“A Need for Correction” 5/06/2024 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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thelordismylightandmysalvation | Psalms, Gods promises, Psalm 61

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

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2024/04/19/a-need-for-correction/

A Need for Correction

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 141

Tags blessing, correction, David, devotion, kindness, Prayer, pride, Psalms, righteous

Today’s Devotion from the Psalms

Let a righteous man strike me—
that is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—
that is oil on my head.
My head will not refuse it,
for my prayer will still be
against the deeds of evildoers (NIV). *

Photo by David Kitz

Reflection
I don’t like being proven wrong. I like to think I have this world figured out. I am wise in my own eyes. A proud heart tells me I am right. Isn’t that so?

Am I the only one who suffers from this affliction—this deceptive pride that blinds me to my errors? Of course not. Human pride puts blinders over our eyes. We have trouble seeing our own faults. We often need others to bring them gently, or sharply to our attention. Better is open rebuke than hidden love (Proverbs 27:5).

Here in Psalm 141, David confesses his need for correction: Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head.

Do we see sharp correction as a kindness? Do we see a rebuke as a blessing like oil poured on our head? In today’s culture the thought of oil being poured on someone’s head has little appeal. But that was not the case in ancient times. Olive oil was a high-value commodity. Using it for personal grooming was considered a luxury. Only the wealthy would lavish themselves with such extravagance.

For David, these words would bring back the memory of the occasion when the prophet Samuel anointed him to be king over Israel in place of King Saul. So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David (1 Samuel 16:13).

Earlier, Samuel had rebuked Saul for his disobedience. See 1 Samuel 13. Saul did not receive that rebuke well. There was no repentance on his part. On the other hand, years later when Nathan, the prophet, rebuked David for his sin with Bathsheba, David repented and sought the LORD with prayer and fasting. See 2 Samuel 12. The contrast between Saul’s response and David’s response to corrective rebuke is striking.

David, the man after God’s own heart, received forgiveness and the mercy of God, while Saul became embittered and ultimately descended into witchcraft.

How we handle correction will determine the rise or fall of our career, our marriage, and ultimately our life with God. David learned to love rebuke. For him and for us, it can result in a course correction of eternal worth.

Response: LORD God, please correct me when I err. When others point out my faults, help me to receive that correction with grace and not anger. Lord Jesus, You alone are faultless. Forgive me. Amen.

Your Turn: Is it difficult for you to receive correction? What can make receiving correction easier?

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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…

You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul **“ON FIRE”** for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

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Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged BLESSING, correction, David, Devotion, Kindness, prayer, pride, Psalms, righteous | Leave a comment

“What is the Nature of True Repentance?” 5/05/2024 Written by Jeff Chavez for Pastor Jim Lee @ “The Domain for Truth”

Posted on May 5, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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

Acts 3: 19-20, NIV

Written by a guest post for Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth” @ veritasdomain.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2024/04/26/guest-post-what-is-the-nature-of-true-repentance/

Guest Post: What is the Nature of True Repentance?

April 26, 2024 by SLIMJIM

Note: This is a guest post since presently I am teaching overseas. This is by Jeff Chavez. His blog be found here.

trinity

What is the Nature of True Repentance?

In the Second London Baptist Confession, Paragraphs 1 & 2 address the repentance of sinners in conversion and of the believers from serious sins.

The 3rd paragraph talks about the nature of repentance. It states, “This saving repentance is an evangelical grace, whereby a person, being by the Holy Spirit made sensible of the manifold evils of his sin, does, by faith in Christ, humble himself for it with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrence, praying for pardon and strength of grace, with a purpose and endeavor, by supplies of the Spirit, to walk before God unto all well-pleasing in all things.” (1689 LBCF Chapter 15- Par. 3)

Teaching: Repentance unto life from sin and self is a grace of God.

What is true repentance?

It is an evangelical grace from God
It is a personal response to sin
It is a renewal of mind toward God

The Baptist Catechism, Question #92 – What is repentance unto life? Repentance unto life is a saving grace,⁠ whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin,⁠ and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ,⁠ doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God,⁠ with full purpose of and endeavor after new obedience.⁠⁠

It is an evangelical grace from God

In contrast to legal repentance

Legal repentance flows only from a sense of danger and fear of wrath, but evangelical repentance is a true mourning for sin and an earnest desire for deliverance from it.

A legal repentance ordinarily flows from discouragement and despondency, but an evangelical repentance is accompanied by a confiding trust in God’s mercy.

1. 1. Evangelical repentance as a saving grace is

God’s gift …grace – Acts 11:18 (like faith and joined with it … All this is done/experienced . . . by faith in Christ

Gospel produced …an evangelical grace – there’s no repentance apart from the knowledge of sin done through the preaching of the gospel (para. 5 …which makes the constant preaching of repentance necessary.)

Spirit’s work …being by the Holy Spirit made sensible of…

Point: True repentance is a saving grace granted by the Holy Spirit who works through the preaching of the gospel. We cannot produce our repentance. For it to be true it must be given by God.

We cannot truly repent if the Spirit won’t work in our hearts and minds. Unless the Spirit works no true repentance will be produced.

It is a personal response against sin– Four personal results …whereby a person… does… [Renihan, Symbolics II] “The believing sinner laments his or her personal sin.”

Note: Biblical example – Tax Collector and David – Luke 18:13-14, Psalms 51

humble himself – standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven ..the one who humbles himself will be exalted (v.14)
with godly sorrow (2 Cor 7:9-11) All repentance includes sorrow. Some people think that their repentance is not true enough because they did not cry enough.But our repentance is not validated by the intensity of our sorrows for sin. Yes, there is sorrow. But the degree of sorrow does not dictate the truthfulness of our repentance. If you know you sinned, you’ll go back to the Father to be cleansed by the blood of the Lamb with a greater resolution not to sin again/ You will daily depend upon the grace of God which is powerful enough to transform you from glory unto glory.
detestation of it – the believing sinner sees the ugliness of sin. Now he hates it. It is implied in the experience of the Tax Collector since he is not able to lift up his eyes to heaven as he pounds his breasts. David (Psalm 51:2 …wash me thoroughly)
self-abhorrancy – the believing sinner hates himself because of loving himself and the sin that God hates rather than loving God. Luke 18:13, David v.3-5

Point: Repentance is a personal act where the LORD opens our minds and hearts to see the true evil of sin, our misery

Transition: yet it does not end here. The believing and repentant sinner turns to God through Christ as His only hope.

It is a renewal of mind toward God

Note: μετανοέω – I repent, change my mind, a mental direction

praying for pardon and strength of grace, with a purpose and endeavor, by supplies of the Spirit, to walk before God unto all well-pleasing in all things.

Psalm 51:15-17 – We believe that he had religion for nine months. He still went to sacrifice and practice his duty as a king. But in verses 15-17, he confessed that all his sacrifices were hypocritical. He recognized that God does not delight in sacrifice and he has no pleasure in burnt offering.
Acts 26:20 …repent and turn to God… In repentance, we do not run away from God but towards Him. We know that though our sins are great, His grace is greater still.
[Baptist Catechism] and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ… turn from it unto God,⁠ with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience.⁠⁠
True repentance always leads to change, change of perspective, heart, and will. What kind of repentance it would be if a husband is caught in adultery but did not leave his mistress, a thief caught in the robbery but kept the money for his own, and a lying lip caught speaking lies and yet covered it with another lie?
[John Murray, Redemption: Accomplished and Applied, 119] Repentance consists essentially inchange of heart and mind and will… it is a change of mind respecting ourselves, respecting sin, and respecting righteousness.
[Sam Waldron, Modern Exposition of 1689 BCF] Repentance is necessary to have eternal life, but it does not stand in the same relation to salvation as faith. Berkhof hints at this when he calls repentance a ‘negative condition of salvation’.
A crude illustration of this would be to liken faith to the eating of the bread of life, while repentance is the vomiting out of our sins. Repentance empties the spiritual stomach of sin and self and gives a hunger for the bread of life.

Point: True repentance breeds inward change that manifests outwardly. Truly, “dying to sin is the life of repentance” (T.Watson, Repentance).

Application:

The question is not only, do you know what is true repentance? But also have you repented your sin?
[John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied, 120] The test of repentance is the genuineness and resoluteness of our repentance in respect of our own sins, sins characterized by the aggravations which are peculiar to our own selves.”
Is sin bitter for us? (T. Watson) “Till sin be bitter Christ will not be sweet” and “Sin seems beloved to us only when Christ does not.”
We might find ourselves fighting over the same sin for a season but we also find ourselves keep coming back to God in the spirit of repentance and faith, trusting that God is faithful to sustain us. As Christians, we live based on the shed blood of Christ in every sphere of life to the glory of God. Daily apply yourself to the power of the blood of the Lamb!

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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…

You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul **“ON FIRE”** for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

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Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged Godly sorrow, Repentence | 4 Comments

“When People Stomp on Our Pride” 5/04/2024 Written by Gabrielle Guthrie for “See, there’s this thing called biology…~insanitybytes”

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Stock Photo - Alamy

This link explains why God’s grace is sufficient- https://www.gotquestions.org/my-grace-is-sufficient.html

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

Original post found @ https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/2024/05/04/when-people-stomp-on-our-pride/

When People Stomp on Our Pride

Posted by insanitybytes22 in Uncategorized

First, let me clarify, this is not about tolerating disrespect. I am not suggesting that anyone has to put up with bullying or abuse nor am I saying that mistreating others is okay. It is not. In fact, that’s part of why I am writing this because it happens constantly and it’s not okay. We can’t control it, but we sure can control how we respond to it.

As Christians, we do have the added challenges stemming from those bothersome passages about the need to “turn the other cheek” and to “love your neighbor.” As you forgive, so shall you be forgiven. And of course, as you judge so shall you be judged. This has nothing to do with being a doormat, it has to do with cultivating a spirit that can genuinely look at somebody and just think, “forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.”

Somebody smart once said, “The bad news is that it’s not all about you all of the time. The good news is also that it’s not all about you all of the time.” How people treat you is not necessarily a reflection of you, it is often a reflection of who they are and what they are experiencing. That can be some tough meat to chew on! As people, we tend to think it really is all about us, all of the time.

When people stomp on our pride and we react with offense and anger, one problem is that it demonstrates our own insecurities and fears. We are not who other people say we are, we are who God says we are. If we genuinely believe that and we turn to Him for constant and frequent reassurance, then the poor behavior of others will have almost no impact on us.

Pride is almost always the flip side of shame. If someone is stomping on our pride what they are really doing is triggering our shame. As Christians, we are supposed to set our shame down at the foot of the cross. Jesus died, “despising the shame” on our behalf. So if we have picked up shame along the way (which most of us have,) we are called to turn right around and put it down at His feet. It is not ours to carry. It does not belong to us! Ask Him to heal those insecurities and fears, to wash away our shame. When we can walk in humility and stay in a state of grace, we will have no pride to stomp on. People will just be swinging at dead air.

There is a lot of big stuff that can happen to us, murder, theft, affairs, child abuse, spousal abuse, injustice, and some genuinely challenging issues that can strain the whole concept of forgiveness. I’m setting all of those Big Things aside for a moment and just talking about the petty things.

The really dumb things. (No doubt I’ve just stomped on someone’s pride by suggesting some things are “petty,” but they really are.) I’m talking about taking great offense over stuff that just doesn’t matter. Making huge, emotional mountains out of mole hills. Family estrangements developing over cool whip versus whip cream. Church splits happening over carpet colors. Hating someone because you envy their shoes.

We can (and probably should) tar and feather our leaders for all I care, but when it comes to family, friends, and even just some passing acquaintances, we are actually called to engage in unconditional love, constant renewable forgiveness, and to practice radical grace. Renewable forgiveness as in okay great, now do it again, 70 times 70.

Practicing radical grace is how people will know we are Christians. The Bible says, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” “As I have loved you,” That means we must extend to others the same kind of radical grace that we ourselves have received from Him.

How has Jesus loved us? With mercy, grace, redemption, understanding, forgiveness, healing, love, and life and life abundant.

It’s not easy and nobody is perfect. I don’t wish to sound like I am lecturing and criticizing. We call it “practicing radical grace” because it is not only “radical” but it also takes a lot of “practice.” You will hit some sour notes sometimes. You will even mess it all up sometimes and bless someone else with the opportunity to “practice.“

My heart is just aching for the condition of Christianity as I see it portrayed on social media and in so many actual relationships on the ground.

The fruits of our failures are evident in our divisions, resentments, and assorted unkindness to one another.

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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…

You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul **“ON FIRE”** for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

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Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged 2 Corinthianbs 12:9, Grace, humility, pride | Leave a comment

“GRACE of Place, Place of GRACE” 5/03/2024 Written by Nancy Ruegge for “From The Inside Out”

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and ...

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

View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/05/02/grace-of-place-place-of-grace/

GRACE of Place, Place of GRACE

May 2, 2024 by Nancy Ruegg

Have you seen those grace-filled fingerprints? Perhaps at home in the joy of good-natured laughter around the family table, or one child helping another with his homework—unprompted, or unified celebration of all—for the success of one.

Perhaps you’ve seen God’s fingerprints outdoors in a landscape of incredible beauty and grandeur, or an up-close encounter with one of God’s creatures, or the expanse of a sunrise, sunset, or brilliant rainbow.

And especially at church, we see God’s fingerprints when an impassioned congregation sings their praise to him, a saint of God offers a heart-touching prayer, someone shares a personal story of divine, miraculous provision, or a scripture-reading fits perfectly our current circumstances.

No doubt, God’s grace is on display everywhere and always. It never wanes; it’s new every morning. And, as illustrated above, when we intentionally look, we see his fingerprints in the GRACE of place.

But God’s grace is not only evident around us. God has provided a place of GRACE within us as well.

“This grace of God is a very great, strong, mighty, and active thing.

It does not lie asleep in the soul.

Grace hears, leads, drives, draws, changes, works all in man,

and lets itself be distinctly felt and experienced.

It is hidden, but its works are evident.

–Martin Luther

That middle line especially deserves deep and slow consideration. Luther would surely have us understand:

Our God of grace hears—even before we speak (Isaiah 55:24).

Our God of grace leads—along the best and straightest path to himself (Psalm 16:11a) [1].

Our God of grace drives (propels)—gently but persistently—so we’re resilient, not fragile; strong, not weak; useful, not ineffectual (Ephesians 3:20).

Our God of grace lovingly and relentlessly draws us unto himself (Jeremiah 31:3).

Our God of grace changes us, progressively transforming us into his likeness with ever-increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Our God of grace works in us so he can work through us—all to his and our mutual delight (Philippians 2:13).

He is a passionately dedicated, perfectly-intentioned, and supremely benevolent Heavenly Father!

Yet there is more.

Our God enriches, enlightens, enables, and enraptures by:

blessing us—not with everything that pleases us—but with everything good for us [2]

bestowing the privilege of his presence—“so wonderful, quieting, soothing, calming, and warming” [3]

guiding us with supernatural wisdom as we avail ourselves with childlike trust

shaping our lives into what is useful and beautiful [4]

providing a haven within of comfort (Psalm 34:18) and strength (Psalm 59:16), refreshment (Acts 3:19) and joy (Psalm 4:7)

All good things are a result of God’s grace (Psalm 84:11)—in the GRACE of place all around us and in the place of GRACE within.

Where are you seeing God’s grace-filled fingerprints this day? Tell us about it in the comment section below!

[1] Dietrich Bonhoeffer

[2] King David mentions at least ten gifts in Psalm 103 alone.

[3] J. Danson Smith, quoted in Streams in the Desert, Jim Reimann, ed., 340.

[4] Eugene Peterson, Run with the Horses, 79.

Art & photo credits: http://www.openclipart.org & canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.creazilla.com (painting by Pieter Claesz).

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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…

You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul **“ON FIRE”** for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

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Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged Ephesians 2:8-9, GRACE of Place, Place of GRACE | Leave a comment

“GDD” 5/02/2024 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

I Thessalonians 5: Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - ppt download

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/2024/04/16/gdd-6/#more-8410

GDD

APRIL 16, 2024

Female hand outstretched with palm up and the word 'Gratitude' hovering above with a stone effect background covered in different colored and sized 'Gratitude' words

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16 (NIV)

Most of us know what PMS, ADD, SARS and AIDS stand for. Now there’s GDD – gratitude deficit disorder. In recent years this disorder has become a highly contagious behavior to which more and more people are succumbing. The symptoms are easy to detect. If you’re ungrateful, unappreciative or projecting an attitude of ingratitude then you’ve got a case of GDD. James 3:16 describes it in these words, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

Fortunately, it’s not difficult to treat GDD:

Begin by admitting that you’re disgruntled or dissatisfied.

This should be followed by a recognition of your tendency to see the cup half-empty instead of half-full. Identify any inclination to judge the flaws of others or any reluctance to applaud someone else’s achievements.

Then, acknowledge your dependency on God. Ask Him to help you suppress negative reactions and to see His provision instead. It’s a matter of perspective. You need to view the brighter side of things by trusting God to help you accentuate the positive and ignore the negative. It might even be worthwhile to take an inventory of all the blessings God has poured into your life. List everything that deserves recognition by starting with the small stuff then moving on to the bigger stuff.

Finally, cultivate a thankful spirit. Practice appreciation. Aim to make “thank you” one of the most common phrases in your vocabulary. Use these two words as frequently as possible and add emphasis to them by topping them off with a smile, a handshake, a note of gratitude, a hug, a kiss, a high five, or whatever’s appropriate for the situation.

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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…

You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

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Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged gratitude deficit disorder, James 3:16 | Leave a comment

“Go Fish: May 2024 Scripture Writing Plan” 5/01/2024 Written by Elihu Anderson for “Elihu’s Corner”

Posted on May 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/2024/04/30/go-fish-may-2024-scripture-writing-plan/

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY, · CHRISTIAN LIVING, · DISCIPLESHIP ,· ENCOURAGEMENT ,· FAITHFULNESS

Go Fish: May 2024 Scripture Writing Plan

April 30, 2024 Elihu

What is a disciple?

According to Strong’s Concordance, a disciple (from the Greek mathétés) is a “learner or pupil.” Jesus original disciples were supposed to learn directly from Him, but they were not intended to be His only disciples. When he initially called them to follow Him, He informed them of what they would become:

“While walking by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

~ Matthew 4.18-20, ESV

Peter & Andrew were fishermen by trade. They cast out large nets in an attempt to draw in a great number of fish so they could eke out a living. Jesus was calling them to draw people to Him so those people could live abundantly. While Jesus was alive, He taught both by direct instruction and by His own example, so that when He ascended to heaven, His disciples could continue not only to draw people to Jesus, but to teach them His commandments:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

~ Matthew 28.19-20, ESV

To “make disciples” involved going out into the community and teaching all that Jesus taught. The apostles were intended to be lifelong learners (or pupils) of Christ, but they were also to make lifelong learners as well. Jesus knew the apostles would not live on the earth forever, so the disciples they made were intended to go out and make more disciples.

If you are a disciple (follower) of Christ, this is now your job too! You will need to seek to learn from Christ for the rest of your life. As you are learning there are other things you need to do:

Prepare to Share. The world in which we live is a hostile place. Adversaries abound. Prepare your mind and heart to stand firm in the truth. As Peter writes, “Always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
Go Fish (Share the Gospel). I have little experience with fishing, but I know that in the U.S., most people fish with a rod and reel. In Jesus’ time, fishermen typically used a net to draw the fish into the boat. You and I are called to draw people, not to ourselves, but to the saving power of Christ. I recently read a post by a preacher named Wilson Adams, who pointed out that the first two letters in the gospel read “go.” Are we ready to go and share the good news?
Teach Jesus’ Commands. To make disciples of Jesus, we have to teach the commandments of Jesus. The Lord has preserved the teachings of Christ in the gospels we have, and His apostles wrote several letters to churches and individuals with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Are we teaching what He taught or are we teaching the rules of mankind? Hopefully, we are encouraging people to study Jesus’ teaching and example.
Trust Him to be with you. Jesus promised His apostles He would be with them. He also sent them the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit so they could perform miracles and confirm the message. While we no longer have the ability to perform miracles, Jesus and the Holy Spirit still dwell within our hearts (Romans 8.9-11). We are going to face opposition. It’s inevitable. If you trust in yourself, you will eventually fall. If you trust in the power of Christ within you, you will be able to continue to share His love with others.

You might feel like you “don’t know enough” to teach. If that’s the case, it’s time to dig in and learn. Prepare yourself to teach. Regardless of how comfortable you are with teaching, at this moment, you know the basic gospel message and can share that with others. If you find yourself falling short in some area, start studying how to answer! In fact, there are people that may only connect to the gospel through your witness because of who you are and the example of your life.

You might also feel like you aren’t bold enough, brave enough, strong enough to share… and you’re right! You aren’t intended to be the source of strength. Jesus is the one who strengthens and equips you. Trust in His power and the power of the gospel.

Are you ready to go fish? Begin where you are. You don’t have to travel to the far reaches of the planet to share the gospel; there are plenty of opportunities right within your own circle of influence, and your own community.

I hope you’ll join us this month as we copy scriptures with examples of people sharing the gospel and teaching the commandments of Jesus!

To download a printable copy of the plan, click the link below:

May 2024 Scripture Writing Plan DOWNLOAD

Sara McBroom has once again provided her amazing tracing and copying sheets for your little scripture writers. To download, click the link below:

Kids Scripture Writing Tracing May 2024 DOWNLOAD

Kids Scripture Writing Copying May 2024 DOWNLOAD

If you have questions, please comment below!

For reflections on each day’s scripture, drop by the Elihu’s Corner Facebook pageor Instagram (@elihuscorner).

Special thanks to Sara McBroom and Liz Smith for assisting me each month with these plans

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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…

You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul **“ON FIRE”** for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged · CHRISTIAN LIVING, · DISCIPLESHIP, · ENCOURAGEMENT, · FAITHFULNESS, CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY | Leave a comment

“WHAT’S YOUR HEART SAYING?” 4/30/2024 Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

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

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/category/holy-spirit/

WHAT’S YOUR HEART SAYING?

Posted on November 2, 2022

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.

Ephesians chapter 5, verses 18 and 19; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

Something happened to a good friend of mine the other day and I thought it was worth sharing. Rex is a serious follower of Jesus, and he also sells used cars. Now, some of you may think that a used car salesman and follower of Jesus is a contradiction in terms. It’s not, and Rex makes it work. Selling used cars for Rex is just a way of doing something, and hopefully making a little bit of money along the way.

Last week at an auction he bought a diesel pickup truck. Before he left the auction to bring it home, he added some fuel, thinking it would be enough. On the way home the truck quit and was putting out an error code. I asked him what it might be and Rex said it could be any of a number of things–ranging from expensive to very expensive. A couple of days later I inquired about if he had found out what was wrong. It turns out, all it needed was fuel. And for now, at least, he’s driving and using that truck. It quit running for lack of fuel.

What does this story have to do with The Kingdom Life? Glad you asked. Every person is like a vehicle–we need a source of fuel. And it needs to be the right kind of fuel. You can’t fuel up a vehicle designed to run on gasoline with diesel fuel–and you can’t fuel up a vehicle designed to run on diesel fuel with gasoline. Well, you can–but the results are both disastrous and very expensive.

As human beings, created in God’s Image, there is only one source of fuel that will work in us. And that “fuel” is The Holy Spirit. Human logic or reasoning does not–will not–CANNOT–give us what we need to successfully navigate this life. Trying to live each day by the values and standards of this world is like putting gasoline in the fuel tank for a vehicle designed to run on diesel fuel.

Oh, just one more thing about The Holy Spirit. We don’t advise The Holy Spirit on what He needs to be doing. And we certainly can’t control Him. The church of 2022 has become more of an institution rather than a movement. And it’s all because people are not listening to the error code being sent out by their heart. Our work here is Spiritual Work–and for Spiritual Work, we need Spiritual Fuel! And we need Spiritual Tools! There’s only one source for both of them! That’s why we need to live in The Spirit while living in the world.

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

2 Corinthians chapter 3, verse 17 and 18; (NLT)

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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…

You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul **“ON FIRE”** for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

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Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, Ephesians 5:18-20, WHAT’S YOUR HEART SAYING? | Leave a comment

“Christ’s Comprehensive Love” 4/29/2024 Original post @ Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Psalm 149:4 For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the afflicted with salvation.

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

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

Original post @ https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/4/29/2024/

Christ’s Comprehensive Love

The Lord takes pleasure in his people.

Psalm 149:4

How comprehensive is the love of Jesus! There is no part of His people’s interests that He does not consider, and there is nothing that concerns their welfare that is not important to Him. He doesn’t merely think of you, believer, as an immortal being, but as a mortal being too. Do not deny it or doubt it: “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”¹ “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way.”²

It would be sad for us if this covering of love did not tackle all our concerns, for what mischief might be done to us in that part of our lives that did not come under our gracious Lord’s protection! Believer, rest assured that the heart of Jesus cares about your smallest concerns. The breadth of His tender love is such that you may turn to Him in every case; for in all your afflictions He is afflicted, and just like a father cares for his children, so He cares for you. The smallest interests of all His saints are all borne upon the heart of the Son of God.

And what a heart He has, which does not merely understand the nature of His people but also comprehends their diverse and innumerable concerns. Do you think, Christian, that you can measure the love of Christ? Consider what His love has brought you—justification, adoption, sanctification, eternal life! The riches of His goodness are unsearchable; you will never be able to convey them or even conceive them.

Oh, the breadth of the love of Christ! Shall such a love as this have only half our hearts? Shall it have a cold love in return? Shall Jesus’ marvelous loving-kindness and tender care be met with only faint response and delayed acknowledgment? My soul, tune your harp to a glad song of thanksgiving! Go to your rest rejoicing, for you are not a desolate wanderer but a beloved child, watched over, cared for, supplied, and defended by your Lord.

¹⁾Matthew 10:30²⁾Psalm 37:23

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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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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Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged Christ's Comprehensive Love, Matthew 10:30, Psalm 149:4 | Leave a comment

“The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is self-control?” 4/28/2024 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/

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

What does the Bible say about self-discipline? | GotQuestions.org

Here is extra reading with 58 Bible verses about self-control- https://debpreston.com/self-control-in-the-bible/

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

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

QUESTION

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is self-control?

ANSWER

The last characteristic listed in Galatians 5:22-23 as a fruit of the Spirit is self-control. The fruit of the Spirit is the change in our character that comes about because of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. We do not become a Christians on our own, and we cannot grow on our own. Philippians 2:13 says that “it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Every good thing we do is the fruit of the Spirit’s work in our lives.

Self-control (“temperance” in the KJV) is, of course, the ability to control oneself. It involves moderation, constraint, and the ability to say “no” to our baser desires and fleshly lusts.

One of the proofs of God’s working in our lives is the ability to control our own thoughts, words, and actions. It’s not that we are naturally weak-willed. But our fallen nature is under the influence of sin. The Bible calls it being a “slave to sin” (Romans 6:6). One definition of sin is “filling a legitimate need through illegitimate means.” Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we are incapable of knowing and choosing how best to meet our needs. Even if we knew what would be best, such as not smoking, another need, like comfort, would take precedence and enslave us again.

When we are saved by Christ’s sacrifice, we are free (Galatians 5:1). That liberty includes, among other things, freedom from sin. “Our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6). Now, as the Spirit gives us self-control, we can refuse sin.

Believers need self-control because the outside world and internal forces still attack (Romans 7:21-25). Like a vulnerable city, we must have defenses. A wall around an ancient city was designed to keep out the enemy. Judges at the gates determined who should be allowed in and who should remain outside. Soldiers and gates enforced those decisions. In our lives, these defenses might include avoiding close relationships with sinners, meeting with other believers, and meditating on the life-giving Word of God. We don’t exhibit self-control if we continually dally with that which would enslave us.

Self-control naturally leads to perseverance (2 Peter 1:6) as we value the long-term good instead of the instant gratification of the world. Self-control is a gift that frees us. It frees us to enjoy the benefits of a healthy body. It frees us to rest in the security of good stewardship. It frees us from a guilty conscience. Self-control restricts the indulgence of our foolish desires, and we find the liberty to love and live as we were meant to.

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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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Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged Galatians 5:22-23, The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is self-control? | 1 Comment

“Family Matters” 4/27/2024 Written by Elisa Morgan for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on April 27, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org

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

Written by Elisa Morgan 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/2024/04/20/family-matters

April 20

Family Matters

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone.

Hebrews 12:14

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Hebrews 12:14-17

My sister, brother, and I flew from our separate states to our uncle’s funeral and stopped to see our ninety-year-old grandmother. She’d been paralyzed by a stroke, had lost the ability to speak, and had only the use of her right hand. As we stood around her bed, she reached out that hand and took each of our hands, placing one atop another over her heart and patting them in place. With this wordless gesture, my grandmother spoke into what had been our somewhat broken and distant sibling relationship. “Family matters.”

In God’s family, the church, we can grow apart as well. We might allow bitterness to separate us from each other. The writer of Hebrews references the bitterness that separated Esau from his brother (Hebrews 12:16) and challenges us as brothers and sisters to hold on to each other in God’s family. “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone” (v. 14). Here the words every effort convey a deliberate and decisive investment in peacemaking with our brothers and sisters in God’s family. Every such effort is then applied to everyone. Every. One.

Family matters. Both our earthly families and God’s family of believers. Might we all invest the efforts needed to hold on to each other?

By: Elisa Morgan

Reflect & Pray

What would it mean for you to “make every effort to live in peace with everyone” in God’s family? Is there a particular person you might need to approach for reconciliation?

Dear God, thank You for drawing me to Yourself. Help me to make every effort to live at peace with everyone in Your family.

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

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…

You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul **“ON FIRE”** for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=b5f6560b0f349675&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS1066US1066&sxsrf=ACQVn09mmg7lQLqGzHQ4LtjyzxqQdid9gw:1714221701953&q=image+Col+3:12-14&udm=2&source=univ&fir=WLgSqA0GKTJvJM%252Ck1BwiSWyMV32NM%252C_%253BoHaGV7l2O0ulHM%252C4jNeyeXwvzznNM%252C_%253B2NYRUu1de2devM%252Cxo0ETcVPkP2WcM%252C_%253B70dcd-T3OmhsrM%252C5oL4mpcc3mRWYM%252C_%253BDfLG_s5N2tTelM%252Cy-b-AQU1HcssGM%252C_%253BOpKyUZwT7tr7CM%252CMMBTj1bUnfypZM%252C_%253BFhyUuD3vi6s14M%252Ck1BwiSWyMV32NM%252C_%253BlshORXbrgMwvqM%252CI_G-a-oJQsU0VM%252C_%253BR-jy7t3OgaDoaM%252CgirWev4p3t51pM%252C_%253BOxvcoN_MV3JuBM%252CCFMuia6rrX0kDM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kRhBXKuAXbtrq3UzvDK8UFNBxrSHg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjEqu28teKFAxVNg4kEHcXJCecQ7Al6BAgWEEg&biw=1399&bih=926&dpr=1#imgrc=Yi65AFeemvoXSM&imgdii=88m8uChLFudw3M

Posted in Daily Devotion | Tagged Family Matters, Hebrews 12:14 | Leave a comment

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