“GOD UNDERSTANDS . . .” 12/02/2024 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

God knows your pain💔

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

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2024/11/29/god-understands/#like-67440

GOD UNDERSTANDS . . .

 

Posted on November 29, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Through every great blessing God bestows on us; for all the messes He’s repaired, for all the broken hearts; for providing relief from all our physical, spiritual, and emotional needs, we give thanks today and every day. God understands.

The holiday meal has been served. A table of bounty, surrounded by friends and family is now empty. The guests have gone home. The leftovers have been packaged and stored for another meal or more. You’ve watched enough football to hold you until the next round. You may have gotten up way before your alarm went off to get in on all the black Friday deals. You fight the crowds. You buy more than you need. You arrive home exhausted and collapse in exhaustion. God understands.

Holidays like this and those to come can stir your adrenaline. A mixture of emotions can come out to haunt you. Many will suffer major bouts of depression as we enter the season of Christmas. You may be concerned about adding to an already hefty credit card debt. You hope that Christmas presents will be enjoyed by those for whom they were purchased. Decorations may go up, creating a beautiful display to praise the coming King of Kings, but what’s the motivation behind it? Are we trying to impress those who see them? Are those old ornaments going to make it through another Christmas? Are our aging bodies going to last that long? God understands.

You hang a wreath1, cut down a tree, and display an Advent calendar which will be enjoyed each day. You go through the annual family traditions, but do you feel totally joyful? The joy we should feel at this adventurous time of year is not found in all the trimmings, the spending, the overindulgence, The peace that comes in the form of a tiny baby born in a manger is all that’s important. This can also be a time of great depression for many. The loss of a loved one, the cancer diagnosis, the waiting to die, the trials of this life get in the way. The worries and fears that accompany these things naturally will bring us down, but God understands.

He knows everything about us. He made us. He knows our strengths and weaknesses. He has gifted us with talents, provision, and abilities to be used for advancing His kingdom. He loves us with a love that can’t be duplicated. There are no strings attached to His amazing gift. This is a time of preparation, but don’t let the small stuff or the big things get in the way of what’s coming. A King left His heavenly throne to live with His creation. He lived a humble life – one that resembled that of a servant. He shared His Father’s loving message with many. He was unjustly arrested, suffered, and died the death of a criminal. He rose again proving that He is God and He conquered death. God, the Father understands each of our problems, but He goes the extra mile by laying down His life for us. God understands.

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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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“Rest: December 2024 Scripture Writing Plan” 12/01/2024 Written by Elihu Anderson for “Elihu’s Corner”

Posted on December 1, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

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

Original post @ https://elihuscorner.com/2024/11/30/rest-december-2024-scripture-writing-plan/

Christian Living ,· encouragement ,· Scripture Writing Plans

Rest: December 2024 Scripture Writing Plan

November 30, 2024Elihu

Nothing will change your perspective faster than a trip to the Emergency Room.

Although I am diligent about daily exercise, supplementation, nutrition, etc., I am not carful to regulate my stress levels.

In the spring, I went into urgent care for chest pain and landed in the ER because the doctor suspected I might have been having a heart attack. I was skeptical. “A heart attack? Yeah, right! I’m too young for that!” After running me through a battery of tests, the doctor determined that I had not had a heart attack, but rather a panic attack. As I said, nothing changes your perspective faster than a trip to the ER (and a healthy serving of humble pie). I spent a few months praying and reflecting.

Why did I have a panic attack?

Was it a small symptom of a larger problem?

What did I need to change?

My daughter had been encouraging me for months prior to my ER trip to check out a book she had learned about at summer camp titled, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. I finally made time to read the book and it was eye-opening. I knew I was a “busy person,” but until that point, I had not recognized how much I took pride in the “busy” nor how unhealthy it was. My attention was particularly drawn to how Jesus himself made time to break away from the hectic pace of his work in order to pray and refresh.

If you and I are followers of Jesus, shouldn’t we be imitating His example, including His example of rest?

When you read about Jesus in the New Testament, do you get the sense that he was easily flustered or “too busy” to take care of the people around Him? I never do. He always seems calm in every storm (literally and figuratively). Think about Him on the way to heal Jairus’ daughter. (This was one examples the author touched on in the book referenced earlier). Jairus was in a hurry, but Jesus was not. When a woman sought to touch His garment in order to be healed, He stopped in the middle of this rush to Jairus’ house in order to meet the need of her soul. Jesus was never too busy or too hurried, but I suspect that most of us are because we aren’t marking what Jesus did.

My fellow busy Christians: It’s time to reassess our habits and follow the example of our Teacher.

Because of the hectic pace of the holidays, it seemed timely to reflect on the importance of rest. Rest does not mean isolating yourself with your phone, nor does it mean tossing aside all your obligations. Here are some things to consider regarding rest:

  1. Rest involves carving out time to sit quietly with the Lord in prayer.

  2. To rest effectively is to take a look at the calendar with wisdom and learn to say, “no,” in order to be less hurried and worried.

  3. Turn off your notifications on your phone when praying or reading the word (you may also have to take off your smart watch).

  4. Rest is permitting your mind, heart, and body a chance to repair themselves. We cannot do this if we are bombarding them constantly.

In this month’s plan, we are going to consider a few things:

  1. God established the Sabbath in the Old Testament in order to encourage His people to rest.

  2. Jesus’ example of rest

  3. Jesus’ promise of rest (this includes a peaceful heart as well as rest when this life is over)

  4. Choosing to rest

The Lord encourages us to work and to rest. As you read through the scriptures this month, trying changing your perspective. Consider what habits you can change in order to be more present in mind and peaceful in heart like Jesus. I hope you’ll join us as we focus on this concept!

To download the free printable PDF, click the link below:

December 2024 Scripture Writing PlanDownload

Got little scripture writers? Click the links below to access our tracing and copying sheets!

Kids Scripture Writing Tracing December 2024Download

Kids Scripture Writing Copying December 2024Download

Please stop by the Elihu’s Corner page on Facebook or Instagram (@elihuscorner) and say hi! Each day’s scripture is posted with some reflections on the passage.

Looking for a different scripture writing theme? Check out the Scripture Writing Category to see choose from over 65 plans.

Special thanks to my sisters in Christ, Liz Smith and Sara McBroom, who provide their wisdom and support each month with these plans.

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

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

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“No Longer a Foreigner” 11/30/2024 Written by Dave Branon for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on November 30, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Written by Dave Branon 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/no-longer-a-foreigner

Today’s Scripture

Ephesians 2:8-13, 17-22

Today’s Insights

As believers in Jesus, we have His promise that we’re not strangers to Him: “You are . . . fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Ephesians 2:19). In fact, His care for us is so intimate that at this very moment, He’s preparing a home where we’ll live with Him forever! Christ said: “I go and prepare a place for you, [and] I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). When we arrive at our eternal home, we’ll be in His presence forever.

No Longer a Foreigner

Today’s Devotional

“You don’t belong here.” Those words crushed an eight-year-old girl’s heart, and the pain stayed with her. Her family had emigrated from a refugee camp in a war-torn country to a new country, and her immigration card had the word alien stamped on it. She felt like she didn’t belong.

As an adult, although she put her faith in Jesus, she still felt alienated—stung by the feeling that she was an unwelcome outsider. While reading her Bible, she discovered the promises of Ephesians 2. In verse 12, she saw that old, troubling word alien. “You were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (nkjv). But as she kept reading, she saw how Christ’s sacrifice had changed her status. She got to verse 19, which told her, “You are no longer” a foreigner or alien. She was a “fellow citizen” of God’s people. Realizing that she was a citizen of heaven, she was overjoyed. Never again would she be an outsider. God had taken her in and accepted her.

Because of our sins, we’re alienated from God. But we don’t have to stay that way. Jesus brought peace to all who were “far away” (v. 17), making all who trust Him fellow citizens of His eternal kingdom united as the body of Christ.

Reflect & Pray

In what way do you feel alienated? What does it mean for you to know that God has called all His children to be united in Him?

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to experience fellowship with You and with others who love and trust You.

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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=334922e174cf79f6&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+Citizen+of+heaven+Bible&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J7pRxUp2pI1mXV9fBsfh39JqJxzRlphkmT2MeVSzs3MQCUNkeUaVjRp3Bu8J5s0Uhth1kanxV3wwM-ZpLNQxev02eGZJXBT8zGqZr6c6yH2cVe_uA2xC9w3GYmt2KJTW-QrsBzNk7iG36xu7OAhHyxMvD4YLaICKTSUmBmrHtR-uobi8BA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj3wJudk4SKAxWflIkEHVADCCUQtKgLegQIFBAB&biw=1519&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=oN6rSWYw6WyFyM&vssid=mosaic
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“Our Daily Bread” 11/28/2024 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on November 29, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Matthew 6:11 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

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

Original post @ https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2024/11/18/our-daily-bread/

Our Daily Bread

Matthew 6:11 NIV, “Give us today our daily bread.”

Lately, I have thought of this verse to remind myself that the Lord is willing to give us our daily bread to navigate our lives. Not only through the trials we may face but also through our daily tasks and responsibilities. We just simply have to be willing to ask for help and then surrender to God and trust Him to answer. James 4:2 reminds us that we have not because we ask not.

When we keep our focus on Jesus, we can take courage knowing He loves us and that even in the midst of our difficulties, He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). The lessons we are learning will make us even wiser and teach us more about the character of our God. And we never know who is watching us; how we act and what we say can inspire others and shine the Light of Jesus into their lives.

God sends us the people and resources we need to help us. He is the source of anything good and He is willing to share His goodness with us every day. It’s a simple truth that is easy to overlook, especially when we feel pressure to have all the answers. But it’s true, all we have to do is ask.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Give us today our daily bread.

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…

Photo credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=2f3f099cb60fd416&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+mat6:11&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J7pRxUp2pI1mXV9fBsfh39JqJxzRlphkmT2MeVSzs3MQCUNkeUaVjRp3Bu8J5s0UhhW9p8XBQ4OgSxaZFuzMRIHm1YH1fcYQUvvrISxlCv9Km7C6ufW8zILU3_5Nhj-Vo4qKzb5wi7QUQvpxDIQTbaNzipXoYS-g5hS9YBSIbVVrGMsj-g&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiM6oaFzIGKAxWul4kEHb98KMUQtKgLegQIExAB&biw=1320&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=2r9_6loK_0kBFM&vssid=mosaic
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“GOD IS KINDER . . .” 11/26/2024 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on November 26, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

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

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2024/11/23/god-is-kinder/

GOD IS KINDER . . .

Posted on November 23, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

When I think about God’s compassion and kindness I am overwhelmed. There is no amount of earthly affection that can come close to what He gives. The gift we give others through our kindness will encourage and inspire them. Often, we choose to focus on the weaknesses, even those we care for most. When we do that, we’re simply alienating ourselves from them. God’s kindness is often referred to as grace. We certainly fall short when it comes to giving the gift of kindness to others. God intends for His grace to draw us closer to Him. In doing so, we are brought to repentance and forgiveness.


“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Titus 3:4-7  ESV

As we look forward to Thanksgiving let’s consider how important God’s kindness is to us. Had it not been for His loving grace, we would be doomed to an eternity in hell. Because of it, we have inherited a place in His kingdom.

Thank you, Jesus, for your compassion. You willingly took on our sin. You paid the ransom when you suffered and died on the cross. Your power and might showed us that you overcame death and that we will also. You alone are our refuge and strength. 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…

Photo credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=image+eph+4%3A29+NKJV&sca_esv=2bad0f40f1e180a3&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&udm=2&biw=1328&bih=887&ei=q79FZ9LnM53_ptQP6-OoEA&ved=0ahUKEwiS6a-_gPqJAxWdv4kEHesxCgIQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=image+eph+4%3A29+NKJV&gs_lp=EgNpbWciE2ltYWdlIGVwaCA0OjI5IE5LSlZIji1QrxBYkiZwAXgAkAEAmAE2oAGEAqoBATW4AQPIAQD4AQGYAgCgAgCYAwCIBgGSBwCgB-EB&sclient=img#vhid=baZZvBiX0PL9fM&vssid=mosaic
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“From Start to Finish” 11/25/2024 Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2024/11/15/from-start-to-finish/

From Start to Finish

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Beth Andrews

Back when I had more time and better eyesight, I used to enjoy craft projects of various kinds – cross-stitch, sewing, crocheting, and beadwork. I even tried my hand at quilting. Work and school and little girl have put my crafting way on the back burner. Most of my projects are in various stages of incompletion. I’m good at starting things, but not so good at finishing them. That is why I love Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God always finishes what He starts, and He finishes it well. The creation account in Genesis 1 is a great example. At the end of every day, the Scripture says: “God saw that it [His work] was good.” At the end of the week, “God saw that it was very good.”

Paul says that God “began a good work” in us. What was that good work? Salvation. The restoration of our relationship with Him. And with it the transformation of our lives, that is sanctification – working to make us more like Jesus, “to be conformed to the likeness of His Son” (Rom 8:29). God’s purpose is to make sinful creatures into holy sons and daughters. It is a life-long work that will only be completed in heaven. But here’s the important point to remember: it will be completed. It will be accomplished. God’s good work in you and me will be finished and it will be “very good.”

I hope that is as encouraging to you as it is to me. I have boxes full of unfinished projects to prove that I can’t pull this off by myself. And neither can you. But God has a cross and an empty tomb to prove that He can. He has the power and the vision to accomplish this good work. And He will prove Himself faithful. Paul said that it is God Himself who will sanctify us “through and through” It is He who will keep our “spirit, soul, and body blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (*). Beloved, You and I are not “unfinished projects.” We are divinely designed and destined by God to accomplish His “good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom 12:2) – to be like His Son. “The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it” (1 Thess 5:23-24*).

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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=c744cb070de47b7e&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+phil+1:6&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J7pRxUp2pI1mXV9fBsfh39JqJxzRlphkmT2MeVSzs3MQCUNkeUaVjRp3Bu8J5s0UhhW9p8XBQ4OgSxaZFuzMRIHm1YH1fcYQUvvrISxlCv9Km7C6ufW8zILU3_5Nhj-Vo4qKzb5wi7QUQvpxDIQTbaNzipXoYS-g5hS9YBSIbVVrGMsj-g&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwitt83JyPeJAxVWD1kFHctaMu0QtKgLegQIFBAB&biw=1328&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=D1Gq11l3aXSUhM&vssid=mosaic
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“Everyday Dangers” 11/24/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

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

Original post @ https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/11/17/2024/?ecid=ACsprvvF2822sDvujTMGzli3Ezx2ELYqBvGZKAwg4AD687k6cHZFjpgqJltB8cXJz-2aVcQKAO38&utm_campaign=Spurgeon+Daily+Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–3R1k_j15NJb677Lh5-di_I-CZi4T5bS61h5h2NTn_eHzaCa-RJNoJCaSBys_HgiuZsHoDgl2HAnNnukdf0ElWOT2za_UiK0mKZZ4jAevTIHSPfaI&_hsmi=334110299&utm_content=334110299&utm_source=hs_email

Everyday Dangers

He who splits logs is endangered by them.

Ecclesiastes 10:9

Oppressors may enforce their will on poor and needy men just as easily as they can split logs of wood, but they better be careful, for it is a dangerous business, and a splinter from a tree has often killed the woodsman. Jesus is persecuted in every injured saint, and He is strong to avenge His loved ones. Success in treading down the poor and needy is a thing to be trembled at, If the persecutors do not face immediate danger, they will face great danger in the end.

To split logs are a common everyday business, and yet it has its dangers. So then, reader, there are dangers connected with your calling and daily life that it will be good for you to be aware of. We do not refer to hazards by flood and field or by disease and sudden death but to perils of a spiritual sort. Your occupation may be as humble as log splitting, and yet the devil can tempt you in it. You may be a domestic servant, a farm laborer, or a mechanic, and you may be greatly shielded from temptations to the bigger vices, and yet some secret sin may undo you. Those who live at home and do not mingle with the rough world may still be endangered by their very seclusion. The one who thinks himself safe is safe nowhere! Pride may enter a poor man’s heart; greed may reign in a cottager’s bosom; uncleanness may venture into the quietest home; and anger and envy and malice may insert themselves into the most rural dwelling.

Even in speaking a few words to a doorman, we may sin; a small purchase at a shop may be the first link in a chain of temptations; the mere looking out of a window may be the beginning of evil. Lord how exposed we are! How shall we be saved! To keep ourselves is a work too hard for us: Only You Yourself are able to preserve us in such an evil world. Spread Your protection over us, and we, like little chickens, will cower down beneath You and feel ourselves safe!

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…

Photo credit: https://thelordismylightandmysalvation.tumblr.com/post/120516072129/psalm-91-4
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“How To Know God’s Will For Your Life” 11/23/2024 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on November 23, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.

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

Original post @  https://seizetheday-blog.com/2024/11/22/how-to-know-gods-will-for-your-life-4/

How To Know God’s Will For Your Life

November 22, 2024

6d62bade7f21ea8f8a470dd8c2e402d8--the-cross-cross-of-jesus

 

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

Micah 6:8 (NIV).

Here are ten things to consider if you want to know God’s will for your life:

  1. Read, reflect and respond to God’s Word.God speaks to us primarily through His Word. Know His Word and you’ll know His will. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” Psalm 119:105 (NIV).

  1. Confess sin.Sin separates us from God. When we sin, God won’t listen to us and we won’t hear from Him. “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear” Isaiah 59:2 (NIV).

  1. Do what He wants, not what you want.Who is the Lord of your life, you or God? If you’re not 100% convinced that God wants you to do what you’re thinking about doing, then you shouldn’t do it. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to Him, and He shall make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).

  1. Act on what you already know God wants you to do. God is very clear about how we should, or should not, be doing many things e.g. no sex before marriage. If we don’t obey all the general things taught in the Bible, it’s unlikely that God will reveal specific things to us. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” James 1:22 (NIV).

  1. Seek godly input. Our world view (values and philosophy) and direction in life is often a composite of the five people we spend the most time with. When you surround yourself with godly people they’ll be instrumental in helping you discern God’s plan for your life. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” Proverbs 11:14 (NIV). “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise” Proverbs 19:20 (NIV).

  1. Pay attention to how God has wired you. God’s plan/purpose/will for you will always be directly related to the gifts He’s given you. “All (the gifts) are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines” 1 Corinthians 12:11 (NIV).

  1. Listen to God’s Spirit. Discern what God is saying to you by listening internally to the One who is in you.”But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” John 14:26 (NIV).

  1. Listen to your heart. God has already wired you to fulfil His plans and purposes for your life. In addition to listening to the Spirit, you must act on the desires that God has placed in your heart.”Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this” Psalm 37:4-5 (NIV)

  1. Use common sense. If you’re all thumbs and no fingers, you’re probably not meant to be a carpenter! “Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense” Proverbs 10:13 (NIV).

 

  1. Ask the Lord. Don’t miss the obvious. Sometimes we don’t know God’s will/plan/purpose because we didn’t ask! “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” Matthew 7:7 (NIV). “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” 1 John 5:14 (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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“Spiritual Hygiene” 11/22/2024 Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms”

Posted on November 22, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Psalm 51:10 Inspirational Images

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

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2024/11/11/spiritual-hygiene-2/

Spiritual Hygiene

11MondayNov 2024

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms

Tags cleansing, devotion, faith, forgiveness, Prayer, Psalm51, purity, renewal, repentance, spiritual-health

Reading: Psalm 51:10-19

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
so that sinners will turn back to you.
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
you who are God my Savior,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
May it please you to prosper Zion,
to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
in burnt offerings offered whole;
then bulls will be offered on your altar (NIV).

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Reflection
I just had my morning shower. Nothing special about that—daily showers are the social norm. But they haven’t always been the norm. Step back a century and the weekly bath was the norm. Step back a thousand years and a bath was an annual event. With this lack of personal hygiene is it any wonder epidemics ran rampant through the medieval population, and diseases like smallpox and the bubonic plague killed millions in Europe?

As a society we have embraced the concept and practice of personal hygiene. But what about spiritual hygiene? Have we embraced that as well? I fear the opposite is true. Are we routinely plunging into the deep end of a cesspool of sin? Do we mistakenly believe there are no consequences? A filthy spirit can be as deadly as bubonic plague. A host of mental, emotional, and social problems are a direct result of poor spiritual hygiene. Cleanse your heart and mind and you will walk in spiritual health.

From his own cesspool of sin David cried out: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (v. 10-12).

I don’t know about you, but daily I need to bathe in Christ’s love and forgiveness. He cleans me up.

Response: LORD God, thank you for the forgiveness you purchased for me through the shed blood of Jesus your son. I acknowledge my need for your cleansing power. Amen.

Your Turn: How is your spiritual hygiene today? How do you keep your spirit clean?

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

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

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

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“Try To Love Those Who Hurt You” 11/21/2024 Written by Gabrielle Guthrie for “See, there’s this thing called biology…~insanitybytes”

Posted on November 21, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Matthew 5:43 Love Your Enemies (Listen to, Dramatized or Read) - GNT - Uplifting Scriptures

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

Original post found @ https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/2024/11/06/try-to-love-those-who-hurt-you/

Try To Love Those Who Hurt You

06WednesdayNov 2024

Posted by insanitybytes22 in Uncategorized

Tags  blogging, culture, faith, humor, insanitybytes22, life, politics, trashworld

I woke up this morning and was able to discern the election results from a woman who posted about her deep-seated hatred of all the “ignorant, uneducated, garbage humans” who infest this country. I was tempted to reply, So how’s all that condescension working out for you, but I bit my tongue at the urging of the Holy Spirit.

“Condescension” for those who don’t know is, “an attitude of patronizing superiority; disdain.” I’ve lived with this kind of snooty elitism for decades now in a place I often call the 9th circuit of hell, and I really hate it. I’ve hated watching it destroy people I care about. I’ve hated the injustice of it all. I’ve hated blaming myself, like maybe if I just try harder, do better, be nicer…….

All in good humor here, but my track record is still unvarnished. Never once have I mended my evil ways because somebody called me mean names, rejected me, or berated my ignorance. I’m not sure why people believe that is an effective tactic?? At best it temporarily demoralizes people, but it certainly doesn’t convince anyone your arguments have any validity. There are also some religious people who might want to take my words to heart, or at least pay attention when the Bible says, “it’s the kindness of God that leads to repentance.”

It’s not just one gal’s reference to, “ignorant uneducated garbage,” but also a disrespectful media always talking about the “rust belt,” “flyover country,” and “rural voters” said with such a sneer. “Those kind of people” tend to be so uneducated and misinformed. Welp, I’m a huge fan of “those kinds” of people. One might even say, I am one of those people.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent,” and while that is certainly true, being constantly pounded on emotionally still wears you down, it still takes its toll. I really hate bullies, I hate injustice, and I hate snooty, elitist people.

What I don’t hate is the kindness of God, the way He can bind up our wounds, heal our souls, and teach us about grace. We are not who other people say we are, we are who God says we are. Get right with Him and let the rest fall off of you like unwanted pounds. You can’t cling to bitterness and tread lightly at the same time.

So, try to love people who hurt you, because that’s the heart of our Father, that’s what Jesus did for us, and that’s what it means to take up your cross.

****A disclaimer, sometimes, “loving those who hurt you” means getting as far away from them as possible. We can love people and yet still lock our front doors.

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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=c64f92f75d6f9f24&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+matthew+5:43-44&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J_86uWOeqwdnV0yaSF-x2jpXXSZVlK6C0YPjHbsLu8HQWfm38FRPm5FVWQmVvNxikPuGUro0kULs737NLvYt_770cqPBb-7c9YW98tWSpANkOcZZylZvCbVkKD2SeH_fJOnPgXdUsVXCVyRh_eSp_T6GxUwRZE0bpoVyiYh4GfPMFOiP6w&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwik-bzKqOyJAxUAj4kEHfLjJ48QtKgLegQIFRAB&biw=1328&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=MEn_aDmWbiSZkM&vssid=mosaic
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