“IDENTITY OR ACTION? OR BOTH?” 4/16/2024 Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on April 16, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

James 2 26 - Scripture on the Walls

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

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2023/01/30/identity-or-action-or-both/

IDENTITY OR ACTION? OR BOTH?

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Pastor Randy

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians chapter 2, verse 20; from the New Living Translation (NLT)

Just exactly who are you? What determines the essence of you? What is the bottom line? Fact Time: Everyone has a, call it, bottom-line identity. It is what you are known by to others. Are you identified by your roles? Dad? Mom? Lawyer? Plumber? Preacher? Son? Daughter? Sister? Brother? Accountant? OR is your bottom-line identity in what you do? Kind? Helpful? Patient? Caring? Friendly? Empathetic? Energetic? And when it comes to your spiritual life (and everyone has one of these), what is the singularity that marks your life?

Do you consider yourself a Christian? Maybe I should ask a tougher question: What makes you a Christian? Is it an identity based on things like confessing and repenting of your sins and saying the sinner’s prayer? Being baptized? That you are a member of a particular church? That you read your Bible and say your prayers? That you avoid certain vices? Or is it because you show love to others? That you volunteer at the local homeless shelter? That you support the local food bank? That you demand justice for animals? That you cry out for equality for all people? So tell me, which is it? What you say or what you do?

That it’s both? Being a Christian is more than a title or a label. It’s more than a statement about what you did. And it’s more than actions we think make us a Christian! It begins with the recognition that it’s something we are totally powerless to become. It requires that admission that we ARE sinners. And more than admitting we ARE sinners; it’s being honest enough with self to say we are tired of being sinners! It demands a total surrender of heart, mind, and will to Jesus. Then, we trust that what Jesus did on the Cross was done purposefully by Him for us sinners.

And that a whole new life is now in front of us!

And as difficult as they may seem for some, it’s only the beginning. Being a Christian isn’t a matter of personal holiness or social holiness. It’s both!!!! (Notice the extra exclamation marks!!!!) This is exactly what Paul was trying to tell the Galatian church. Following Jesus begins with faith. It continues with faith in actions. And to the Church in the United States, Jesus didn’t live, die, and rise up from the death to create a Christian nation. He did all this to call us to storm the strongholds of Satan and reclaim the territory He stole for the Kingdom of God. No, actions don’t save us. But our actions do determine if we are or are not saved.

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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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“The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is patience?” 4/15/2024 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

                        Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere, so that after you have ...

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

QUESTION

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is patience?

ANSWER

There are two Greek words translated as “patience” in the New Testament. Hupomonē means “a remaining under,” as when one bears up under a burden. It refers to steadfastness in difficult circumstances. Makrothumia, which is used in Galatians 5:22, is a compound formed by makros (“long”) and thumos (“passion” or “temper”). “Patience” in Galatians 5:22 literally means “long temper,” in the sense of “the ability to hold one’s temper for a long time.” The KJV translates it “longsuffering.” A patient person is able to endure much pain and suffering without complaining. A patient person is slow to anger as he waits for God to provide comfort and punish wrongdoing. Since it is a fruit of the Spirit, we can only possess makrothumia through the power and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Patience comes from a position of power. A person may have the ability to take revenge or cause trouble, but patience brings self-restraint and careful thinking. Losing patience is a sign of weakness. We are patient through trying situations out of hope for a coming deliverance; we are patient with a trying person out of compassion. We choose to love that person and want what’s best for him.

As the Spirit produces patience in us, He is making us more Christlike. Second Thessalonians 3:5 speaks of the “patience of Christ” (ASV). Christ is even now patiently awaiting the completion of the Father’s plan: after Jesus “had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool” (Hebrews 10:12-13). We should be patient, even as He is patient.

God is patient with sinners. Romans 2:4 says that God’s patience leads to our repentance. Romans 9:22 points out that only God’s patience prevents Him from destroying “the objects of his wrath.” Paul glorifies the Lord for His “unlimited patience” that saved him, “the worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:16). Peter highlights the patience of God in 1 Peter 3:20, pointing out that God had immense patience with the evil people of Noah’s day, delaying judgment as long as possible (Genesis 6). Today, “our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved” (2 Peter 3:15, NLT).

James urges believers to be patient and not to complain as we wait for Jesus to return. James holds up the prophets as models of patience (James 5:7-11). The Old Testament prophets ceaselessly spoke God’s Word to unheeding and abusive audiences. Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern (Jeremiah 38:1-16), Elijah was so worn out from his fight with Jezebel that he wanted to die (1 Kings 19:1-8), and Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den—by a king who was his friend (Daniel 6:16-28). While God delayed judgment, Noah prophesied of the coming destruction, and in 120 years did not have a single convert (2 Peter 2:5).

The opposite of patience is agitation, discouragement, and a desire for revenge. God does not want His children to live in agitation but in peace (John 14:27). He wants to dispel discouragement and replace it with hope and praise (Psalm 42:5). We are not to avenge ourselves; rather, we are to love others (Romans 12:19; Leviticus 19:18).

God is patient, and His Spirit produces the fruit of patience in us. When we are patient, we leave room for God to work in our hearts and in our relationships. We lay down our schedule and trust in God’s. We thank the Lord for what and whom He’s brought into our lives. We let God be God.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth 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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“Love God by Loving Others” 4/14/2024 Written by Elisa Morgan for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Matthew 25:40 | The Consecrated Woman

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/2024/03/25/love-god-by-loving-others

March 25

Love God by Loving Others

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40

Today’s Scripture & Insight :

Matthew 25:31–40

The Alba family experienced the rare occurrence of birthing two sets of identical twins just thirteen months apart. How did they juggle their parental responsibilities as well as their jobs? Their community of friends and family stepped in. Grandparents on both sides took a set of twins during the day so the parents could work and pay for health insurance. One company gave a year’s supply of diapers. The couple’s coworkers donated their personal sick days. “We couldn’t have done it without our community,” they agreed. In fact, during a live interview, the cohost removed her mic and ran after one renegade toddler, continuing the communal investment!

In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus tells a parable to make the point that when we serve others, we serve God. After listing acts of service, including providing food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, lodging for the homeless, clothes for the naked, and healing for the sick (vv. 35–36), Jesus concludes, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (v. 40).

Imagining Jesus as the ultimate recipient of our kindness is true motivation to serve in our neighborhoods, families, churches, and world. When He prompts us to sacrificially invest in the needs of others, we serve Him. When we love others, we love God.

By:  Elisa Morgan

Reflect & Pray

How might you serve Jesus in your community today? How can you love God by loving others in your path?

Loving God, please open my eyes to the needs of others around me so I can help meet them and love You better.

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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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“PAYING IT FORWARD . . .” 4/13/2024 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on April 13, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

  

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

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2024/04/09/paying-it-forward/

PAYING IT FORWARD . . .

Posted on April 9, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Every once in a while, something happens to reassure your confidence in the human race. Kindness is one of those things. I didn’t attend church this past Sunday, partly because of my inability to hear everything and partly because emotions have been building up over time and it seems the waterworks open up more readily. I watched church online. The message was about being afraid, as the disciples sat in a locked room after the death of Jesus. The unknown can do that to a person. One week ago, we were sitting in the sanctuary, praising God for His ultimate plan of salvation. This Sunday was filled with fear of the unknown. My daughter came over to visit after church and we exchanged some of the things going on in both of our lives. We laughed, we talked, and we shed a few tears.

Personally, Paul and I are in the process of a do-over, mostly due to age, illness, and lack of stamina to fulfill the everyday tasks of being homeowners. As we look ahead, there are a million questions. Will we have to rely on others to care for us? Will our money run out before we do? Will we be able to continue our social activities as usual? When work has been the norm for your entire life, it’s scary to sit back and relax or smell the roses. Even when you think you have it all together, fear is common.

Yesterday, a friend invited me to lunch just to chat. We totally enjoy each other’s company. Hearing improves when I don’t have to sort through a number of voices. We laughed, talked, laughed some more, shed a tear or two, and generally had a lovely time. At the end of the meal, the waitress informed us that our bill had been paid by another customer. I’ve heard about this random act of kindness before, but never experienced it. It got me thinking.

Lives change drastically as we age. We hold onto things of the past. We try to maintain friendships but lack the ability to reach out to new ones. We become complacent and sedentary. Still, even though we’re both in our 80s, we still hang onto life. Our future is guaranteed. We know we have a place waiting in heaven. So. what is the solution for this feeling of depression and anxiety? The lessons learned in the last two days are these – Don’t hide behind closed doors. We have an amazing message to share with others. This gift from God is more precious than silver or gold. Paying it forward is a common term referring to being able to help someone experience an unconditional gift. Our greatest gift is Jesus. Tell others about Him. Pay it forward.

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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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“Grab Your Stone” 4/12/2024 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

James 4:7-8 - The Chapel Fort Wayne

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

Original post @  https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2024/02/26/grab-your-stone/

Grab Your Stone

1 Samuel 17:45ESV, “Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

Last Sunday, on my way to church, I was thinking about a goal that I have been working to reach and the story of David and Goliath came to my mind. As I reflected on this story, I felt encouraged. It was a reminder that when we take steps of faith and obey God, He will lead us to success. We just have to be willing to show up and take action by doing what God tells us to do, like David did.

1 Samuel 17:37 ESV, “David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.”

David didn’t let fear or worry hold Him back. Instead, he remembered God’s past faithfulness when he faced the paws of the lion and the bear, and moved forward in confidence that God would give Him a successful outcome.

Later, that same Sunday while driving, I passed a church and the message on their sign said, “For every Goliath, there is a stone.” Then two days later, I attended a Bible study and the message was on David and Goliath. The speaker was offering encouragement to just show up and trust God to do the rest.

1 Samuel 50:17 ESV, ”So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David.”

Photo by: Scott Webb of Canada

David, a young boy, took down the nine-foot Philistine giant with a simple sling and a stone because He was willing to show up and trust God. God will add His “super” to our natural and cause us to succeed.

I am extremely thankful for God’s reminders, through the story of David and Goliath, that He equips us with what we need to accomplish the things we need to accomplish.

Whatever areas that you are working on in your life, whether it’s a personal or career goal, obstacles you are working to overcome, or some other type of battle. Don’t give up. Just keep showing up and doing your part and trust God to do the rest.

Like the message on the church sign said, “For every Goliath, there is a stone.” So grab your stone and move forward in the name of the Lord.

Blessings upon your day!

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth 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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“You CAN find rest for your soul !!” 4/11/2024 Written by Ann Galvez, a Facebook friend

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Matthew 11:29 MEV - Take My yoke upon you, and learn from - Biblics

Written by Ann Galvez, a Facebook friend  @ https://www.facebook.com/anne.galvez.12

“You CAN find rest for your soul !!”

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 11:29

May be an image of text that says 'Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29'

Life is hard. The demands of work, parenthood, and all of our obligations weigh us down. Imagine how crushing the weight would be if we had to toil to satisfy God’s demands, too. Thankfully, God has sent Jesus to bear the burden for us. When we take on the yoke of working for His kingdom, we paradoxically find rest. How does this happen? As we walk with Jesus, he does the heavy lifting for us.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for easing my burden and granting me the rest found in Your mercy and forgiveness. Teach me to walk in Your gentleness and grace. Thank You for providing me the strength to serve You and for sending Jesus to carry the weight that should have been mine. In His gracious name, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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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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“Give Me Jesus” 4/10/2024 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV | Bible images, Biblical verses ...

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

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2024/03/16/give-me-jesus/

Give Me Jesus

POSTED ON MARCH 16, 2024 BY BETH ANDREWS

I had some lovely praise and worship time this morning, thanks to a dear friend who posted some videos of songs that touched her heart. One of those songs was “Give Me Jesus.”. I remember the first time I heard it. I fell in love with it – and with the singer, Fernando Ortega. (I’ll post his beautiful version in the comments.) I loved his style of writing and singing. He was my personal worship leader.

But then my life got very busy when I started back to school. I was also working and serving at my church and caring for my family. I didn’t have – or perhaps I should say I didn’t make time for listening to my favorite musician. When we moved the CDs got packed up – and didn’t get unpacked. They weren’t a priority as I was still deep in seminary and eventually working again and along came a little girl who needed her Nana.

Eventually, the box got shoved in a closet somewhere and I forgot about Fernando.

I believe that happens to us in our spiritual life too. We start out with Jesus – so in love and attentive to His word and His Spirit. We talk to Him – and about Him – at every opportunity. But then life happens, and Jesus gets less and less of us. Work, family responsibilities, illness, a move, and of course, struggles, disappointments, life changes, and grief all work against our time with Jesus. Or maybe that’s just me.

All the things I’m doing are good in and of themselves. But if they draw me away from Jesus, they are not serving a good purpose. What’s the answer? I have to “Love the Lord [my] God with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my mind and with all my strength” (Mark 12:30). He can’t just be my No. 1 priority. He has to be my only priority. He has to have all of me. Does that mean that I don’t tend to my other responsibilities?

No, but it does mean that some things – maybe even good things – may have to get less of me so that Jesus can have more. I can think of several timewasters that I can eliminate. That may be true for you too.

Beloved, when you “Delight yourself in the Lord He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). He will give you Himself.

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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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“When Will You Believe?” 4/09/2024 Written by Bill Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries”

Posted on April 9, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

More Than A Sliver of Hope (John 11:40) - Your Daily Bible Verse - May 6 - Daily Devotional

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

Original post @ https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/2023/11/03/when-will-you-believe/

When Will You Believe?

NOVEMBER 3, 2023~ BRM7

by Bill Rudge

How could a generation be so undiscerning that they do not recognize the “signs of the times” foretold thousands of years ago – recorded in clear revelations throughout the Bible.

There are many factors that have “blinded” today’s generation from identifying these amazing prophecies. Some are unaware because they have never been taught the prophetic Scriptures. Some have been erroneously led to believe they are neither relevant nor true, but merely coincidental. Others are distracted and diverted by sports, movies, games or other forms of entertainment that consume their time and attention. Drugs and alcohol may numb their senses, sinful pleasures enslave them and new technological devices demand their time.

How about the advancement of scientific research that creates the false hope of one day defying death? Addictions to exploring the unlimited availability of information and images on the internet or being spellbound with the possibilities of artificial intelligence and encounters with extraterrestrials are epidemic. These, along with undermining the Bible as not being divinely inspired or even banning it, have robbed a generation of anticipation of, and readiness for, the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Understanding Prophecy

Prophecies have at times been misunderstood by the Jews and the Church. The Jews didn’t see all of the Messianic prophecies attained (such as global peace) so they rejected Jesus Christ as the Messiah. They did not understand that unrealized prophecies in the Hebrew Bible would be fulfilled at His Second Coming. In similar fashion, when the return of Christ was delayed, many in the Church concluded that the remaining prophecies were merely to be spiritually applied or were already achieved. However, just as Jesus Christ fulfilled numerous precise Messianic prophecies during His first coming, those remaining will be completed at His Second Coming and during the Millennium.

Amazing prophecies, written thousands of years ago are coming about or will be accomplished in the near future. How many specific prophecies have to occur before the Jews will see that the New Testament is divinely inspired and Jesus of Nazareth is their Messiah? How many more prophecies will need to be fulfilled until the Church wakes up to the knowledge that Jesus Christ is returning soon, and Revelation is at hand?

When there is a global society with a one-world government, monetary system and religion, then will you believe? Or how about when the seven-year peace treaty is signed with Israel? Perhaps after the Temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem? Perhaps the inability to buy or sell without a mark on your hand or forehead will open your eyes? When the image of the Antichrist is worshiped by the inhabitants of the earth, then will you believe? Maybe when the Two Witnesses are seen lying in the street of Jerusalem for three-and-a-half days? Surely then, when Jerusalem is surrounded by hostile nations? What about when the actual battle of Armageddon occurs and Jesus Christ returns in all His glory, will you then finally believe?

I stayed at the house of a prominent scientist while ministering in the New York City area. During a discussion on Bible prophecy and the book of Revelation, he said to me, “Five years ago I thought anyone who believed the book of Revelation was crazy, but now I am convinced that in our lifetime Revelation will be fulfilled.” I concur with him wholeheartedly.

A correct view of Biblical prophecy and anticipation of Christ’s soon return will restore your hope, peace, and joy, give you a zeal for evangelism, and motivate you to live a godly life.

Lift Up Your Heads

Those of us who are ready for His appearing are saying, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). We do not have to be afraid or intimidated by what is coming on the world scene. As believers in Christ, we are more than conquerors; we are overcomers through Him. We will be empowered to occupy until He comes and be victorious – even in the face of death – by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of God.

I am not distressed or depressed – I am excited. I am not worried or discouraged – I am encouraged. I am not terrified or fearful – I am confident in the Lord. We are living during the most exciting time in the history of the world. All the prophets looked forward to the time when God would fulfill all of His promises. The Messianic Kingdom which believers throughout history have longed for, waited for, sacrificed for, endured for and prayed for is about to come to pass. God is almost ready to establish His millennial kingdom.

Following His overview of the signs of His coming again and the end of the age, Jesus gave the following encouraging words:

But when these things [all the things mentioned in the Olivet Discourse recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21] begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Then He told them a parable: Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Luke 21:28-33).

I would have loved to have been alive during Christ’s first coming and walked with Him along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and the streets of Jerusalem. To hear Him teach the Scripture and witness His many miracles would have been awesome. However, I am even more excited to be alive during the time when the prophecies of His Second Coming are unfolding before our very eyes. Prophetic Scripture is proving amazingly accurate, as it always has done.

We can have tremendous peace because not only do we know what His Word says is going to happen, we know the One who is in control and determines our eternal destiny.

POSTED IN BLOG, END TIMES AND PROPHECY, END TIMES PAGE,ARMAGEDDON, CHRIST’S RETURN, COME LORD JESUS, END TIMES,JEWSPROPHECY,REVELATION,SECOND COMING

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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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“There is only ONE way to get to heaven ??” 4/08/2024 Written by Louis Mize, a good friend

Posted on April 8, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life ...

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

“There is only ONE way to get to heaven ??”

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Acts 15:11

The first Church Council met in Jerusalem to settle a dispute. The Bible confirms that it was no small dispute but a fierce debate. The question to be settled was this: Must the gentile believers submit to the ritual of being circumcised in order to be saved? But the real question was shall ANYTHING be added to the gospel of Christ as a requirement for salvation? Thankfully, because this council gathered around the Person of Christ, they rightfully settled the dispute.

There is only ONE WAY to God. That way is through the resurrected Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! Only through His grace is the gift of salvation granted and obtained. Salvation is by God’s grace plus NOTHING. And no matter how many yokes people attempt to place upon us through the mosaic law or anything else man may try to burden us with, salvation does not come by our work, but by the works of God.

This morning, I praise and thank God that you don’t have to jump through any of my hoops, and I don’t have to jump through any of yours in order to be saved. For I know and believe in my heart, and confess with my mouth, that believing in Christ by the grace of God thru faith in His Son Jesus, we shall be saved, even as those before have been saved! And this is a wonderful FACT of the gospel.

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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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“Brokenness of Heart” 4/07/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on April 7, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. | by 𝓐𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓓𝓮𝓵𝓰𝓪𝓭𝓸 | Medium

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/4/7/2024/

  1. H. SPURGEON DEVOTIONALBROKENNESS OF HEART

Brokenness of Heart

Brokenness of Heart

 

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.

Psalm 51:14

In this solemn confession, it is helpful to observe that David plainly names his sin. He does not call it manslaughter or speak of it as an imprudence by which an unfortunate accident occurred to a worthy man, but he calls it by its true name, “bloodguiltiness.” He did not actually kill the husband of Bathsheba; but still it was planned in David’s heart that Uriah should die, and David was before the Lord responsible for his murder. Learn in confession to be honest with God. Do not give fair names to foul sins; call them what you will, they will smell no sweeter.

What God sees them to be, that you should work to feel them to be; and with an honest, open heart acknowledge their real character. Observe that David was evidently oppressed with the heinousness of his sin. It is easy to use words, but it is difficult to feel their meaning. The fifty-first Psalm is the photograph of a contrite spirit. Let us seek to display the same brokenness of heart; because no matter how excellent our words may be, if our heart is not conscious of the hell-deservingness of sin, we cannot expect to find forgiveness.

Our text has in it an earnest prayer—it is addressed to the God of salvation. It is His prerogative to forgive; it is His very name and office to save those who seek His face. Better still, the text calls Him the God of my salvation. We bless His name, in that while we are still going to Him through Jesus’ blood, we may rejoice in the God of our salvation.

The psalmist ends with a commendable vow: If God will deliver him he will sing—actually, he will “sing aloud.” Who can mute their praise in light of such a mercy as this! But note the subject of the song —”your righteousness.” We must sing of the finished work of a precious Savior; and the one who knows this forgiving love the best will sing the loudest of us all.

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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