“BABY STEPS” 4/26/2024 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

   Hebrews 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the. - ppt download

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

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2024/04/04/baby-steps/

 

BABY STEPS

 

Posted on April 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

 

“Everything that is great in life is the product of slow growth; the newer, and greater, and higher, and nobler the work, the slower is its growth, the surer is its lasting success. Mushrooms attain their full power in a night; oaks require decades. A fad lives its life in a few weeks; a philosophy lives through generations and centuries.”  William George Jordan

 

In the early days of man’s existence, lives lasted for hundreds of years. Today that isn’t necessary because our world population is booming. It took time to build the nations. It started with one man and one woman and centuries of baby steps.  Had that first couple allowed their creator to govern their souls, we would be ageless today. 

Instead, we journey through our existence, taking small steps so that we can reach our goals, evade sickness, enjoy life and maybe even make a name for ourselves.  However, death is lurking in the darkness and will call on each of us at some time. We don’t expect it to come when we’re young, because we think we’re invincible.  Our middle years are filled with time consuming careers and family, and it isn’t convenient for us to die.  As we grow into our waning years, we ferment in thoughts of it until we convince ourselves that every ache or pain indicates some terrible disease.  What we forget is that we have no control over the hour or the day, so we continue to take baby steps. We come full circle in a way.

Now, we are no longer setting goals for this life, but the next.  God has promised every human soul a future – a place where we will be ageless and living in a world without sin – a new world provided for us by the One we originally disobeyed and later spat upon.

God grasps us with His mighty hand. He leads us through this veil of tears.  He determines when we are ready.  He provides a way for us to get there.  Death no longer has an everlasting sting, and we can depart in peace.

 

“INNOCENCE,” By Kathy Boecher

Our lives begin in innocence, we are too young to know,
But even in those fledgling years, we choose the way we go.
Our minds are bright our will is strong.
We think we know what’s right and wrong.
Our very hearts grow black with sin, our souls drift to and fro.

We can’t escape the grip of sin. It grows within our heart.
It’s like a cancer moving in and tearing souls apart.
There’s not a thing that we can do.
Our fate is sealed, our death is too.
Our path is filled with darkness, we have no place to start.

Our God showed love omnipotent. He sent His own dear Son.
To pay the price for my misdeeds – salvation He has won.
There’s not a word that I can say,
For burdens lifted every day.
My soul was purchased with His blood, the work has all been done.

How can I thank you, my dear Lord, for everything you gave,
So I will too in heaven live. My soul from sin is saved.
I give my heart and soul to you.
There’s nothing else for me to do.
I’ll praise your name forevermore – my sin is washed away.

 

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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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“Spirit Lead Mind” 4/25/2024 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Romans 8:6 The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,

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

Original post @  https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2021/03/22/spirit-lead-mind/

Spirit Lead Mind

Romans 8:6 NLT, “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”

The mind is a powerful thing, so we must diligently guard it by being mindful of what we allow it to absorb. We have to carefully choose what we allow ourselves to watch, read, and hear. The things we take in will either help or hinder our walk with God. In order to have a Spirit-led life, we have to seek the Lord and pursue the things that will draw us closer to Him.

Photo by: Jens Mahnke of Germany 

Being in close fellowship with the Lord will lead us to life and peace. Although we live in a world that rebels against doing life God’s way, through His strength and power working in us, we can stay on that narrow path, and keep our minds anchored in Him.

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

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

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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“Doctrines of the Faith: The Spirit in You” 4/24/2024 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on April 24, 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/2024/04/21/doctrines-of-the-faith-the-spirit-in-you-2/

Doctrines of the Faith: The Spirit in You

POSTED ON APRIL 21, 2024 BY BETH ANDREWS

The Holy Spirit is one of the least-known persons of the Holy Trinity. He is not as “visible” in the Scriptures, but He is all over the scenes and people of the Bible. We know He works continually to advance the Kingdom of God in the world. But how does He work in the believer? Here is a very small sampling.

The Spirit enables us to know the truth about God.  1 John 5:6 says, “It is the Spirit who bears witness because the Spirit is truth.”  The Spirit is the conduit of Truth. He imparts truth and opens our hearts and minds to receive it.

The Spirit enables us to serve God. Paul said,  “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord works all of them in all men” (1 Cor 12:4-6). The good works we do for God are initiated by the Spirit, empowered by the Spirit, and brought to completion by the Spirit.

The Spirit is the evidence that we belong to Christ.  John declared, “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.  If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.” (1 John 4:2, 15). The Spirit also produces fruit in our lives which is further evidence that we belong to Christ.  “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).  These fruits reflect the character of God and are only possible when we are surrendered to Christ and filled with His Spirit.

The Spirit is our Teacher:  “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” (John 14:26). He instructs us as we study the Scriptures and helps us put into practice what we’ve learned.

The Spirit is our “prayer partner.” He prays for us when we cannot pray for ourselves: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express,” (Rom 8:26). I have depended on the Spirit so many times when I couldn’t find the words to express my heart.

The Holy Spirit is vital for the Christian.  In fact, if you do not have the Spirit you are not a Christian (Rom 8:9). Beloved, you can’t do this Christian life without Him. Thankfully you will never have to.

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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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“Are the Gospels Reliable?” 4/23/2024 Written by Bill Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries”

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? Well 1 Corinthians 15:1b, 3-4 tells us, "I declare unto you the Gospel . . . that … | Favorite bible verses, Gospel of jesus christ, Bible truth

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

Original post @  https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/2022/07/12/are-the-gospels-reliable/

Are the Gospels Reliable?

JULY 12, 2022~ BRM7

 

by BJ Rudge, Ph.D.

Is there credible evidence that the Bible is a reliable source of divine revelation? Does the Bible speak accurately on all subject matters or is it only authoritative in regard to spiritual issues? How can you trust the Bible when it was written two thousand years ago? How do you know that the Bible is not full of myths and fabrications? Are the canonical Gospels historically reliable documents on the life of Jesus?

It seems anytime I talk to others about the Christian faith I end up hearing one of these questions. For example, I was able to speak with an airline pilot about the evidence for the Christian faith. Although he claimed to be a Christian, he was uncertain about the accuracy of events recorded in the Gospels since they were written years after they actually occurred. He felt the Gospels were probably the result of men and women bringing together different legends and myths about Jesus of Nazareth.

There are numerous reasons we can appeal to in establishing the historical trustworthiness of the canonical (sacred books officially accepted as genuine) Gospels, including:

  • The canonical Gospels are grounded in eyewitness testimony (Luke 1:1-4; John 19:35). The authors claim

    to have had actual contact with the events themselves (Matthew and John) or they had firsthand knowledge of the events through the testimonies of those who did (Mark and Luke).

  • The Gospels were written too close to actual events surrounding the life of Jesus to be legend. The fact that they were in existence during the lifetime of both hostile and non-hostile eyewitnesses would have prevented fabrications or falsifications on the part of the Gospel writers.

  • External evidence, such as archeology, has verified the accuracy of the New Testament Gospels in regard to what they say about historical people, places, and events.

Consider just the following two examples:

First, of all,  the canonical Gospels record that Jesus was put on trial before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 18-19). Since there was no mention of Pontius Pilate outside the Gospel accounts, many scholars questioned whether Pilate was a historical person. Two Italian archeologists answered this question when they unearthed an inscription in Latin at the port city of Caesarea which stated, “Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea, has presented the Tiberium to the Caesareans.”

Second, three of the canonical Gospels mention Nazareth as the city where Jesus was raised (Matthew 2:23; Luke 4:16; John 1:45). Since the Old Testament, Josephus, and the Talmud do not list Nazareth among the villages and cities of Galilee, Nazareth was considered by many scholars to be a fictitious city. However, in an excavation at Caesarea in 1962, a Hebrew inscription was found, “which mentions it (Nazareth) as one of the places in Galilee to which members of the twenty-four priestly courses emigrated after the foundation of Aelia Capitolina in A.D. 135.”

Adding to this discovery, first-century tombs were uncovered around the vicinity of Nazareth, which has led archeologists to conclude that, “… Nazareth was a strongly Jewish settlement in the Roman period.” So archeology continues to demonstrate the canonical Gospels are consistent with what we know about first-century Israel.

A true examination of the evidence has proven that the canonical Gospels on the life of Jesus are historically reliable and allegations to the contrary are false. The canonical Gospels provide us with four different accounts on the life of Jesus. In these accounts, while the authors may stress different aspects of Jesus’ life and have different purposes for writing, they each present harmonious historical information about Jesus of Nazareth.

POSTED IN BLOG, EVIDENCE, FOR FAITH,ACCURACY,BIBLEEVIDENCE,FAITH,GOSPELS,HISTORY,RELIABLE

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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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“Don’t dare build anything without God’s help” 4/22/2024 Written by Louis Mize, a good friend

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

PSALM 127:1 | A CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE

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

“Don’t dare build anything without God’s help”

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalm 127:1

Every single thing I attempt to accomplish without God is always a failure. It always ends up in a mess. And it seems I have to keep learning this lesson over and over again.

It is demonstrated so well in God’s creation. Jesus told us that HE is the vine, and we are the branches. When the branch becomes detached from the vine, it withers and dies. John 15:5 tells us that as long as we are abiding in Him, we will bring forth much fruit, but without Him we can do nothing. You see, without Him we can accomplish nothing worthwhile.

Today we will witness people attempting to live productive and worthwhile lives without Christ. But without Him, all effort is in vain. Don’t live a vain, unproductive life without God, because I promise you this: Life without Christ just isn’t worth the effort of living. But with HIM, all our effort is blessed of God, and brings HIM glory!

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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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“God’s Right Hand” 4/21/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on April 21, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.

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/daily?tab=devotional&date=04/21/2024

God’s Right Hand

 

…Who is at the right hand of God.

Romans 8:34

He who was once despised and rejected by men now occupies the honorable position of a beloved and honored Son. The right hand of God is the place of majesty and favor. Our Lord Jesus is His people’s representative. When He died for them, they had rest; when He rose again for them, they had liberty; when He sat down at His Father’s right hand, they had favor and honor and dignity. The raising and elevation of Christ is the elevation, the acceptance, and the glorifying of all His people, for He is their head and representative. This sitting at the right hand of God, then, is to be viewed as the reception of the Representative and therefore the acceptance of our souls.

Believer, this is why you are free from condemnation. “Who is he that condemneth?” [KJV]. Who will condemn those men who are in Jesus at the right hand of God?

The right hand is the place of power. Christ at the right hand of God has all the power in heaven and on earth. Who will fight against the people who have such power vested in their Captain? My soul, what can destroy you if Omnipotence is your helper? If the protection of the Almighty covers you, what sword can harm you?

Be sure of this: If Jesus is your all-prevailing King and has trampled your enemies beneath His feet, if sin, death, and hell are all defeated by Him, and you are represented in Him, there exists no possibility of your being destroyed.

Jesus’ tremendous name
Puts all our foes to flight:
Jesus, the meek, the angry Lamb,
A Lion is in fight.

By all hell’s host withstood;
We all hell’s host o’erthrow;
And conquering them, through Jesus’ blood
We still to conquer go.

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…

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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“Idols of Silver and Gold” 4/20/2024 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on April 20, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Psalms 115 - Holy Bible English - BibleWordings.com

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

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2024/03/27/35672/

Idols of Silver and Gold

27WednesdayMar 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms

Tags  blood of Christ, finances, idolatry, idols, Jesus, Mammon, Psalms, Redeemer, silver and gold, wealth

 

Today’s Devotion from the Psalms

Reading: Psalm 135:15-21


The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.
Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
All you Israelites, praise the LORD;
house of Aaron, praise the LORD;
house of Levi, praise the LORD;
you who fear him, praise the LORD.
Praise be to the LORD from Zion,
to him who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD (NIV). *

closeup photo of three round coins in person s palm

Photo by Worldspectrum on Pexels.com

 

Reflection
Though it may not be obvious, there is something timeless about the first sentence from today’s reading: The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. 

In today’s world shaping silver or gold into an idol may be unusual, but it still occurs. India and the nations of Southeast Asia have plenty of gold and silver idols. This is not a dying worship form. Many have been cast in recent years.

In the Western world, we frown on such openly idolatrous displays of wealth and worship. Or do we? Gold and silver represent wealth. In reality, we have simply transformed our worship of wealth from bulky commodities like silver and gold to more transferable assets like securities and paper currency. We are still guilty of bowing before silver and gold, but it comes with a different name. Now we call it the almighty dollar.

The almighty dollar, or more broadly speaking, the market, determines the ebb and flow of commerce, and by extension impacts every aspect of our daily lives. It is not an exaggeration to say we are caught up in a financial system that is deeply idolatrous. Our society has taken the worship of wealth (Mammon) to new heights. We elect our political leaders not based on morality or personal integrity, but rather can they deliver a higher level of GDP—put more money in our pockets.

Into this corrupt world, the apostle, Peter, speaks these words to those who have been called to follow Christ:  For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Response: Father God, I need the right perspective on wealth and finances. Your precious blood is worth more than all the silver and gold this world has to offer. I bow before You as my Almighty Savior. Amen.

Your Turn: Is Jesus the Lord of your finances? Is your Redeemer more important than wealth?

* 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…

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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“Five for Five” 4/19/2024 Written by Nancy Ruegge for “From The Inside Out”

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org 

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

Philippians 4 19 - Scripture on the Walls

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

View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/04/18/five-for-five/

Five for Five

April 18, 2024 by Nancy Ruegg

After the cold starkness of winter, spring gleefully reawakens our senses with her: 

  • Effusion of colorful flowers
  • Scents of hyacinth, lilacs, and freshly-mowed grass
  • Symphony of bird song
  • Flavors of tender asparagus, luscious strawberries, and tart rhubarb
  • Textures of furry pussy willows, fuzzy moss, and silken magnolia petals

Praise God for our abilities to see, smell, hear, taste, and touch, allowing us to enjoy Spring in so many ways!

Even better, those abilities allow us to meet God in at least five ways.

Our five senses help us understand God more clearly.

Consider how the far-flung stars and planets speak of his power; the clever camouflage of lizard, fawn, and frog display his wisdom; the endless variety of colors, shapes, and textures prove his creativity; the instinctive parenting skills of adult animals demonstrate his goodness.

The wonder of creation is

every encounter illuminates

something about God.

–Margaret Feinberg, Wonderstruck, 55

Our five senses help us experience God’s glory more profoundly.

  • We can see his power at work in the transformation of lives [1].
  • We can hear his wisdom in godly men and women, such as Thomas á Kempis or Corrie ten Boom (just two among millions!):
  • We can feel God’s loving touch through a hug that conveys compassion, a worship song that quickens the heart, or a landscape vista that gives us glory-goosebumps.
  • We can taste his goodness in all the variety of blessings we enjoy (Psalm 34:8).
  • We can smell the fragrance of his sweet presence (Psalm 45:6-8)—if we pay attention.

Our five senses help us connect with God more intimately in solitude.

Many people call it Quiet Time—moments they spend with God in scripture reading/study, prayer, perhaps journaling, and/or listening to peaceful worship music.

It’s in the quiet we begin to see important realities of the spiritual realm, hear God’s voice within our spirits providing wisdom and encouragement, feel his presence more palpably as we touch our knees to the floor in prayer, and again, smell the fragrance of his sweet presence as he meets us in our place of solitude.

   Our five senses help us worship God more intently in community.

The whole person, with all his senses,

with both mind and body,

needs to be involved in genuine worship.

Jerry Kerns [2]

Kerns would have us fully engaged–first to bless God’s heart and then to elevate the experience for us also.

How?

  • See the majesty and splendor of God on his throne–in your imagination. This is who you are worshiping [3]!
  • Hear the music and join in with grateful, enthusiastic praise [4].
  • Feel the presence of God as you pray. Try placing your hands on your lap, palms up—open and empty, symbolic of humility and receptivity [5].
  • Taste the bread and wine/juice with prayerful gratitude. Jesus is our Bread of Life who satisfies our spiritual hunger, who shed his blood for us so we might one day enjoy heaven with him. May we never become desensitized to the magnitude of his sacrifice.
  • Smell the fragrance of God’s saints as they leave the perfume of kindness, uplift, and joy in their wake.

Our five senses help us live out our faith more joyfully.

When our heart’s desire is to serve God by serving others, we’ll aspire to live so people:

  • See the Light of Jesus in our choices, behavior, and attitudes (Matthew 5:14-15)
  • Hear us speak truth, wisdom, and encouragement (Proverbs 10:20-21)
  • Feel the love of God in our interactions with them (John 13:35)
  • Taste the flavorful salt of God’s divine grace within us (Matthew 5:13)
  • Smell the fragrance of Christ in our lives (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

 And as we engage all five senses in these five ways, what will happen?

We’ll bring more glory to God and enjoy more fully the satisfying, abundant life his Son provides.

That sounds mighty good to me. You too?

[1] Stunning examples include Jake DeShazer (https://nancyaruegg.com/2016/08/18/a-miracle-of-forgiveness/), Johnny Hart (https://nancyaruegg.com/2018/08/09/johnny-and-jesus/), and Isobel Kuhn (https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/04/11/goodness-and-mercy-followed/).

[2] https://www.experiencingworship.com/articles/general/2001-7-great-quotes-on-worship.html

[3] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2023/07/06/in-awe-of-gods-magnificence/

[4] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2015/09/07/when-worship-loses-the-wonder/

[5] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2015/03/23/the-ultimate-delight/

Art & photo credits: http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.goodfon.com; http://www.stockvault.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org.

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

   

 

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

 

 

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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“Take Up the Cross” 4/18/2024 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

REVIVAL AND THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP. Matthew 16: 24-26: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take. - ppt download

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

Original post: https://seizetheday-blog.com/2024/04/03/take-up-the-cross-5/#more-8392

Take Up the Cross

APRIL 3, 2024

take up the cross

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”

Matthew 16:24 NIV

The Medieval Catholic monk and writer, Thomas a Kempis, in the classic devotional book, The Imitation of Christ, says that “Jesus has many lovers of His kingdom but few bearers of the cross … All are disposed to rejoice with Him, but few to suffer for His sake.”

The words of Thomas a Kempis cut me to the quick. In an age, certainly, in the Western World, of lukewarm Christianity, I think it behooves us, particularly during this season of Lent, to reflect on what it means for us to be “bearers of the cross”. Our reflection should be guided by the Scriptures. Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24 – TNIV).

“Take up their cross and follow me.” What does this mean? Among many things it probably involves self-sacrifice and thinking of ourselves the way Christ thought of Himself. The Apostle Paul gives some insight into the practice of unselfish thinking and living when he says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8).

Observing popular Christian culture, it seems like the cross of Christ is oftentimes no longer one of self-denial and humility. Where did we go wrong? Christ made the cross a powerful symbol of His consideration for others. But in our hands, the cross has become a sign of self-indulgence – of something that amuses and entertains. This should be a matter of deep concern for everyone who truly wants to orient their story by the cross. The cross should never encourage confidence in the flesh. When the cross of the New Testament is reduced to an ornament around the neck of a carnal and self-indulgent generation, we’re on a dangerous course – a course that will ultimately self-destruct.

To return to the Apostle Paul … he said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). All that Christ has done on the cross must be embraced by those who claim to be Christian. After all, the cross is more than a talisman or church icon; ultimately the cross is about Christ taking the lead in our lives such that the life He gave up for our healing, salvation and transformation becomes the life we live to glorify Him.

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

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

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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“Center Our Desires” 4/17/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on April 17, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org 

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

John 12:21 We Wish To See Jesus (beige)

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://info.truthforlife.org/the-importance-of-prayer-2?ecid=ACsprvshPHOKkmIpTFI-D-Lpm7nCblauV9s_o5BI6NpfTl6BM3d6gM9SBmHUn5Oyaag7Nbdp2Sqs&utm_campaign=Spurgeon%20Daily%20Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_l2zS0hMKxjzsSxTukoRODNGwufAolpKqg50SG2vHExENoJp_ypNOctlP9CqvdRh6DmyHytU6tFko-rPbkM3cEYEyIOFzfeOK0jDQOHkB3MvRujJk&_hsmi=302877489&utm_content=302877489&utm_source=hs_email

APRIL 17

Center Our Desires

 

We wish to see Jesus.

John 12:21

The constant cry of the world is, “Who will show us any good?” They seek satisfaction in earthly comforts, enjoyments, and riches. But the quickened sinner knows of only one good. “I wish I knew where I might find Him!” When he is truly awakened to feel his guilt, if you could lay a fortune before him, he would say, “Take it away: I want to find Him.”

It is a blessed thing for a man when he has brought his desires into focus so that they all center in one object. When he has fifty different desires, his heart resembles a stagnant pool spreading out into a marsh, breeding disease; but when all his desires are channeled in one direction, his heart becomes like a river of pure water, running swiftly to fertilize the fields.

Happy is he who has one desire, if that one desire is set on Christ, though it may not yet have been realized. When a soul desires Jesus, it is a sure indication of divine work within. Such a man will never be content with mere externals. He will say, “I want Christ; I must have Him—mere ordinances are of no use to me. I want Himself; do not offer me these; you offer me the empty pitcher, while I am dying of thirst; give me water or I die. Jesus is my soul’s desire. I wish to see Jesus!”

Is this your condition, my reader, at this moment? Have you only one desire, and is that for Christ? Then you are not far from the kingdom of heaven. Have you only one wish in your heart, and is it that you may be washed from all your sins in Jesus’ blood? Can you really say, “I would give all I have to be a Christian. I would give up everything I have and hope for, in order to know that I have an interest in Christ”? Then, despite all your fears, be encouraged—the Lord loves you, and you will come out into daylight soon and rejoice in the liberty with which Christ makes you free.
 
 

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…

 

 

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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