Without God’s grace…God’s complete set of spiritual armor firmly in place…and the full power of the Holy Spirit…I am absolutely nothing…

It was only by humbling myself into total submission to God…begging for Him to give me back the joy and the supernatural peace that I once had…that by God’s grace, the full power of the Holy Spirit took back total control of my life…

I attribute humbling myself before the Lord to a 6,000-word preaching by the REV. C.H. Spurgeon titled…”Grieving the Holy Spirit” that I read…and I would urge every Christian to spend time reading… It can be found at this link…

http://www.romans45.org/spurgeon/sermons/0278.htm

Do I sin ?? Absolutely !! For one thing, I believe the tongue is absolutely impossible to keep under control…James 3:8-10…

This is a day-by-day, sometimes minute-by-minute struggle that all Christians will have, to remain walking in sweet fellowship with the Lord… Sins must be quickly confessed and turned from…1 John 1:9… But the truth that Jesus’ half-brother James writes about in this scripture above…at least for me…seems to lessen the number and severity of the sins that I still commit…as the weeks and the months of constant dedication to following Christ roll on… “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”…

Friends, these aren’t just words out of some book… These are words of truth from God’s Word…as my personal process of sanctification (being conformed to the image of Christ…Romans 8:29) is still occurring… The word sanctification is defined as being set apart… God has chosen His children out of this world… Christians are still living here, but they become citizens of heaven…Philippians 3:20…

Jesus tells us this about sanctification, in…

John 17:16-19… ***They are* not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁷Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. ¹⁸As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. ¹⁹And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they *also may be sanctified by the truth***. (NKJV)

Friends, God’s inerrant Word, the Bible…“is living and powerful”… It is where we all need to concentrate our efforts, in order to receive the truth that God will use to set us free from Satan, and his bonds of sin and shame… John 8:32… “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (NKJV)

God’s Word is called “the sword of the Spirit”, by the Apostle Paul in…Ephesians 6:17b… And as the only offensive piece of God’s 6-piece set of spiritual armor…God’s Word is where we learn about all the other 5 pieces of God’s armor, to defend God’s children from Satan’s attacks… But faith is the most important piece of God’s spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:16)… Without faith, we cannot please God…Hebrews 11:6… And this same scripture verse tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him…

Heavenly Father, I pray Your Word, would cut right to the soul of those who need the saving grace You promise to those who seek Your Son Jesus Christ to become their personal Lord and Savior… I pray Lord, that my personal testimony of lost joy and peace…and then the restoration of both by the power of the Holy Spirit…will have others diligently opening Your Word, to put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14) as their defense from Satan; and to receive the blessings You promise to Your obedient children… I pray for this fullness of Christ in all of us, in Jesus’ most precious name, and for His sake…Amen…

Blessings in Christ, bruce

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SLLM_enUS1047US1047&sxsrf=APwXEdcsYMNrsCAD_zBtz1p5QPc-R9sL3Q:1680664461049&q=image+James+4:7-8&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=f0c3DRu9Krd4QM%252CLKUuuqV_mUY_JM%252C_%253BV0bHbZG-aKpoPM%252CBzh3U0TL66LeAM%252C_%253BBipVt49_FSvIyM%252CMW50oeGg9_pSlM%252C_%253B26Lr-5d5lSozCM%252CVgK_UlPLlAIvmM%252C_%253BGWSQpisBntc9FM%252CPCFAnksVLzcZnM%252C_%253B2e0BSELqbSb2aM%252CuUOmgrkN1WByrM%252C_%253BqeKI1FXsU_YmLM%252CDDKaJWHO-mwMtM%252C_%253BnqEL6QluOsGn5M%252Ccg7ganJsIqPDqM%252C_%253BMDugoq2qor-ejM%252CBzh3U0TL66LeAM%252C_%253B14-cVtXCpWQ6fM%252CPK34txY0EsbB6M%252C_%253BoJrWw47ArI9VFM%252CHV9RydIe9EZrzM%252C_%253BuPudnAZapUWHeM%252C-ad25pay4gH68M%252C_%253BAd6KyZ32COgfCM%252CDXrZcDSp3vI_UM%252C_%253Bf94FBsf-bMnQ7M%252Ck4-zI3QkUgEHiM%252C_%253Bt9vhlnwggHmrFM%252CPf_rpgm5WDSG1M%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTjIUh-2tvdhvsTRPc6qjTbGgu1zg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjcxb-B45H-AhWWI0QIHXXEBvoQ7Al6BAgfEDk&biw=821&bih=482&dpr=1.25

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged Ephesians 5:18-20, God’s Duo, Hebrews 4:12-13, James 4:7-8 | Leave a comment

“A New Way of Faith” 7/14/2024 Written by Nancy Ruegge for “From The Inside Out”

Posted on July 14, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

5 Bible Verses about Faith | Faith - Grace - Jesus

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

View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/04/04/a-new-way-of-faith/

A New Way of Faith

April 4, 2024 by Nancy Ruegg

Several years ago I read these words written by a pastor: “When hard times come, say to yourself, ‘Now is the time to use my faith in a new way.’”

I had to wonder, What might that new way include? He didn’t say.

But while considering my own hard times I remembered a few new-to-me strategies God brought to my attention that did indeed strengthen my faith.

First, he led me to **a new way to read scripture**, recording any thoughts, insights, or prayers in a notebook. Writing helps slow my thinking so I can absorb more of what God would have me understand.

A few questions, prayerfully considered, might help our pens begin to write. For example:

God, what do you want me to understand and embrace from this passage/verse?
How would you desire this insight to impact my attitudes, beliefs, and/or actions going forward?
What does this passage teach me about you, as God the Father, Son, and/or Holy Spirit? How might this knowledge impact my current frame of mind?

During one time of upheaval I wrote the following, based on Psalm 62:5.

You are my hope, O God. Your plan is to prosper me, to help me grow in faith and Christian maturity. My eternal hope in you can help keep this present difficulty in perspective. After all, when compared to eternity, any hardship here on earth is brief. Someday I’ll live forever with you and the problems I’ve faced will seem insignificant in the light of heaven!

God also introduced me to a new way to pray: spend less time rehashing the problem, and more time rejoicing with gratitude. It’s the kind of praying Paul encouraged (Philippians 4:6-7):

We can thank God for each of his attributes at work on our behalf: his wisdom, power, goodness and more. We can also thank him for graciously upholding us, surrounding us with encouraging family and friends, and allowing us to sense his presence more palpably.

Consider also the positive impact on mind and spirit if we pray with anticipation, affirming God will act to fulfill his highest purpose. If we thank God that it will be so before it is so—that’s faith!*

Such a prayer might be:

I praise you, O God, for your power that can fulfill grand purpose even through (name the situation.) I praise you for being a creative God who solves problems in amazing, miraculous ways.

I thank you for being an involved God who takes an active, loving role in the lives of his children. I thank you that you are faithful and trustworthy, that when we commit our way to you and trust in you, you will act (Psalm 37:5)!

God also led me to a new way to embrace the promises, by acquiescing to his plan for fulfilling them.

For example, when a beloved fellow believer is diagnosed with cancer, our prayer is for a complete restoration, of course. We might site the promise of Psalm 41:3:

And sometimes God’s answer is yes. Even the doctors are surprised how quickly the patient recovers. Sometimes God’s answer is wait, as the patient endures radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. And sometimes the answer is no.

But isn’t that complete healing as well as the patient is taken home to heaven where no sickness exists?

Life-experience and a growing relationship with God teach us:

It is then we turn to promises like these—promises we can count on no matter what:

He will guide us along the right paths (Proverbs 3:5-6)
He will provide peace of heart (John 16:33)
He will bring good out of every situation (Romans 8:28)
His grace will see us through (2 Corinthians 12:9)
He will provide everything we need (Philippians 4:19)

These are among the promises to hold especially close.

And as we exercise such ways of faith presented above, they lead us to know God more, trust God more, and experience more of the spiritual blessings he longs to bestow.

And now, what new way of faith have you discovered that strengthens you during hard times? Please share in the Comments section below!

Arnold Prater, Bonding with God,* 81.

Art & photo credits: http://www.picryl.com; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pexels.com.

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

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=e7c61076d940b7cd&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&sxsrf=ADLYWII0y7UqaWYG1-udmq-gdiHzgeN0ww:1720959584096&q=Image+of+saving+faith+Bible&udm=2&source=univ&fir=1NX4qgQsMZwYzM%252CPlBJFkhHaTNXMM%252C_%253BAGCtsQrMlEIyXM%252Cd9vx_WUMVS63BM%252C_%253BXcBRApqYOdiugM%252CPlBJFkhHaTNXMM%252C_%253Bpeaik3SCgTHzxM%252C9XCPK899IpKWtM%252C_%253BzpA0hAfu-kQGvM%252COKVHRrDREGneWM%252C_%253BluCSjB_LzBrWvM%252CAvr4yPrXW0ZaoM%252C_%253BUfEzHbVDv5ppNM%252CHEuT_9yeHQRPLM%252C_%253BmZzbH7bIPN_JlM%252Cutl2Z8ei4HDqbM%252C_%253BWeoQmM7F1aRTEM%252CTOCHBXvAfeXMwM%252C_%253BlfZkFQZNLLvaFM%252C9XCPK899IpKWtM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kRMdv0xZOeELod0YE-JR6ozzFiPxQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjR-bqFwqaHAxXorokEHTglD9EQ7Al6BAgUEAo&biw=1302&bih=910&dpr=1#vhid=Li8_5Uhkw26bwM&vssid=mosaic

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 11:6, Saving Faith | Leave a comment

“Possess What You Profess” 7/13/2024 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on July 13, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

SPIRIT LIVING A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE. - ppt video online download

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

Original post @ https://seizetheday-blog.com/2019/09/27/possess-what-you-profess-3/

Possess What You Profess

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19. (NIV)

The church, like the nation, is in the advanced steps of moral decline. Hypocrisy abounds. Many Christians no longer possess what they profess. The facts speak for themselves. Only 13 percent of North American Christians actively believe in all of the Ten Commandments. Lying, lust, obscenity, coarse joking, malice, greed, anger, slander, sexual immorality, gossip, self-indulgence, stealing, and a lack of integrity have increased dramatically among people in the pew.

Christian leaders are speaking out against the decline. Jack W. Hayford, chancellor of The Kings College and Seminary says, “There simply is no way to describe the present situation in lesser terms: We are at a point of crisis.” And Charles Crismier, president of Save America Ministries, is deeply concerned about what he refers to as “the dramatic extent of spiritual drift for those who claim to be the nation’s lighthouse.”

So what can be done to bring the church back to its senses? Three things are necessary – repent, repent, repent. Repentance is an action; you stop going your way and start going God’s way – you stop denying the problem and admit you’re in a mess. From the pulpit to the pew believers must take responsibility for their unholy ways. Christians must recognize the absence of God’s purity in their lives. Individually and collectively we must confess we’re out of step with God and turn from our wicked ways.

Don’t take this lightly. Without God we can do nothing and without our repentance God will do nothing. Politicians will never turn a nation around. Social agencies, despite the positive work they do, aren’t equipped to deal with the moral decline. And service clubs can do all manner of good works, as they do, but good works don’t address the root cause of lawlessness. In short, a nation’s survival rests on the church’s revival, i.e., the well-being of a country lies in the hands of the country’s “born again” Christians.

Yes, the future of the nation you live in depends on you turning whole heartedly to God. If you confess Christ as resident in your life, it’s time to make Him President. Weep and mourn over your sins, find His forgiveness, then live to possess what you confess.

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

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=9d5b952a18faf0f8&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&sxsrf=ADLYWIKhiwqB4y7_vY_Le26ErJBm-8OIUw:1720874406675&q=image+Eph+5:18-20&udm=2&source=univ&fir=SsZ1f3o6PPV4dM%252C3Mwq6dP362TPtM%252C_%253BoLoWy2TRTG2fzM%252C4vMT1uIiSvlY_M%252C_%253BRLUMje8GlTozBM%252CO8qHrcj3m0Pu0M%252C_%253BHkDNUHFAu4IY0M%252CjXVvN7XhDApaqM%252C_%253BT0WZQtUhfQV_IM%252Cif9bTNoy9__-fM%252C_%253BDhC0McaVbZkQLM%252Cc5hEo8okBab5uM%252C_%253Bg2Vg8b_c13OKOM%252Ce8ML–67hdoaWM%252C_%253B0asVZRe48sYgsM%252CxxLhJN5h8TcIYM%252C_%253BSQTnOn_kBp_WRM%252C-F5ZmzT7yzlfBM%252C_%253BYj9JjVEf44GYLM%252CvK2JbvheT7uDJM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTP7LkZHJCVj8j0fiohtzYU087W4Q&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiX49ndhKSHAxXnl4kEHRZjAMoQ7Al6BAgREAo&biw=1302&bih=910&dpr=1#vhid=GaBNVX92NfIfcM&vssid=mosaic

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged Acts 3:19, Ephesians 5:18-20, Possess What You Profess | Leave a comment

“AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING? 7/12/2024 Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on July 12, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

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

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2022/04/30/and-guess-what-happened-this-morning/

AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING?

Posted on April 30, 2022 by Pastor Randy

Before my thoughts spill out all over the Wacky World Web, take a moment and slowly read this passage. Just one time. Wait! Scratch that. Read it slowly 3 times.

²²Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
²³They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations chapter 3, verses 22 and 23 from the New King James Version

Did you read this slowly 3 times? I think not! Go back and read it slowly 3 times. Now we can proceed. Back to my opening question: AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING? Now, write down your guess and we will see if you win today’s grand prize! Got your answer? Good. And the correct answer is There’s A Brand New Sunrise! It’s not like yesterday’s or last week’s or last year’s! It’s brand new! Now, let’s cut to the chase: Does this excite you about the potential for today? Or does it fill your mind and heart with fear, anxiety, and dread?

Now go back to the words from Jeremiah’s heart! Do you know when and why he wrote those words? Knowing what’s happening as the writers share their hearts helps us see the power of their words! Jerusalem and Judea had just been invaded by their neighboring enemies, the Babylonians. The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and looted and devastated The Temple. And the people who lived through the onslaught are carried away into captivity as prisoners of war and slaves.

**Yet, I said YET! Jeremiah sees the sunrise! “They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” What is the They? God’s mercies! If on this Saturday morning, you feel like a prisoner of war or something’s slave, listen to the hope from Jeremiah. With this newest sunrise, God has brand new mercies and They are new this morning. This is good news because what we think is the outcome of our messes, His Mercies provide a different outcome. As bad as it may seem sometimes, the problems will not consume you! All you have to do is give up! Give up everything inside of you and ask God for His Mercies! Then believe there is an abundance of Mercy** all because of what Jesus did on the Cross for all of us.

It’s a new day, and it’s filled with Fresh Mercies! His mercy always delivers us! Always! Now go out there and love God with all your heart. Love others the way Jesus loves you. And make sure all the glory goes to Him! Now, if you will excuse me, there are some new mercies on this Saturday for me. . and for you!

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

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=0c2c4a4daad34013&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&sxsrf=ADLYWIIP69MPunmAFsinP-W_HTumHLuXMA:1720786028317&q=image+ps+118:24&udm=2&source=univ&fir=PrvQmh01VnukbM%252Cty_I_cqh6iteWM%252C_%253BuBvzzjJplRrtpM%252CEIr6I8sFDocuKM%252C_%253BRoDwhDPAVmTSoM%252CCxYOcoG-xwNC2M%252C_%253B4MhnDM7ygoDKtM%252C-XVP_m3tDpXU8M%252C_%253BoU4s9TfUVYLu7M%252CuCbU-FB5p6uaDM%252C_%253BNZh-0jC03TqnxM%252CuCbU-FB5p6uaDM%252C_%253B2ASaQqF7JYXHuM%252CsrpV19kci3q0CM%252C_%253BH1lhlY3BZs-UwM%252CUz0Y7wGfNXh-NM%252C_%253Bn6wA1EEc65c08M%252CYT6n-bxjFvFtVM%252C_%253BSHnxhpciP6EQfM%252CifnOmlTVnLSOAM%252C_%253Ba5Mm499DD-ic2M%252C1EMKya0adIQGFM%252C_%253BV2AWVxLlMUpjmM%252Ciq64mhPtsNmQAM%252C_%253Brn3qXgO6Vy8RtM%252Cstudu0B6MXlfYM%252C_%253B1pzCZykJDvgyCM%252C73H_g0Y1BHtTvM%252C_%253BsBNWACprUU6cNM%252CCxYOcoG-xwNC2M%252C_&usg=AI4_-kSLlEFhB4z4Mbzpk-Oi37Mh4xWyhA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjv5c6_u6GHAxW6MlkFHd7iDVMQ7Al6BAgSEAo&biw=1302&bih=910&dpr=1#vhid=H1lhlY3BZs-UwM&vssid=mosaic

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING?, Lamentations 3:22-23 | Leave a comment

“For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free.” But What Is “Freedom”? 7/11/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

November 28, 2023 - Bible verse of the day (NRSV) - John 8:31-32 - DailyVerses.net

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

Original post @ https://blog.truthforlife.org/for-freedom-christ-has-set-us-free.-but-what-is-freedom

“For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free.” But What Is “Freedom”?

July 03, 2024

ForFreedomChristHas SetUsFree_BlogHeader_07.03

A story is told of a prisoner who had been locked away for decades. One morning, the warden came to his cell and told him his sentence was complete. The warden opened the door and allowed the prisoner to walk free. The prisoner walked out of the cell, crossed the block, and, seeing another cell open, ran in and slammed the door behind him.

That is an absurd picture, but it illustrates the danger that Paul warns against in Galatians 5:1: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Christ did not set us free so that we might put ourselves in bondage again. He set us free so that we might live free.

Because Christ has set us free, we’re meant to enjoy this freedom. We’re not supposed to back into the cell again. Indeed, we’re supposed to, in Paul’s words, “stand firm.” This language evokes a tug-of-war, where you would make a divot in the ground in which to plant your feet. You dig your heels firmly in so that when the pull comes from the other end, you will have the means to keep yourself in place. Paul says, “We’re going to dig in our heels, and we will not allow ourselves to be burdened again by a yoke of bondage.”

On the rope is the doctrine of justification—the question of how we gain acceptance with God. In Galatia, people were pulling at the other end with words like these: “We profess faith in Jesus Christ. We believe what Paul preached. But we’ve got another part to it: you need to go and do something for God to accept you.” Paul dug in his heels and said, “No! It is what Christ has done, and only what Christ has done, that gives us acceptance with God.”

There was no room for compromise on this, because, as William Hendriksen has put it, “a Christ supplemented is a Christ supplanted.”¹ Justification is by faith alone in Christ alone, or it is nothing at all. If we add to Christ’s gift a requirement of works rather than knowing and trusting that God-honoring works are an inevitability for those with true faith, then we will put ourselves in slavery again to sin, since the law merely reveals the sinful nature of our hearts. Only Christ, the Righteous One, who became sin for us, can make us into the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13).

Yet the rope is also pulled by those who use freedom as “an opportunity for the flesh” (Gal. 5:13). They say, “We are free now to indulge ourselves. We don’t need to worry about the consequences of sin.” This is the so-called “freedom” of “Me and Bobby McGee”: “Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose.”²

**“A Christ supplemented is a Christ supplanted.” —William Hendriksen**

Those who see freedom as the freedom to do as the old self pleases are ultimately no different from those who add works of the law to the gift of Christ: they are oriented to the flesh, not to the Spirit. They are not walking in Gospel freedom because they are not walking with the Spirit who gives that freedom by applying the work of Christ and bearing the fruit of righteousness in the believer’s life (Gal. 5:22–23).

The freedom the believer seeks is the freedom from sin and wrath that makes it possible to do what we were created for: “to glorify God, and enjoy him forever.”³ There is a sincere joy to be found in walking in the way of the Lord (which believers know to be freedom), even as we abandon forever the countless paths of the world. To be bound to Christ is to be free in all the ways that matter—free from the power of sin (Gal. 5:16) and free from the fear of death (Heb. 2:15). It is to eagerly await the hope of righteousness as our faith works itself out through love (Gal. 5:6). As the hymn writer puts it,

Make me a captive, Lord,
And then I shall be free;
Force me to render up my sword,
And I shall conqueror be.⁴

If anybody is free in our world today, it is you, Christian, as you are bound to Christ.

This article was adapted from the sermon “The Only Thing That Counts” by Alistair Begg.

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

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=2059e1ee9ac29d65&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&sxsrf=ADLYWIL-JLre2GAuNzwqZeBvfY8eJA-zJg:1720660274903&q=image+john+8:31-32&udm=2&source=univ&fir=GDjE1vd7E2k5_M%252Ck9KH1muXm6flNM%252C_%253B77skTO1ashWVuM%252CgAvrwKHHNAL_DM%252C_%253Bn0jObKhzDUr1HM%252C3Ah_qLxFBbsbXM%252C_%253Bj_bFGZx64iA1tM%252CuziZHdfODZT5fM%252C_%253BCJD3mT2zoWBi2M%252C2nYqgHJ7XNffWM%252C_%253BW3fBzIb284buyM%252CvG60VPdLWkOkMM%252C_%253BCPm7VcnL2dGitM%252Ck9KH1muXm6flNM%252C_%253BpxkqaRWJv6gmUM%252CryJi_R3BUoaDmM%252C_%253Bosj4-AQd9WiqRM%252CH_pCMYlEL-r6ZM%252C_%253BIlLrMPY0RFJ6BM%252C7BsKVMFj833VUM%252C_%253BYDDWZ1watpZd2M%252C5SlBJ-rQ2a-WcM%252C_%253BNo4jyQFyDmobXM%252C0O9rCnB0N1P9wM%252C_%253B-D-wIwfhlbHbTM%252CXvX-asVo13izjM%252C_%253BLPZF54rCVMi2GM%252CfBDwuuNN4pOMdM%252C_%253BFOG98ArUN52VWM%252Cm2Q-1J5VnFymuM%252C_%253BxCzVg8owrMx2UM%252Ccz89dG6q2_j6GM%252C_%253BjeHebQBHB-1VJM%252C8hyjmJrbKI_i0M%252C_%253BH4wfhP1WWgKmXM%252CSBQYGrUE8wMXCM%252C_%253BNto2rQDUFSYUhM%252C9bsTTbqFYoU_9M%252C_%253Bg4AiFg_p1Ex7MM%252CKDykHrA8eW5EcM%252C_%253BoBejFXAJimX4bM%252Ck9KH1muXm6flNM%252C_%253BmD6XKnSEpc7fXM%252CFrY0-WTKlD_TuM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kThIm8KxxqIRIKMUm0zgcpd_ldXiw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj9wNuD552HAxWgD1kFHSDOBjIQ7Al6BAgZEAw&biw=1302&bih=910&dpr=1#vhid=5gjORN8Gj2t5IM&vssid=mosaic

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free, Galatians 5:1, John 8:31-32 | Leave a comment

“The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is joy?” 7/10/2024 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

John 15:11 – Your Joy May Be Made Full – Encouraging Bible Verses

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-joy.html

QUESTION

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is joy?

ANSWER

Literally, the “fruit of the Spirit” is what happens when the Holy Spirit indwells a believer. The “fruit” is the product of the Holy Spirit’s cultivation of character in a heart. Galatians 5:22-23 describes what that fruit looks like; the second characteristic listed is joy.

The Greek word for joy is chara. Joy is the natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled. Joy expresses God’s kingdom—His influence on earth (Romans 14:17). The Spirit’s production of joy can manifest in several different ways:

The joy of deliverance: When God sets someone free, rejoicing is in order.

1 Samuel 2:1: Hannah was filled with joy at her deliverance from her enemies.

Acts 12:14: The servant girl was so overjoyed that God had rescued Peter from prison that she forgot to let Peter in the house.

The joy of salvation: Our greatest reason to be joyful is that God wants to save us and spend eternity with us. Nothing is better than this.

Luke 15:7: All heaven is joyful when a person accepts God’s provision of salvation.

Acts 8:8: The people of Samaria were joyful as they heard the gospel and saw God’s power in healing the sick.

Acts 13:52; 15:3: Jewish believers rejoiced when they heard of the work of the Holy Spirit in saving Gentiles.

The joy of spiritual maturity: As the Holy Spirit works in us to bear more fruit, we become confident in God’s promises and rejoice in our walk with Him and with other believers.

John 15:11: The fullness of joy comes to those who continue in the love of Christ and obey Him.

2 Corinthians 1:24; 2:3; 7:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20; 3:9: Paul knew joy as the churches gave evidence of the Holy Spirit working among them.

Philippians 2:2: Groups of believers who unite in demonstrating the mind, love, and purpose of Christ bring joy to others.

Hebrews 10:34; 12:2; James 1:2-4: Believers, following the example of Jesus, endure persecution because of the promise of future joy.

The joy of God’s presence: The Holy Spirit draws us to God, in whose presence we can know true joy. Without the Holy Spirit, no one would seek God.

Psalm 16:11: “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Matthew 2:10; Luke 1:14: Mary and the shepherds were joyful because Immanuel had been born.

Matthew 28:8; Luke 24:41: The women who went to Jesus’ tomb and the disciples were overjoyed that He rose from the dead.

The Greek chara is closely related to charis, which means “grace” or “a gift.” Chara is the normal response to charis—we have joy because of God’s grace. The next step in the progression is to allow our joy to become an action as we express it, although sometimes joy can be so great it is inexpressible (1 Peter 1:8).

Possessing joy is a choice. We choose whether to value God’s presence, promises, and work in our lives. When we yield to the Spirit, He opens our eyes to God’s grace around us and fills us with joy (Romans 15:13). Joy is not to be found in a fallen world; it is only fellowship with God that can make our joy complete (1 John 1:4).

FOR FURTHER STUDY

The Spirit-Filled Life: Discovering the Joy of Surrendering to the Holy Spirit by Charles Stanley More insights from your Bible study – Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!

What is the fruit of the Holy Spirit?The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is love?The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is peace?The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is patience?The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is kindness?The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness?The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is faithfulness?The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is gentleness?The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is self-control?

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

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=4fd0dc4fbda9541c&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&sxsrf=ADLYWILUtnXGvPz3NESmecXyaRsR7m2AlA:1720613078139&q=image+John+15:11&udm=2&source=univ&fir=mHc_R7_oeBdhzM%252CIa2yzz1NcGLfTM%252C_%253Bch2SXjM1H9LNpM%252CuPAU40H8Uk6-oM%252C_%253BwM7pwigFGKYYrM%252Cdjl8ZD2QMZwHUM%252C_%253BxZPjPEnSJq1I0M%252C07hpviYWwS5cPM%252C_%253Blzxldfuw0SDZ2M%252CtXBX35UU3RmroM%252C_%253Br2ivAMU3hHtAJM%252CpQkZxYdaXAVmkM%252C_%253BpKBsX8N2OZgzEM%252C9J3yY9-ZOEDgJM%252C_%253BPYb8Fs3aaYRkzM%252CbQa2S_jfMsEQUM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kRH7qlGjGezt7JGd0vsjEPgApBBcA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj32cWat5yHAxXtkYkEHW9NC9AQ7Al6BAgPEAk&biw=1302&bih=910&dpr=1#vhid=wM7pwigFGKYYrM&vssid=mosaic

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is joy?, Galatians 5:22-23 | Leave a comment

“Expecting Jesus” 7/09/2024 Written by Cindy Hess Kasper for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Written by Cindy Hess Kasper 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/2024/06/13/expecting-jesus

June 13

Expecting Jesus

You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Matthew 24:44

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Matthew 24:36-44

My friend Paul was awaiting the arrival of a technician to repair his refrigerator when he saw a text on his phone from the appliance company. It read: “Jesus is on his way and is expected to arrive at approximately 11:35 a.m.” Paul soon discovered the technician’s name was indeed Jesús (hay-SOOS).

But when can we expect Jesus the Son of God to arrive? When He came as a man two thousand years ago and suffered the penalty of our sin, He said that He’d be back—but only the Father knew the precise “day or hour” of His return (Matthew 24:36). What difference might it make in our day-to-day priorities if we did know the moment our Savior is coming back to earth? (John 14:1-3).

Jesus cautioned us to be ready for His return: “the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44). He reminded us to “keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (v. 42).

On the day of Christ’s return, we won’t get an alert on our phone to give us a heads-up. So, through the power of the Spirit working through us, let’s live each day with a perspective of eternity, serving God and taking advantage of every opportunity to share His message of love and hope with others.

By: Cindy Hess Kasper

Reflect & Pray

How are you motivated by Jesus’ imminent return? What can you expect when He comes again?

Father, as I patiently wait, please help me to obey You, pursue holiness, and to live in expectation of Christ’s return.

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

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=5fe8c4351a73d6cd&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&sxsrf=ADLYWIKQRhGz-JFt1MM-_KM74zLgNyNcAw:1720525921321&q=image+mat+24:44&udm=2&source=univ&fir=3jqUYlmqH-sNGM%252CkhuKfAc6RFZaCM%252C_%253BzO8WLaBxT3Q0xM%252CBiqqTtnLZXsR1M%252C_%253BD28i31_I6MubsM%252CBLdoqY7b6hIJ1M%252C_%253BSBMYv0_IfMJipM%252CTVy_tixLdnOp0M%252C_%253BGTFm6_cNVYvcXM%252ConE3m3tXXX-ywM%252C_%253Bo90vE-HfxB6oDM%252C7BvCw3flbCc0GM%252C_%253BZySvHvCJ4sTbdM%252C6pFvVL37pKidlM%252C_%253BbLQg5EpdidiO1M%252CXoWBhwW98ZAqLM%252C_%253BPYDIqRhS1147JM%252C8ZN6wo-CxpnDSM%252C_%253BJKcfmO0v88kk2M%252CsE7c51wUL8wecM%252C_%253BUeS3_MpDlLe57M%252C1NZv7wZwz1tzEM%252C_%253B3OW08j2xo_T3UM%252CBiqqTtnLZXsR1M%252C_%253B0RypwEm6MxADdM%252CuchiMT0yI3_EtM%252C_%253BWwgP96VZxCQ0gM%252CVA-FspFpylGLhM%252C_%253BeN-SMVQC7mhRhM%252C4KCi-Ff0kkmG5M%252C_&usg=AI4_-kSfhJmwkk7jdz2qW_-sg9OfkQU52Q&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwig3PfC8pmHAxVoC3kGHQATCugQ7Al6BAgSEAo&biw=1302&bih=910&dpr=1#vhid=D28i31_I6MubsM&vssid=mosaic

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged Expecting Jesus, John 14:1-3, Matthew 24:36-44 | Leave a comment

“DOES ATTENDING CHURCH SAVE YOU?” 7/08/2024 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

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

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2024/06/23/does-attending-church-save-you/

DOES ATTENDING CHURCH SAVE YOU?

Posted on June 23, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

There is a common misconception floating around that going to church is the only way you’ll get to heaven. Let me assure you that what saves you is the love of the Holy Trinity, the sacrifice made to cleanse you from your sins, and the assurance that your slate is clean. There is nothing YOU can do to make that happen.

In my lifetime I’ve seen a steady decline in church attendance. Part of the decline has to do with what’s going in in the American family. Church used to be a part of Sunday mornings and many times, extended into the afternoon hours with fellowship, family get-togethers, potlucks, and Christians encouraging each other. When Sunday came, we knew we were going to church. Some might call it a wasted part of the weekend when we could be adding to our own personal recreation. Others might think that by attending church they are making amends with God and then go on living the way they were before and after church ends. Some attend church simply to worship. So why is church attendance falling by the wayside?

During the COVID epidemic, we became a nation in isolation. We were required to stay home and hopefully avoid the spread of the disease. A good thing came out of that time. Online church services were made available, so many were still able to attend church, hear the message, sing the hymns and worship all in the comfort of their own homes. After that, many continued to isolate. Going to church took on a new facade. Now you could watch and hear the service without even going.

During the past fifty years or so, the ministry has also declined. There aren’t enough pastors to house the many existing churches. A new approach to worship has created the partnering of those many edifices to compensate for the lack of ministers. The building itself, the preacher, and the size of the congregation have very little merit in the eyes of God. The real church is the body of Christ accompanied by those who believe in Him. We can worship anywhere – in a closet, in our own living room – in nature – anywhere that God is (which is everywhere,) and with our prayers at any time.

The church itself is full of sinners just like you and me. It’s an imperfect body of soiled and ugly people – often dressed in their most beautiful clothes and looking like a million bucks. Within this seemingly perfect refuge lies deceit, judgment, anger, adultery, bigotry, liars, hypocrisy, thieves, and every other kind of evil you can imagine. This is one of Satan’s most popular places to visit because it’s filled with imperfect people who are subject to sin. However, when you look at the ministry of Christ, it took place in the most unusual places. He went to the core of humanity – to the sinners of the world – to all those who needed His healing. He still does. Through His Word, the Bible, He comes to the brokenhearted, the poor in spirit, the lost and condemned, and those who need Him most.

Going to church isn’t going to guarantee our salvation, but if our church is preaching the truth of the Bible, we will be nourished each week and fed with the good news of the Gospel. A steady diet of God’s truth will show us that our sins are forgiven through Jesus. It will heal troubled spirits and lift those who are sad out of depression.

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

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…

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged DOES ATTENDING CHURCH SAVE YOU? | Leave a comment

“Know God, Know Love” 7/07/2024 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on July 7, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

1 John 4 8 - Scripture on the Walls

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

Original post @ https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2024/01/29/know-god-know-love/

Know God, Know Love

1 John 4:8 NIV, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

God is love. Love is not just something He does; love is who He is. I find that truth to be overwhelming and hard to even comprehend. But it brings great joy, to know that we serve the One who is love and that He loves us. As you go about your day, I hope that will bring you joy too.

Whatever it is you are facing, I pray God’s love will meet you right in the midst of your circumstances. And may He give us strength to extend His love to those around us, even when it’s hard because it’s love that makes the difference. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).

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

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=655d91f8ebe51dd4&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&sxsrf=ADLYWIIRArViPmOZ0alR57yf3TwtIv7_Ng:1720355853811&q=image+1+john+4:8&udm=2&source=univ&fir=uOZLGaB9YNUyVM%252CT2_eOFORJzXk8M%252C_%253BXD5ekEoQm3TSyM%252CMwVTn6ThYYek_M%252C_%253B0W_ey0vHIhBncM%252CBKNu-qRk2RAWLM%252C_%253BqR_6WqNeFqvnsM%252CguDDJ70MsFFNmM%252C_%253BCQLZCvnNQTxp-M%252C6oGAOJivC-D49M%252C_%253BVdhFamiaA696hM%252CnHrw3m4O0unRQM%252C_%253BJkqzE2zDrSZVvM%252CSTTcgZwOo-mrUM%252C_%253BAJNj3v1Ltc0qyM%252CnHrw3m4O0unRQM%252C_%253BIDlg9QQKgmfHoM%252CWH5YM-PiWNi6dM%252C_%253BJODRpQDaKh_egM%252CyBPYDc2ZcvWucM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQuSh8agbhj8uQ0KA7lYJWFfkDCtQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjd2bb8-JSHAxW3kIkEHStwAL0Q7Al6BAgLEAo&biw=1302&bih=910#vhid=h1d76yyaKwz6KM&vssid=mosaic

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged 1 Corinthians 13:8, 1 John 4:8, Know God, Know Love | Leave a comment

“Doctrines of the Faith: Justification” 7/06/2024 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on July 6, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

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

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2024/06/23/doctrines-of-the-faith-justification/

Doctrines of the Faith: Justification

POSTED ON JUNE 23, 2024 BY BETH ANDREWS

Every human born since Adam is a sinner. That includes me and you. We are all condemned before God (John 3:18). But God in His great love and mercy provided a sacrifice to bear the punishment for our sins – that sacrifice is Jesus. Through His death we are justified in God’s sight.

“Justified” means “to render righteous; to judge as innocent, faultless, and guiltless.” To be justified means that we are approved of and acceptable to God. Justification is a legal term in which a court orders a change in a written record to reflect what it should have said in the first place.

Man was not made to be a sinner. He was made for a relationship with a holy God. He was made to be God’s friend. But sin broke the relationship and declared every person guilty. Paul wrote, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). We all sin because we have inherited the “sin-gene” from the first humans. We all stand before God covered in our transgressions and sin. But thankfully, that is not the end of the story.

Because of Jesus, we can be justified before God. Justification means there is no longer any record of our sins. Paul wrote, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). When Jesus died on the cross His Father dipped a pen in His Son’s blood and wrote “innocent” across the lives of everyone who believes. Justification means “just as if I never sinned.” Justification restores sinners to a right relationship with God.

Since I am justified in Christ Jesus does that mean I will never sin? I wish it did, but I’m still a fallible human. But it means that when I do, God doesn’t count that sin against me – it’s all covered by Jesus’ blood. He doesn’t sigh and start a new list of my sins. Of course, that doesn’t mean I can sin to my wicked heart’s content. Grace is not a “get out of jail free” card. It’s the assurance that I don’t have to work my way back into God’s favor.

If you are still carrying the backpack of sin and shame, you can put it down forever at the foot of the cross. You can be right with God, Beloved – just as if you’d never sinned.

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

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…

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged Doctrines of the Faith: Justification, John 3:18, Romams 3:23 | Leave a comment

	Godsmanforever on “Trust the Process……
	insanitybytes22 on “Trust the Process……
	Godsmanforever on “Christmas Praise”…
	atimetoshare.me on “Christmas Praise”…
	Mukapi Frederick on “More Than Words”…

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/2012/12/22/the-heavens-declare/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie http://www.harvest.org/devotional/daily-devotions/home.ht

Written by bruce r. mills for “God’s group” [Revised from 12/22/2013]

“God’s Duo”

Today will be the third day I am writing for someone I believe God has placed into my life to try and help… For those of you who have heard what I am about to write, I am sorry… But this is a new reader, whose problem of being attacked by Satan is a very real problem for all of us…

The key scripture about God’s armor is…Ephesians 6:11… Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (NKJV)

The Apostle James gives us the second piece of God’s duo, that will help Christians to be on their way to walking in the Spirit most of the time (Galatians 5:16)…

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

It was only by humbling myself into total submission to God…begging for Him to give me back the joy and the supernatural peace that I once had…that by God’s grace, the full power of the Holy Spirit took back total control of my life…

I attribute humbling myself before the Lord to a 6,000-word preaching by the REV. C.H. Spurgeon titled…”Grieving the Holy Spirit” that I read…and I would urge every Christian to spend time reading… It can be found at this link…

Do I sin ?? Absolutely !! For one thing, I believe the tongue is absolutely impossible to keep under control…James 3:8-10…

Jesus tells us this about sanctification, in…

John 17:16-19… They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. (NKJV)

Blessings in Christ, bruce

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

Share this:

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

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

View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/04/04/a-new-way-of-faith/

A New Way of Faith

April 4, 2024 by Nancy Ruegg

Several years ago I read these words written by a pastor: “When hard times come, say to yourself, ‘Now is the time to use my faith in a new way.’”

I had to wonder, What might that new way include? He didn’t say.

But while considering my own hard times I remembered a few new-to-me strategies God brought to my attention that did indeed strengthen my faith.

First, he led me to a new way to read scripture, recording any thoughts, insights, or prayers in a notebook. Writing helps slow my thinking so I can absorb more of what God would have me understand.

A few questions, prayerfully considered, might help our pens begin to write. For example:

God, what do you want me to understand and embrace from this passage/verse?

How would you desire this insight to impact my attitudes, beliefs, and/or actions going forward?

What does this passage teach me about you, as God the Father, Son, and/or Holy Spirit? How might this knowledge impact my current frame of mind?

During one time of upheaval I wrote the following, based on Psalm 62:5.

God also introduced me to a new way to pray: spend less time rehashing the problem, and more time rejoicing with gratitude. It’s the kind of praying Paul encouraged (Philippians 4:6-7):

We can thank God for each of his attributes at work on our behalf: his wisdom, power, goodness and more. We can also thank him for graciously upholding us, surrounding us with encouraging family and friends, and allowing us to sense his presence more palpably.

Consider also the positive impact on mind and spirit if we pray with anticipation, affirming God will act to fulfill his highest purpose. If we thank God that it will be so before it is so—that’s faith!*

Such a prayer might be:

I praise you, O God, for your power that can fulfill grand purpose even through (name the situation.) I praise you for being a creative God who solves problems in amazing, miraculous ways.

I thank you for being an involved God who takes an active, loving role in the lives of his children. I thank you that you are faithful and trustworthy, that when we commit our way to you and trust in you, you will act (Psalm 37:5)!

God also led me to a new way to embrace the promises, by acquiescing to his plan for fulfilling them.

For example, when a beloved fellow believer is diagnosed with cancer, our prayer is for a complete restoration, of course. We might site the promise of Psalm 41:3:

And sometimes God’s answer is yes. Even the doctors are surprised how quickly the patient recovers. Sometimes God’s answer is wait, as the patient endures radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. And sometimes the answer is no.

But isn’t that complete healing as well as the patient is taken home to heaven where no sickness exists?

Life-experience and a growing relationship with God teach us:

It is then we turn to promises like these—promises we can count on no matter what:

He will guide us along the right paths (Proverbs 3:5-6)

He will provide peace of heart (John 16:33)

He will bring good out of every situation (Romans 8:28)

His grace will see us through (2 Corinthians 12:9)

He will provide everything we need (Philippians 4:19)

These are among the promises to hold especially close.

And as we exercise such ways of faith presented above, they lead us to know God more, trust God more, and experience more of the spiritual blessings he longs to bestow.

And now, what new way of faith have you discovered that strengthens you during hard times? Please share in the Comments section below!

*Arnold Prater, Bonding with God, 81.

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

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

Share this:

Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

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

Original post @ https://seizetheday-blog.com/2019/09/27/possess-what-you-profess-3/

Possess What You Profess

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19. (NIV)

Yes, the future of the nation you live in depends on you turning whole heartedly to God. If you confess Christ as resident in your life, it’s time to make Him President. Weep and mourn over your sins, find His forgiveness, then live to possess what you confess.

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

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

Share this:

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

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

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2022/04/30/and-guess-what-happened-this-morning/

AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING?

Posted on April 30, 2022 by Pastor Randy

Before my thoughts spill out all over the Wacky World Web, take a moment and slowly read this passage. Just one time. Wait! Scratch that. Read it slowly 3 times.

22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations chapter 3, verses 22 and 23 from the New King James Version

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

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

Share this:

Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

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

The key scripture about God’s armor is…Ephesians 6:11… ***Put on the* whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the *devil***. (NKJV)

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

First, he led me to **a new way to read scripture**, recording any thoughts, insights, or prayers in a notebook. Writing helps slow my thinking so I can absorb more of what God would have me understand.

Arnold Prater, Bonding with God,* 81.

²²Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
²³They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.