“Twelve Most Important Principles” 7/05/2024 Written by Bill Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries”

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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John 14:6 - Bible verse (NLT) - DailyVerses.net

Written by Bill Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries” @  https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/

Original post @ Victorious Living – Bill Rudge Ministries (wordpress.com)

Twelve Most Important Principles

A summary of the principles I adhere to, while seeking His will, follows. They have been shared with many pastors, missionaries, chaplains, and Christian leaders, and are relevant for all believers:

  1. Saturate my heart and mind with His Word and prayer.
  2. Have a time of fasting.
  3. Seek His will, not mine –– I do not try to coerce or force Him to do what I want, but submit by being willing to do His will. God has a plan and purpose for you; so be certain that your plan is according to His purpose!
  4. Unless a decision must be made immediately, I wait upon the Lord to give clear direction by speaking to my heart or confirming it in some other way, before stepping out on a faith venture.
  5. Until He gives clear direction, I live by the principles in His Word and pray for wisdom.
  6. All decisions and guidance must be consistent with Scripture and truly glorify Him.
  7. Once I am certain of what He is leading me to do and I have His peace, I step out in faith and obedience. I share with others what He has led me to do and testify in advance that He will bring it about in His time and way.
  8. Attempt to maintain an attitude of faith and trust no matter what my circumstances. I continue to trust and honor Him, even when it seems hopeless, by strengthening myself in the Lord with His past faithfulness.
  9. I will not compromise my convictions to help my God-given goal to be fulfilled.
  10. I do not let circumstances deter me.
  11. Until what He has led me to do is fulfilled and His purpose is accomplished, I never give up but persevere in faith.
  12. Upon achieving ultimate victory, I testify of His faithfulness.

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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:  image jn 14:6 – Search Images (bing.com)

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Trusting God’s Plan: Following His Lead for a Perfect Life 7/04/2024 Written by Louis Mize, a good friend 

Posted on July 4, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

8 Encouraging Verses About God's Plan for Your Life - Silicon Valley

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

Trusting God’s Plan: Following His Lead for a Perfect Life

 

But God led the people about through the way of the Red Sea, and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. Exodus 13:18

 

One thing that has been clearly demonstrated to me during my lifetime is this: Where God guides, God always provides. Israel was dressed for fighting when they left Egypt. God took care of that too. It takes faith and confidence in Him to follow Him.

 

This is especially true when He is leading us in an unexpected or unfamiliar way. And often, we learn that God has already made an escape route before we even know we needed one!

 

This morning, I praise and thank God for people who are trusting Him as He leads. And sometimes I believe we have way too many people attempting to lead when they aren’t following God. So, I pray for REAL LEADERS. For you see a real leader is one who follows God. Moses was a real leader as he allowed his paths to be directed by Almighty God.

 

Follow God as He leads us. You will be happy you did!

 

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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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“Light in Our Darkness” 7/03/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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Romans 8:31 — If God Is For Us, Who Is Against Us? – Grace Bible Church

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

Original post @ https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/6/16/2024/?ecid=ACsprvsM_roQL_4CdGk9IDWSZFj_fK6h7j1kvVOHdw4gQNhc2VCNPKalkfdmtTk_3jrRYCMAqkxo&utm_campaign=Spurgeon+Daily+Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–Cm8jcEGNTsmwqcuxwZlFlIlugtM6dmMFZeqhO5wbHhPnquL5g8_h0_9NsZSuB_tZAeEq4ELbUI_76KKM6kODLVH65viq4budKJlPCrCvrKpTolNs&_hsmi=311622243&utm_content=311622243&utm_source=hs_email

Light in Our Darkness

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation.” Here is personal interest: “my light,” “my salvation”; the soul is assured of it, and therefore declares it boldly. Into the soul at the new birth, divine light is poured as the forerunner of salvation; where there is not enough light to reveal our own darkness and to make us long for the Lord Jesus, there is no evidence of salvation.

After conversion our God is our joy, comfort, guide, teacher, and in every sense our light: He is light within us, light around us, light reflected from us, and light to be revealed to us. Note, it does not just say that the Lord gives light, but that He is light; nor that He gives salvation, but that He is salvation; so, then, whoever by faith has laid hold upon God has all the covenant blessings in their possession. Once this fact is assured, the deduction from it is put in the form of a question, “Whom shall I fear?” A question that is its own answer. The powers of darkness are not to be feared, for the Lord, our light, destroys them; and we need not dread the damnation of hell, for the Lord is our salvation.

This is a very different challenge from that of boastful Goliath, for it rests not upon the conceited vigor of human strength, but upon the real power of the omnipotent I AM. “The LORD is the stronghold of my life.” Here is a third glowing quality showing that the writer’s hope was fastened with a threefold cord that could not be broken. It is no surprise that we accumulate terms of praise where the Lord lavishes deeds of grace.

Our life derives all its strength from God; and if He deigns to make us strong, we cannot be weakened by all the cunning movements of our adversary. “Whom shall I fear?” The bold question looks into the future as well as the present. “If God is for us, who can be against us,”1 either now or in time to come?

1 Romans 8:31

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…

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“A Good Father” 7/02/2024 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

1 John 3:1 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

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

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2024/06/17/36662/

 

A Good Father

17MondayJun 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 10, Psalms

Tags defender, Father God, fatherless, fathers, Jesus, prisons, Psalms, the LORD, trouble

Psalm 134 -365

Today’s Devotion from Psalms 365

Reading: Psalm 10:12-18


Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.
Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself,
“He won’t call me to account?”
But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;
you consider their grief and take it in hand.
The victims commit themselves to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.
Break the arm of the wicked man;
call the evildoer to account for his wickedness
that would not otherwise be found out.
The LORD is King forever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror (NIV). *

Reflection
From the beginning, it has always been so. At the start of life, there is a father. Without a father, there is no life. Ponder those words for a moment.

Of course, those words are true of a mother as well. But today’s psalm focuses on fathers. To be more accurate, the psalmist calls attention to the fatherless. Apparently, fathers aren’t just needed at conception; they are needed throughout life.

There are voices in our society that question the need for fathers. Life can go on without them. In some cases, life is better without them. But I would argue that’s not life as life should be—as life was designed to be from the beginning. Our prisons are filled with fatherless men. A huge chunk of the misery, distress, and degradation in this world is caused by the absence of fathers—men who fail to assume their role as fathers.

A good father—an active, involved father—makes a world of difference in the life of a child. As a public school teacher, I saw the truth of this every day. The well-fathered child of either gender has advantages beyond comparison on every social, economic, and intellectual scale. We need fathers. I need a father—a perfect Father.

That’s why we can draw comfort and encouragement from this psalm. Twice the LORD promises to be a helper and defender of the fatherless. Jesus came to introduce us to our Father—a heavenly Father who cares.

Response: LORD God, father me. Thank you for caring. Help me become the father (or mother) I need to be. Amen.

Your Turn: Has your father made a difference in your life for good or bad? Are you letting God be your Father today?

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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“Forgiven & Forgiving: July 2024 Scripture Writing Plan” 7/01/2024 Written by Elihu Anderson for “Elihu’s Corner”

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Written by Elihu Anderson  for “Elihu’s Corner” @   http://elihuscorner.com/

Original post @ https://elihuscorner.com/2024/06/30/forgiven-forgiving-july-2024-scripture-writing-plan/

CHRISTIAN LIVING ,· FORGIVENESS ,· GOD’S LOVE ,· SCRIPTURE WRITING PLANS

 

Forgiven & Forgiving: July 2024 Scripture Writing Plan

 

June 30, 2024Elihu

“The Peter came and said to [Jesus],
“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?
Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18.21, NASB)

 

Have you ever felt like Peter?

Has anyone ever wronged you so many times that you think to yourself, “I can’t forgive ___________ anymore!!!”

Peter’s question continues to resonate throughout the ages because he speaks to the pain and frustration each of us feels when we are wronged–especially when wronged repeatedly by the same person.

In essence, Jesus was telling Peter that he ought to forgive repeatedly and completely. Jesus’ command is not complicated, but it is not necessarily easy, nor is it optional.

So how do we do it? How does one fulfill this challenging yet essential command of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Look at Jesus and imitate Him.

Jesus is not asking us to do anything He himself hasn’t already done.

Consider Matthew 27. As Pilate washed his hands of responsibility for Jesus’ execution, the crowd declared, “His blood be on us and on our children.” They were vehemently determined to end Jesus’ life. They might have justified the crucifixion of an innocent man through some twisted sense of justice, yet in their heart of hearts, they knew their bloodlust was wrong.

Fast forward to Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost:

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
(Acts 2.36-39, ESV)

Look at the magnitude of Jesus’ forgiveness: the very sin the Jews were so intent on doing (being directly responsible for the death of Jesus) was the very thing for which they were seeking forgiveness–and Jesus extended it. Furthermore, Jesus forgave Peter for his denial, His apostles for their abandonment, and His executioners for their ignorance. He has also forgiven you,

Consider the many sins you have committed against the Lord. What evil thoughts have you harbored? What harm have you done to others? What anger have you wrongfully unleashed?

The older I get, the more clearly I see sins from my early years as a Christian that I didn’t even recognize at the time. Although I know the grace of God, it’s important that I continue to remember—with humility—how much I need it.

Jesus extends forgiveness to me on a daily basis. If I look in the mirror at my shortcomings and look into God’s word and see his longsuffering, what He asks me to do is so small when compared with all that He has done for me.

We can forgive the worst offenses made toward us because Jesus has forgiven our mountain of offenses toward Him. As C.S. Lewis aptly observed, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

As you consider the scriptures chosen for this plan, take time to reflect on the great love, grace, and mercy that Jesus has richly showered on you. If you have anything you need to forgive, do it speedily and with that same love, grace, and mercy you’ve received from the hand of the Lord.

Let’s be forgiving to others just as we have been forgiven by the Lord, and let’s do so from a mindset of humility and gratitude.

I hope you’ll join us this month as we copy these passages. I frequently post each day’s verse on Facebook and Instagram (@elihuscorner). Please stop by and leave a comment or a question. I always love hearing your insights!

 

To download a printable PDF of this month’s plan, click the link below:

July 2024 Scripture Writing PlanDOWNLOAD

Got Little Scripture Writers?

Download free tracing and copying sheets below! (Special thanks to Sara McBroom for preparing these each month!)

kids scripture writing tracing july 2024DOWNLOAD

kids scripture writing copying july 2024DOWNLOAD

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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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“Murmurs in the Silence” 6/30/2024 Written by Nancy Ruegge for “From The Inside Out”

Posted on June 30, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org 

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

Psalm 46:10 - Artistic Bible

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

View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/06/27/murmurs-in-the-silence/

 

Murmurs in the Silence

June 27, 2024 by Nancy Ruegg

Imagine an impression, conviction, direction or affirmation imprinted so strongly upon your spirit that you knew for certain it came from God. It’s an appealing idea, but we may wonder:

How can we know when a thought is divinely bestowed?

The above promise from Jeremiah 33:3 indicates we can distinguish God’s voice. (Further evidence includes Isaiah 30:21, John 8:47, Revelation 3:20, and more.)

In addition, many respected Jesus-followers offer affirmation, based on their own experience.

Below you’ll find excerpts from some of these teachers, preachers, and authors, to answer our questions about hearing God speak within our hearts—questions like:

TO WHOM DOES GOD SPEAK?

To those who belong to God.

To those who make time for stillness.

God [is] waiting in the depths of my being to speak to me

if I would only be still enough to hear His voice.

–A. B. Simpson, quoted in Streams in the Desert, 255

To those willing to sit in silence.

Silence is the room we create for the searching of God,

where we hear his voice and follow.

–Mark Buchanan, http://christian.net/resources/bible-verses-about-hearing-god/

To those who prepare themselves to hear.

God will speak to the hearts of those who prepare themselves to hear.

–A. W. Tozer, God Still Speaks; Are We Listening?

WHY DOES GOD SPEAK INTO THE HEARTS OF HIS CHILDREN?

When God speaks, His chief aim is to reveal Himself.

He desires to make Himself known and lead

you into a more intimate relationship with Him.

–Priscilla Shirer, Discerning God’s Voice, 105

HOW CAN WE KNOW THAT GOD IS ACTUALLY SPEAKING TO US?

He speaks in love (Jeremiah 31:3), not condemnation (Romans 8:1).

One of the distinguishing characteristics

which will identify His voice is that it will

highlight His great, never-ending love for us . . .

Even when He is disciplining and correcting you

He is still operating from

His foundational character of love.

Love is how He is.

–Priscilla Shirer Discerning God’s Voice, 112

Whatever God says will concur with his Word.

When God speaks, it always lines up with the Bible—

His character and His actions.

He is kind, loving, inspirational, wise, healing,

and convicting without being condemning.

–Alice Clarke, https://www.catchthefire.com/blog/prophecy-prophetic-c45wm

Confirmation from elsewhere may also present itself.

When [God] speaks to you internally,

and then causes other events to confirm what he’s saying,

it’s not coincidence, luck, or chance.

It is likely his sovereign hand orchestrating circumstances

to help lead you to his will.

When God speaks, he does so persistently.

–Priscilla Shirer, Discerning God’s Voice, 76

WHAT CAN WE DO TO IMPROVE OUR LISTENING ABILITY?

Spend time in God’s Word.

The more time we spend in the Bible,

the more familiar we become with his voice,

making it easier to recognize it when he speaks.

–Denise J. Hughes, Deeper Waters, 50

Pray.

Prayer can lead regularly to personal encounter with God,

which can be indeed a wondrous, mysterious, awe-filled experience.

–Friedrich Heiler, Prayer: A Study, 129. Referenced by Timothy Keller in

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, 43.

Be still.

How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.

–Francois Fenelon

Take time to wait.

I listen for His voice. I wait. I take the time.

And He has never failed to meet me

at the place of listening.

–Joni Eareckson Tada, 31 Days Toward Intimacy, 82

Stay alert.

God murmurs in the silence of unexpected places.

–l. l. barkat, God in the Yard, 87.

Even at the kitchen sink.

“Just as this beautiful cluster of grapes once grew on a vine,

you are growing beautiful fruit as you abide in Me”–JESUS (John 15:5).

If we ask God to reveal himself, he’ll do it—as he chooses—through little whispers, confirmations, divine delays and heavenly echoes that corroborate with what he’s already saying through His Word and Spirit (Priscilla Shirer, Discerning God’s Voice, 193).

Let’s ask him now.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Jesus, please quiet all the loud voices that flood my heart and mind. Give me ears to hear the gentle sound of your voice. Speak Lord, your servant is listening. Amen (Chrystal Evans Hurst, Kingdom Woman Devotional, 41).

Psalm 37:7; 1 Samuel 3:9

Photo credits: http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pexels.com (2); http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.pexels.com.

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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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“Life in the Blood” 6/29/2024 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on June 29, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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/2024/06/25/life-in-the-blood-9/

Life in the Blood

JUNE 25, 2024

life in the blood

… the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin 1 John 1:7 (NIV)

A medical author, Ronald J. Glasser, says “No matter how we may wish to view ourselves, despite all our fantasies of grandeur and dominion, all our fragile human successes, the real struggle … has always been against bacteria and viruses, against adversaries never more than seven microns wide.” Glasser’s comment reminds us of a chilling reality: Viruses have killed more people than all wars, fires, floods, and earthquakes put together.

In the fight against viruses Jenner, Pasteur, and others have given us immunization. Immunization involves a vaccination that exposes the body to a virus in a safe form; either a weakened or ‘tired’ virus or a ‘killed’ virus with its outer shell intact to stimulate antibody production. Immunization gives the body an advantage. When a virus attacks someone who’s been immunized there is a prepared assortment of antibodies in the blood that can quickly target, deploy, and fight off the invading disease.

Dr Paul Brandt tells how, as a child in a remote part of India, his parents were involved in vaccinating people for smallpox. With limited quantities of vaccine and no refrigeration in outlying areas, they had to rely on runners bringing the vaccine up mountain paths. As soon as the runners arrived, the tubes of lymph would be broken open and the people would be vaccinated. “Later, from one infected arm, enough lymph would be drawn to vaccinate ten other Indians. Those ten yielded enough to vaccinate a hundred more. The blood of each vaccinated person locked away the memory of the pox virus so that any contact with smallpox alerted an army of defenders capable of overcoming the threat.”

In the spiritual realm, there’s a fight against the virus of sin. To overcome sin a “vaccination” is required – one that can be shared from Person to person – one that works through the blood. So God became man, and in medical parlance, entered our microbe world with the genetic material needed to correct it. By so doing, Christ overcame the virus of sin by taking on the shell of a victim cell of the sin virus in order to immunize humanity against it. What a phenomenal achievement! “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Life in the blood . . . In Hebrews 2:14-18 we learn that the blood of Christ has overcome sin and the devil! When we are included in Christ we’re inoculated with the “serum” that enables us to overcome sin, not by our own resilience or vitality, but as a result of the immunity we’ve received in Christ’s blood. In the words of the hymn writer: “There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins; and sinners plunged beneath that flood, lose all their guilty stains” (W. Cowper).

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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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“WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THINKING?” 6/28/2024 Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

PPT - Romans 12:1-2 PowerPoint Presentation, free download - ID:6467946

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

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2022/03/22/whatever-happened-to-thinking/

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THINKING?

Posted on March 22, 2022 by Pastor Randy

 

Whatever happened to thinking? Listening to people talk, watching the news, seeing how some people drive, and observing what they do, I am compelled to ask: Whatever happened to thinking? I wanted to conclude, “Well, they just aren’t thinking! If they were then they wouldn’t say and do all those stupid and insipid things!” But I’m wrong! Yes, mark this date on your calendars, Preacherman admitted he was wrong! It doesn’t happen very often, but it did this morning! Contrary to my errant conclusion, people do think–even when it seems like they aren’t. I mean, have you ever said to someone, “What were you thinking?” The implication is they weren’t–but they were. Thinking is controlled by our mind.

You see, if we are walking, talking, and breathing, then we are also thinking! It’s how we are wired, how we were created. The problem isn’t NOT thinking–the problem is HOW we think. The HOW of thinking is controlled by one thing and one thing only: PERSPECTIVE! And PERSPECTIVE is influenced by the things and people we allow to shape our values, beliefs, and attitudes; and these things form our words and actions. If we allow the gibberish thinking of others to influence us, then the outcome is, well, what we see so much of today.

There’s a line of thinking around the concept of mind control. Research has been done in the hollow halls of academia, the maladriot back rooms of Washington D.C.–even the military has explored it as a weapon of war. But the truth is there is no such thing as someone else controlling how a mind operates. Thinking is controlled by our own mind. We allow and we turn away, we permit and reject, what goes into and out of our minds. So the question of the hour–heck! The question of the ages is: Who Or What Controls Our Mind?

Many seem to be at a loss for the answer to this question. Fortunately for you, I’m not at a loss for the answer. It’s the heart! Think for a moment about what Paul wrote in Philippians Chapter 2, Verse 5: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Think of your heart as the throne room of your life. Someone or something rules from your heart. Whoever or whatever is sitting on that throne at the time is your Ruler. Remember, that rulers can be ruthless, rancorous, and remorseless. Make sure your Ruler isn’t that–and the only one who isn’t ruthless, rancorous, and remorseless is Jesus! His heart is kind, merciful, and gracious. There is never a moment when He isn’t!

By surrendering your Throne to Him, He’s right there doing what only HE can do–Giving Us A New Heart! That heart He transplants into us is His Heart. And what does His Heart look like? Well, read the Manual–it’s also known as The Bible. And when (not if) you have trouble understanding The Manual, The Holy Spirit is right there to help us understand God’s Heart! But be aware that the Holy Spirit often contradicts what we and others think. But remember He is Safe because He is Kind and will never do anything to harm us. And as far as the mind goes? Well, the New Heart is instantaneous. But the Renewed Mind takes time and effort on our part. After all, you control your thinking! And your thinking comes out of whatever, or whoever is sitting on that Throne!

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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 Satisfies” 6/27/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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1 John 2:15-16 (NIV ©2010) 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything. - ppt download

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

Original post @ https://info.truthforlife.org/from-the-jaws-of-death-2?ecid=ACsprvs2wyZ_J4NofIIVzi4HljskqVrFzD_yI23X6aTfKuSjTAW_L1cVAU5melJiuoPLAdwn7iYQ&utm_campaign=Spurgeon%20Daily%20Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-85gTunsTg0TweihUTOmoVdJ7N2uUoYYUwbXarWif491N755fhbFjyxfJDXRXICi2bKOl5FtIsW-A4HRxI9JJKZeY5PinK3gAVjH1aKqtzpNmSSPr0&_hsmi=313263208&utm_content=313263208&utm_source=hs_email

JUNE 26

What Satisfies

… Having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

2 Peter 1:4

Banish forever any thought of indulging the flesh if you want to live in the power of your risen Lord. It is incongruous for a man who is alive in Christ to dwell in the corruption of sin. “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” said the angel to the women. Should the living dwell in the tombs? Should divine life be imprisoned in the burial ground of fleshly lust? How can we partake of the cup of the Lord and yet drink the cup of the devil? Surely, believer, from blatant lusts and sins you are delivered, but have you also escaped from those that are more secret and delusive? Have you left behind the lust of pride? Have you escaped from laziness? Have you given up trusting in earthly things? Are you seeking each day to live above worldliness, the pride of life, and the ensnaring grip of greed?

Remember, it is in order that you might know such victory that you have been enriched with the treasures of God. If you are really the chosen of God, and beloved by Him, do not allow all this lavish treasure of grace to be wasted on you. Pursue holiness; it is the Christian’s crown and glory. An unholy church is useless to the world and of no esteem among men. It is an abomination, hell’s laughter, heaven’s abhorrence. The worst evils that have ever come upon the world have been brought upon her by an unholy church. O Christian, the vows of God are upon you.

You are God’s servant: Act as such. You are God’s king: Reign over your lusts. You are God’s chosen: Do not associate with Satan. Heaven is your portion: Live like a heavenly spirit, and in this way you will prove that you have true faith in Jesus, for there cannot be faith in the heart unless there is holiness in the life.

Lord, I desire to live as one
Who bears a blood-bought name,
As one who fears but grieving Thee,
And knows no other shame.
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…

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“What is the conviction of sin?” 6/26/2024 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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

John 16:8 And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Click on the original link below and then on the speaker at the top, to listen to this post-

Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/conviction-of-sin.html

QUESTION

What is the conviction of sin?

ANSWER

The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin (John 16:8). To help us understand what the conviction of sin is, we can look at what it is not. First, it is not simply a guilty conscience or even shame over sin. Such feelings are naturally experienced by almost everyone. But this is not true conviction of sin.

Second, conviction of sin is not a sense of trepidation or a foreboding of divine punishment. These feelings, too, are commonly experienced in the hearts and minds of sinners. But, again, true conviction of sin is something different.

Third, conviction of sin is not merely knowledge of right and wrong; it is not an assent to Scripture’s teaching about sin. Many people read the Bible and are fully aware that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). They may know that “no immoral, impure or greedy person . . . has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Ephesians 5:5). They may even agree that “the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17). Yet, for all their knowledge, they continue to live in sin. They understand the consequences, but they’re far from being convicted of their sins.

The truth is, if we experience nothing more than a pang of conscience, anxiety at the thought of judgment, or an academic awareness of hell, then we have never truly known the conviction of sin. So, what is real conviction, the kind the Bible speaks of?

The word convict is a translation of the Greek word elencho, which means “to convince someone of the truth; to reprove; to accuse, refute, or cross-examine a witness.” The Holy Spirit acts as a prosecuting attorney who exposes evil, reproves evildoers, and convinces people that they need a Savior.

To be convicted is to feel the sheer loathsomeness of sin. This happens when we’ve seen God’s beauty, His purity, and holiness, and when we recognize that sin cannot dwell with Him (Psalm 5:4). When Isaiah stood in the presence of God, he was immediately overwhelmed by his own sinfulness: “Woe to me! . . . I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips . . . and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty” (Isaiah 6:5).

To be convicted is to experience an utter dreadfulness of sin. Our attitude toward sin becomes that of Joseph who fled temptation, crying out, “How could I do this great evil and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

We are convicted when we become mindful of how much our sin dishonors God. When David was convicted by the Holy Spirit, he cried out, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:4). David saw his sin primarily as an affront to a holy God.

We are convicted when we become intensely aware of the wrath it exposes to our souls (Romans 1:18; Romans 2:5). When the Philippian jailer fell at the apostles’ feet and cried, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” he was under conviction (Acts 16:30). He was certain that, without a Savior, he would die.

When the Holy Spirit convicts people of their sins, He represents the righteous judgment of God (Hebrews 4:12). There is no appeal of this verdict. The Holy Spirit not only convicts people of sin, but He also brings them to repentance (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:5). The Holy Spirit brings to light our relationship to God. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to our sins and opens our hearts to receive His grace (Ephesians 2:8).

We praise the Lord for the conviction of sin. Without it, there could be no salvation. No one is saved apart from the Spirit’s convicting and regenerating work in the heart. The Bible teaches that all people are by nature rebels against God and hostile to Jesus Christ. They are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). Part of that “draw” to Jesus is the conviction of sin.

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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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