“The Secret of More” 12/22/2024 Written by Dr. Lawson Murray for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on December 22, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Hebrews 4 12 by Scripture on the Walls Wall Art

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

Original post @  https://seizetheday-blog.com/2024/11/25/the-secret-of-more-3/

Listen to this audio by Bob Cook for more about reading the Word !!  –  https://www.walkwiththeking.org/resource-library/broadcasts/alive-and-active/

 

The Secret of More

 

November 25, 2024 October 26, 2023

 

Through these (His power) he has given us his very great and precious promises (His Word), so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 

2 Peter 1:4 (NIV).

 

I don’t know if you want more, but I do. Not more stuff. I have enough stuff. What I want more of is Jesus. I want to know Him more and be more like Him.

So how do we get more of Jesus and become more like Him? By engaging, embodying and imbibing God’s Word. The secret of more is gleaned when we become men and women of the Book. The secret of more is fueled when we feed on the Word. And the secret of more is inspired when the Bible becomes the norming norm for our lives.

Here’s the rub. The Scriptures are, and should be, the primary context and content informing and transforming our daily lives. We must be in the Word in order to live out the Word. The secret of more is not more of us, but more of Him. We must embody the story to live out our stories successfully.

So how are you doing? Do you have an appetite for the Word? According to statistics most Christians aren’t not doing very well. Research by Barna and Gallup reveals that only 37% of Christians read the Bible at least once a week (usually during church), 60% of us cannot name half of the Ten Commandments, 12% of North Americans think that Noah was married to Joan of Arc, and 35% of people who call themselves “born-again Christians” do not read the Bible at all.

The point is this. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to impart the life and nature of God within us. That’s the secret of more. Regardless of where you are in your faith pilgrimage, the Word of God is essential. It’s a matter of first principles. To know God we must know God’s Word, to grow in God we must grow in God’s Word, and in order to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15), we must go according to God’s Word.

How do I know the right way to love God, love myself and love others? Through God’s Word. How do I get to “participate in the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4) of Christ, i.e. become more like Christ? Through God’s Word. How do I know where I’ve come from, why I’m here, and where I’m going? Through God’s Word. How do I “escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4)? Through God’s Word. How do I live in the world in a way in which I’m not of the world? Through God’s Word. And how do I grow spiritually healthy or find comfort in troubled times? Through God’s Word.

In A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Eugene Petersen says, “A person has to get fed up with the ways of the world before s/he acquires an appetite for the world of grace.” That’s profound. We will not know the secret of more if we love the world more than we love God. This is where the rubber meets the road. As long as we’re satisfied with the material stuff of life, we’ll never know the secret of more. As long as we’re content to take life on our terms in our way, we’ll never know the secret of more. As long as we inform our values by what Ophrah says or model our pursuit of success on some Hollywood celebrity, we’ll never know the secret of more. And as long as we think that we’re smart enough or tough enough to get by without being devoted to the Word, studying the Word, observing the Word and teaching the Word (cf. Ezra 7:10), we’ll never know the secret of more.

I don’t know about you, but I want to b a 24/7 Christian. I want to live only all for Jesus. And how does that come about? By being informed and transformed by Christ as His Word is brought to bear on my life.

Which is why I’ve often wondered what our families, communities, nation, and world would be like if those of us who go by the name Christian had an appetite, not for the ways of the world, but for the world of grace …

 

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

 

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

 

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“Why God Hates Sin” 12/21/2024 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Verse of the Day - 1 Peter 3:12 KJV - Highland Park Baptist Church - Lenoir City, Tennessee

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

Original post @  https://seizetheday-blog.com/2024/08/07/why-god-hates-sin-3/

Why God Hates Sin

August 7, 2024

SIN_KILLS_SIGN

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 (NIV).

Why does God hate sin? More specifically, why, with every ounce of His being, does God totally abhor sin? To say that God abhors sin is not an understatement. In fact He finds sin utterly disgusting – describing it as a putrefying sore (Isaiah 1:6), a heavy burden (Psalm 38:4), contaminating filth (2 Corinthians 7:1), a binding debt (Matthew:12-15) and a scarlet stain (Isaiah 1:18). No matter how you slice and dice it, there’s no getting around it – God loathes, detests and unreservedly despises sin. This is true throughout the Bible. God doesn’t take pleasure in evil and with Him the wicked cannot dwell (Psalm 5:4).

Now isn’t it a bit heavy handed on God’s part to hate sin? How do we reconcile a view of God as One who is loving, nice or empathetic with One who is revolted by sin? To our ears a sin hating God sounds intolerant, unloving and certainly not inclusive. And if God hates sin, then where does that leave us because we’re all sinners?

Here’s why God hates sin:

Firstly, God hates sin because it ruins lives. “Like ripples on a tranquil pond that reach the farthest shore, our sins affect those close to us, and many, many more.” Sin not only ruins our lives, it also ruins the lives of others. As the Roman proverb expressed it homo homini lupus, “man is a wolf to man’. It all began with our common ancestors – Adam and Eve. They disobeyed God (Genesis 3) and the consequences have had a ripple effect from generation to generation. “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin” Romans 5:12. No wonder God hates sin. It’s set us Hell-bent on a course of self-destruction. It’s ruining our lives and the lives of many, many more.

Secondly, God hates sin because it rejects Him. Because of sin our natural inclination is to disobey God. Even from birth, in fact from the time when we were conceived, we go astray (Psalm 51:5). Sin makes us anti-God, stand in opposition to Him, suppress and reject the truth (Romans 1:18, 2:8). Even when we’re trying to be good, we don’t always do what we should (James 4:17). As Socrates observed, “Men know what is good, but do what is bad.” Disobedience is bad enough, but our rejection of God goes deeper than disobedience. When we ignore God, oppose God, or defy Him, we’re ultimately committing treason. Oswald Chambers said, “The essence of sin is the refusal to recognize that we are accountable to God at all!” So God hates sin because it ultimately usurps God and becomes our master.

Thirdly, God hates sin because it results in death. In the first few years of our married life we lived in a cottage that was plagued with rats. It was terrible. So I bought boxes of Rattex and placed them in the ceiling. The tasty night-time snack soon did its deadly work. What the rats thought was good, was actually deadly. That’s how it is with sin. It can taste really good at times, but the Bible tells us that “the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23 (NIV). And that’s what God hates. He detests the fact that sin separates us from Him in the here and now, and ultimately separates us from Him in eternity.

This is the heart of the matter for God. “He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT). And that’s why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the once for all sacrifice for our sin. God hates sin, and because He does, He did something about it. He “gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness ” Titus 2:14 (NIV). Yes, sin ruins lives, rejects God, and results in death. But that’s not the end of the story. God hated sin enough to do something about it. He became the solution for what He hated. He died on the cross of Calvary, the righteous for the unrighteous. Then He rose from the dead, to “set us free from sin” Romans 6:18 (NIV).

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

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

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“The Paradox of Christianity” 12/20/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Gal2 20 | DWELLING in the Word

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

Original post  @ https://info.truthforlife.org/seek-much-grace-2?ecid=ACsprvvqIHuOxHT1ANc7ORt0vEU0RQ-8c5OA_tKKWtQN7mkj8v4pFP_El6S0uMsEep6ZlQPDH-eM&utm_campaign=Spurgeon%20Daily%20Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–gszVDFCt2O3G-_IONgtOGhS9zOXbjeWMw-5IJOV4I7dHlLvOOtkssmhF6x2ZsNIBWIul0flXeDq5uocuL1NjC6npfWcqsll2SsMJyovOy7TkhfIg&_hsmi=338293646&utm_content=338293646&utm_source=hs_email

I have included an audio by Bob Cook, that have been enjoying every day !!  Take 15 minutes to listen to him !!  You might be blessed !!

https://www.walkwiththeking.org/resource-library/broadcasts/reasons-to-live-a-holy-life/

December 14

The Paradox of Christianity

I have been crucified with Christ.

Galatians 2:20

The Lord Jesus Christ acted in what He did as a great public representative person, and His dying upon the cross was the virtual dying of all His people. In Him all His people rendered justice its due and made an expiation to divine vengeance for all their sins. The apostle of the Gentiles delighted to think that as one of Christ’s chosen people, he died upon the cross in Christ. He did more than believe this doctrinally—he accepted it confidently, resting his hope upon it. He believed that by virtue of Christ’s death, he had satisfied divine justice and found reconciliation with God.

Beloved, what a blessed thing it is when the soul can, as it were, stretch itself upon the cross of Christ and feel, “I am dead; the law has killed me, and I am therefore free from its power, because in Christ I have borne the curse, and in the person of my Substitute all that the law could do by way of condemnation has been executed upon me, for I am crucified with Christ.”

But Paul meant even more than this. He not only believed in Christ’s death and trusted in it, but he actually felt its power in himself causing the crucifixion of his old corrupt nature.

When he saw the pleasures of sin, he said, “I cannot enjoy these: I am dead to them.” Such is the experience of every true Christian. Having received Christ, he is to this world as one who is utterly dead. Yet, while conscious of death to the world, he can at the same time exclaim with the apostle, “I live.” He is fully alive to God.

The Christian’s life is a matchless riddle. The unconverted cannot comprehend it; even the believer himself cannot understand it. Dead, yet alive! Crucified with Christ, and yet at the same time risen with Christ in newness of life! Union with the suffering, bleeding Savior and death to the world and sin are soul-cheering things. May we learn to live evermore in the enjoyment of them!
Devotional material is taken from Morning and Evening, written by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org. Used by Truth For Life with written permission.

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

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

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“What does the Holy Spirit do?” 12/19/2024 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Posted by www.gotquestions.org

THE HOLY SPIRIT'S FUNCTION – John 14:26 | Mission Venture Ministries

Click on original post and speaker at the top, or the video in the middle…  You can listen to the whole post !!

Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/what-does-the-Holy-Spirit-do.html

 

Question

What does the Holy Spirit do?

Answer

The Bible is quite clear that the Holy Spirit is active in our world. The book of Acts, which sometimes goes by the longer title of “The Acts of the Apostles,” could just as accurately be called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.” After the apostolic age, there have been some changes—the Spirit does not inspire further Scripture, for example—but He continues to do His work in the world.

First, the Holy Spirit does many things in the lives of believers. He is the believers’ Helper (John 14:26). He indwells believers and seals them until the day of redemption—this indicates that the Holy Spirit’s presence in the believer is irreversible. He guards and guarantees the salvation of the ones He indwells (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). The Holy Spirit assists believers in prayer (Jude 1:20) and “intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:26–27).

The Holy Spirit regenerates and renews the believer (Titus 3:5). At the moment of salvation, the Spirit baptizes the believer into the Body of Christ (Romans 6:3). Believers receive the new birth by the power of the Spirit (John 3:5–8). The Spirit comforts believers with fellowship and joy as they go through a hostile world (1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 13:14). The Spirit, in His mighty power, fills believers with “all joy and peace” as they trust the Lord, causing believers to “overflow with hope” (Romans 15:13).

Sanctification is another work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The Spirit sets Himself against the desires of the flesh and leads the believer into righteousness (Galatians 5:16–18). The works of the flesh become less evident, and the fruit of the Spirit becomes more evident (Galatians 5:19–26). Believers are commanded to “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), which means they are to yield themselves to the Spirit’s full control.

The Holy Spirit is also a gift-giver. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4). The spiritual gifts that believers possess are given by the Holy Spirit as He determines in His wisdom (verse 11).

The Holy Spirit also does work among unbelievers. Jesus promised that He would send the Holy Spirit to “convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8, ESV). The Spirit testifies of Christ (John 15:26), pointing people to the Lord. Currently, the Holy Spirit is also restraining sin and combatting “the secret power of lawlessness” in the world. This action keeps the rise of the Antichrist at bay (2 Thessalonians 2:6–10).

The Holy Spirit has one other important role, and that is to give believers wisdom by which we can understand God. “These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10–11). Since we have been given the amazing gift of God’s Spirit inside ourselves, we can comprehend the thoughts of God, as revealed in the Scripture. The Spirit helps us understand. This is wisdom from God, rather than wisdom from man. No amount of human knowledge can ever replace the Holy Spirit’s teaching (1 Corinthians 2:12–13).

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

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

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“Obedience Is a Choice” 12/18/2024 Written by Cindy Hess Kasper for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

83 Bible Verses about Obedience - NKJV - DailyVerses.net

Written by Cindy Hess Kasper for “Our Daily Bread” @  http://odb.org

[Click on the Original post below, the start audio arrow, and listen to the audio version at the top, including the prayer at the end]

Original post @  https://www.odbm.org/devotionals/devotional-category/obedience-is-a-choic

 

Obedience Is a Choice

Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. John 14:23

READ John 14:15-24

 

 

Winters in the Netherlands seldom bring a lot of snow, but it can get cold enough to freeze over the canals. When my husband, Tom, was growing up there, his parents had a family rule: “Stay off the ice until it is thick enough to hold the weight of a horse.” Because horses would leave evidence of their presence behind, Tom and his buddies decided to get some manure off the road. They threw it on the thin ice and ventured out onto the surface. No harm came to them, nor were they discovered, but they knew in their hearts they’d been disobedient.

 

Obedience doesn’t always come naturally. The choice to obey or not to obey can spring from a sense of duty or fear of punishment. But we can also choose to obey out of love and respect for those in authority over us.

 

In John 14, Jesus challenged His disciples by saying, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. . . . Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching” (vv. 23-24).

 

It’s not always an easy choice to obey, but the power of the Spirit living within us gives us the desire and ability to obey Him (vv. 15-17). With His enablement, we can continue to follow the commands of the one who loves us most—not out of fear of punishment, but out of love.

 

By Cindy Hess Kasper

 

REFLECT & PRAY

In what ways have you been willfully disobedient? Why is it important for you to obey God even when it’s difficult or inconvenient?

 

Loving God, please soften my stubborn heart to listen to Your instructions. Help me to set aside my own agenda and to faithfully obey You.

 

For further study, read The (Impossible) Task of Following Jesus.

 

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Four times in John 14:15-24, Jesus emphasized that obeying Him would be proof of the disciples’ love for Him (vv. 15, 21, 23, 24). They weren’t left alone to obey Christ by their own volition and human strength. God the Father would give them “another advocate to help [them]— the Spirit of truth” (vv. 16-17). The Holy Spirit would remind them of everything Jesus had taught them (v. 26) and show them what’s right and wrong (16:8-13). To love Christ is to obey Him. As we’re “led by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:18), we’ll obey Him and “keep in step with the Spirit” (v. 25).

K. T. Sim

 

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

 

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

 

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“A BIRTHDAY LIKE NO OTHER . . .” 12/17/2024 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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The Savior of the World Is Here | Stray Thoughts

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

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2024/12/13/a-birthday-like-no-other/

A BIRTHDAY LIKE NO OTHER . . .

Posted on December 13, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Birthday celebrations for little ones are always special. A new life brings hope for the future, a fancy cake and lots of friends gathered to celebrate. Jesus’ birthday didn’t consist of those things. He was born at a time when poverty ran rampant. His mother was under the scrutiny of her family, because of her pregnancy. Her betrothed husband was not the father. It was a difficult situation, to say the least. In addition, Joseph willingly conceded after being visited by an angel and took Mary as his wife. At this time in history, the governor of Syria had demanded that all households register in a census. Being from the line of David, they traveled to Bethlehem to do so. Mary was about to give birth at any moment. There was no room for them in the little town, so they found a space in an animal barn. She produced her firstborn Son (the Son of God) in that place. She swaddled him in strips of cloth, to keep his little body warm and protected. She placed him in a feeding trough filled with scratchy hay. The only guests at the party were shepherds who had heard about this unusual birth from angels who sang their hosannas, and the bright star that led them to Him.

Instead of birthday candles on a cake, the angels from heaven sang His praises. Instead of many insignificant gifts, there were none. In fact, the little One was the gift himself. His mother held Him close to her heart and remembered what Gabriel, the angel, had told her from the beginning. This child would be the promised Messiah who would save His people. She treasured that thought in her mind, having no idea what lay ahead. The old prophesies containing this Messiah were coming to fruition. The Old Testament prophets referred to His coming, His unusual birth, the one who would come before Him to preach repentance. There were promises that He would save the world, which was misinterpreted by those who were looking for an earthly King. There were so many prophecies fulfilled at that low birth. I wonder if the people realized it at that time.

We know that He lived a humble life. He was perfect in every way, yet He experienced all the emotional highs and lows that we do. He became a carpenter alongside His stepfather. He played games with other children. He was totally human, yet He was also God. He suffered, was pinned to a cross, and died. On the third day, He returned to life and promised the same for those who would follow His Word.

As we sing our Christmas carols this season, let’s not forget that Jesus will return again. The prophecies in the New Testament book of Revelation are proof of that. Will we recognize Him? Will we be worthy of His return? When we place our faith in the words inspired by God in the Bible and follow the teachings of Jesus, we will recognize Him. We are worthy because of what He accomplished for us.

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=image+The+father+has+sent+the+son+to+be+savior+of+tge+World+Bible&sca_esv=a70c56ff7b649c8e&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&udm=2&biw=1436&bih=887&ei=_ndhZ874D9LR5NoP0NvbwQo&ved=0ahUKEwjO782J8K6KAxXSKFkFHdDtNqgQ4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=image+The+father+has+sent+the+son+to+be+savior+of+tge+World+Bible&gs_lp=EgNpbWciQWltYWdlIFRoZSBmYXRoZXIgaGFzIHNlbnQgdGhlIHNvbiB0byBiZSBzYXZpb3Igb2YgdGdlIFdvcmxkIEJpYmxlSLTYAVAAWJTUAXABeACQAQCYAX2gAZIfqgEENjEuMbgBA8gBAPgBAZgCDqACxwfCAgcQABiABBgKwgIFEAAYgATCAggQABiABBixA8ICCxAAGIAEGLEDGIMBwgIEEAAYHsICBhAAGAgYHsICCBAAGAgYChgemAMAkgcCMTSgB75k&sclient=img#vhid=h-_hnZZD1uYn1M&vssid=mosaic
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“Love Life and See Good Days” 12/16/2024 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Psalm 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

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

Original post @ https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2024/12/09/love-life-and-see-good-days/

Love Life and See Good Days

 

For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;  let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.”

1 Peter 3:10-11 ESV

These are wise words that help lead us to good days and a life we can enjoy. It challenges us to keep a guard over our tongues, turn from evil, do good, and to seek and pursue peace. Since our words and actions have an impact, asking God to help us to be mindful in these areas and being sure to talk to Him about our specific struggles will invite Him in to help us.

We are often ready to get to the next season of life. Especially when we are going through something difficult. However, learning as much as we can right where God has us, will benefit us now and when we enter the next season of life. And the wisdom found in these verses to not indulge in harmful words and evil actions will help us as we go through the learning process.

Photo by: Pixabay

We often cannot fully perceive what we are missing out on until we are willing to trust God and obey what He is telling us to do. Then our obedience leads to blessings and better understanding.

The final words of these verses say to seek peace and pursue it. I have found that peace brings clarity and the ability to better hear God’s voice and follow His leading. We serve a God who is willing to give us peace in exchange for our worries; so cast your worries on Him today because he cares for you (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7).

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

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

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=f73d2c36e6ea8307&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=Image+seek+peace+Bible&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J7pRxUp2pI1mXV9fBsfh39JqJxzRlphkmT2MeVSzs3MQCUNkeUaVjRp3Bu8J5s0Uhth1kanxV3wwM-ZpLNQxev02eGZJXBT8zGqZr6c6yH2cVe_uA2xC9w3GYmt2KJTW-QrsBzNk7iG36xu7OAhHyxMvD4YLaICKTSUmBmrHtR-uobi8BA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi38PWerKyKAxXZFFkFHZwNFIcQtKgLegQIFBAB&biw=1436&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=zA8UTTfJWgO0iM&vssid=mosaic
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“Advent 2024: This Baby Changes Everything” 12/15/2024 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on December 15, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

  The Gospel Changes Everything Decal, Christian Sticker, Bible Decal, Jesus Stickers, Faith Decal, Weatherproof Stickers,Water Bottle Sticker

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

Original post @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2024/12/12/advent-2024-this-baby-changes-everything/

Advent 2024: This Baby Changes Everything

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Beth Andrews

They say that having a baby will change your life completely, and every parent (and grandparent) knows that is true. You give your whole self away to this child and you never get yourself back. Your time is no longer your own – your days are filled with feedings, school plays, and waiting for them to come home from a date. Your money is not yours anymore – who ever imagined someone so tiny would need so much stuff? The stuff just gets more and more expensive as they grow. And then they go to college! Your priorities are different, your goals are reshaped, and your identity is redefined. And you wouldn’t have it any other way.

There is a baby who will change your life in far greater ways. This baby will give your life direction and purpose. This baby will fill you with peace amid a storm. He will comfort you when you are weary and broken. He will lift you up when you fall. He will stick with you, even when the world is against you. This baby will bring you immeasurable Joy. He will wash away the stain of guilt and shame and make you new. This baby brings hope where all hope is faded. He brings light into the darkest night. This baby brings healing of body, mind, heart, and soul. This baby will change the way you think and the way you live. He will transform your heart and cause you to love in ways you never expected. And if all that wasn’t enough, this baby will change your eternal destiny.

This baby left the glory of heaven to save the entire human race. He brought peace between God and man. He broke the chains of the evil one. He erased the curse of death. This baby took on your sin and mine; He bore the punishment you and I rightly deserved. He surrendered His body to the cross and the grave. And then He rose again! He did it all so that you and I could have life – full and abundant and eternal. He gave Himself away so that you could get yourself back.

He is not just any ordinary child. This baby – the Lord Jesus Christ – is the Son of God and He changes everything.

Beloved, He is ready and willing to change your life today.

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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…

Photo credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=2b054a1e223f05b2&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+Jesus+changes+everything+Bible&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J7pRxUp2pI1mXV9fBsfh39JqJxzRlphkmT2MeVSzs3MQCUNkeUaVjRp3Bu8J5s0Uhth1kanxV3wwM-ZpLNQxev02eGZJXBT8zGqZr6c6yH2cVe_uA2xC9w3GYmt2KJTW-QrsBzNk7iG36xu7OAhHyxMvD4YLaICKTSUmBmrHtR-uobi8BA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiwvqf29KmKAxWFFlkFHQi8LrYQtKgLegQIExAB&biw=1436&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=EWJHdRt9wbuN0M&vssid=mosaic
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“Tell the World” 12/14/2024 Written by Bill Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries”

Posted on December 14, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."

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

Original post @ https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/2024/12/13/tell-the-world/

Tell the World

December 13, 2024~ brm7

Written by BJ Rudge

As the angels did on that first Christmas, let us tell others:

… I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a savior, who is Christ the Lord      (Luke 2:10-11).

Christmas is much more than stores filled with shoppers, giving and receiving presents, helping the needy, being with loved ones, and yes, even more than displaying a nativity or singing carols. It is the moment in history when the gap between God and man was closed. Since the time Adam and Eve disobeyed, every human being has been separated from God. Yet, because God created us to have a relationship with Him, He came to Earth to provide the only solution to our dilemma.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life

(John 3:16)

Posted in Blog, Victorious Living,angels,Christ the Lord,Christmas,city of David,God,Good News,Savior

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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…

Photo credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=e45b8f9268ce1dda&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+Christ+was+born+to+save+us+Bible&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J7pRxUp2pI1mXV9fBsfh39LpAWJ-Nb3mi2m4EiVUszBi_FRX1Mv-O-KT61WmpB799LmklSXsEAWJVE9EvIH-Ifdf5nB-dhG4CYrthLL2_gE73pkNmPM8djQXftZIcjbAiSJ0JWvzv0sMYRBEYsKtzPbUJf7s9IpwNE_2WvbfIn0KnjXVVA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwib78G2q6eKAxWTLFkFHboLANIQtKgLegQIFRAB&biw=1436&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=gazSbRQunBba-M&vssid=mosaic
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“The Holy Spirit will help Believers !!” 12/13/2024 Written by Louis Mize, a good friend

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Matthew 10:20 For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

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

The Holy Spirit will help Believers !!

For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you.

Matthew 10:20

Jesus instructed His disciples on how to handle the persecution that was coming to them. He told them not to worry about how to answer those who would charge them with sedition and blasphemy.

This morning, I read in Acts Chapter 7 of the arrest of Stephen, the Deacon in the early church who would become its first martyr. When they leveled the charges against him, the high priest asked Stephen if the charges were true. And then Stephen delivers the most amazing and concise history of Israel in the bible. And in his answer, Stephen never once answered the false charges! When I read his answer, I fully understood that it wasn’t really Stephen who was speaking. He was inspired by the Person of the Holy Spirit to answer as God led. When we read Acts 7, we are reading the Holy Spirit’s interpretation of the history of the nation Israel. And I know that God used the death of Stephen to help change a persecutor present at his execution named Saul, into an Apostle for Christ by the power of God named Paul.

I thank God for His Spirit Who lives within us. It may be that the church will face more fierce times of persecution. If we do, don’t worry about how to answer your persecutors, for I know that God will provide us with the right message at the right time. He always has, and He always will!

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

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

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=2a50764752e9bb1a&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+Matthew+10:20&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J7pRxUp2pI1mXV9fBsfh39JqJxzRlphkmT2MeVSzs3MQCUNkeUaVjRp3Bu8J5s0Uhth1kanxV3wwM-ZpLNQxev02eGZJXBT8zGqZr6c6yH2cVe_uA2xC9w3GYmt2KJTW-QrsBzNk7iG36xu7OAhHyxMvD4YLaICKTSUmBmrHtR-uobi8BA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2gYOM76SKAxUGj4kEHaq2JyQQtKgLegQIERAB&biw=1436&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=EqRx6y6LwoCORM&vssid=mosaic
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