“Jump for Joy!” 11//20/2024 Written by Nancy Ruegge for “From The Inside Out”

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

In His Presence Is Fullness of Joy Psalm 16:11 Devotional - Master's Hand Collection

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

View original post @ https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/11/14/jump-for-joy/

Jump for Joy!

November 14, 2024 by Nancy Ruegg

The heading promised: “Expert Tips for Creating a Gratitude List.”

But nowhere did the writer suggest who we’re supposed to thank. And that omission raises an important question: Can gratitude provide any value if there’s no one to receive it?

On the other hand, giving thanks and praise to God lifts our spirits as we review his unfailing love for us, expressed in countless ways.

Imagine King David’s euphoria as he wrote:

In Psalm 31, David included these five inspiring truths: our God is faithful (5), loving (7, 16, 21), good (19), merciful (22) and protective (23).

And as I considered theses scriptures, my thoughts turned to examples in our family’s lives when we’ve seen these attributes in action. For example:

God is faithful (Psalm 31:5) and shows us the wonders of his love (21).

Our son Eric needed slides of his paintings for a college application. However, several days of overcast skies made it impossible to sufficiently light his work and show it to best advantage.

The deadline was fast approaching, and four paintings still hadn’t been photographed.

Eric decided he’d have do his best with the light available. But as he finished setting up and adjusting the painting on his easel, the sun came out! Three more times, just as he finished positioning, the clouds parted and the sun shone!

God stores up abundant good things for those who honor and trust him (Psalm 31:19).

Our family has experienced an abundance of good things—sometimes in miraculous ways (like provision for employment through an astonishing string of God-incidences [1]), and sometimes in smaller-but-no-less-startling events, like the one described above.

I’ve recorded hundreds of such moments in a notebook-journal kept since 1983 (as many of you regular readers know). Entry after entry proves our God is abundantly good and ever faithful [2].

We need not fear that we shall ever

come to the end of God’s goodness,

or any experience for which

He will have no blessing ready.

–J. R. Miller [3]

God hears my cries for mercy when I call to him for help, and he protects the faithful (Psalm 31:22, 23).

Years ago before GPS, I became hopelessly lost on a lonely, tree-lined road. To make matters worse, the gas tank was approaching empty, and I was going to be late for an appointment.

In near-panic mode I prayed, LORD HELP ME!, and tried to calm my racing heart by affirming that God would not fail me nor abandon me (Hebrews 13:5b NLT).

Suddenly a three-way stop appeared. I looked left to see a gas station about fifty yards down the road, almost hidden by the trees.

I turned the corner—into the 1950s. The style of the building and peeling paint indicated the age of the station; the pumps were just as old.

More alarm ensued as I studied one of the ancient pumps. What do I do with THIS?

And then an older gentleman approached (an angel, perhaps?) and kindly offered, “I’ll pump that for you.” He also directed me where I needed to be, and I arrived at my appointment just a few minutes late.

I could share SO many more examples. But it’s not just our family that’s experienced God’s goodness, faithfulness and love. All of us have stories to tell of God working wonders in our lives.

May we be quick to give him the thanks he deserves, and with King David, experience the euphoria of gratitude and praise that makes us leap for joy!

Now it’s your turn. In the comment section below, please share one of your stories that makes you leap for joy in what God accomplished!

[1] See https://nancyaruegg.com/2020/08/27/after-the-fact-2

[2] See https://nancyaruegg.com/2012/11/12/proving-gods-presence for how this journal came to be.

[3] Quoted by Herbert Lockyer, Seasons of the Lord, 199.

Art & photo credits: http://www.flicr.com (Evelyn Lim); http://www.biblepics.co; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.freerangestock.com (Paul Morris); http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.flickr.com (Bill Badzo); http://www.canva.com.

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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=2487ba44366803c7&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+find+joy+in+the+Lord+Bible&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J_86uWOeqwdnV0yaSF-x2jpXXSZVlK6C0YPjHbsLu8HQWfm38FRPm5FVWQmVvNxikFT9l-RA8hG3bZ34kJ7utFz8ATOsgecSX4KsqvVlocULrmOYJU0EdV0Kzb7Gtj0otmWc5Uxp9ld7SXdhmPooDGJi5LQh3Lv7PPmpeP_WWlTwUzchFg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjmjOzZ_OqJAxVpg4kEHSMbJVkQtKgLegQIDhAB&biw=1328&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=huQRGtYGaqYqXM&vssid=mosaic
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“Grace Alone” 11/19/24 Written by Walley Fry

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

What Grace Really Means: Freedom | Calvary Catonsville

Written by Walley Fry for  https://truthinpalmyra.wordpress.com/

Grace Alone

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” 

Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV.

Ephesians 2:1-10

 

Let’s say we were given an assignment: to jump to the moon. That is impossible. I cannot even jump up a step anymore. Now, let us say Michael Jordan showed up to show off his rather impressive ability to jump. He could undoubtedly jump higher than me! I bet he could jump several steps. Compared to me, Michael Jordan is quite remarkable. If jumping to the moon was a contest, Michael Jordan would have won it. However, the assignment was given to both of us, and we both failed. As impressive as he is, Michael Jordan cannot jump to the moon. Ultimately, his remarkable skill got him no closer to completing that assignment than I did.

Friend, this devotional today is Christianity 101. I hope you understand this because you are in trouble if you have it wrong. We won’t be long here today because I do not want to muddy the waters. Sometimes, God’s Word is crystal clear, and this is one of those times. If you can read this verse and come to any alternative conclusion regarding faith and works, you may intentionally misunderstand God’s Word.

You cannot do it; God can. Salvation, that is. Christianity 101. The Holy Spirit draws you. Repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will save you. Do you notice what is missing? What is missing is anything you did. You do not have to “clean up your act,” stop some particular sin, take a course, partake in a sacrament, get baptized, or do anything else.

Friends, if some person is busy telling you what you have to “do” to get to heaven or earn your salvation, they are teaching you a damnable heresy. Stop listening to them and listen to God. Read His word.

We teach the ABCs of salvation to children because they are simple. Because salvation is simple.

Admit: You are a sinner and need a savior.

Believe: Jesus died and rose again to pay for your sins.

Confess: Jesus is your Lord and Savior

Notice that there are no works or tasks in that. Friends, be saved today, then let the work begin. But you need to get that order of things right.

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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=0734fda996d53699&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=Image+grace+through+faith+Bible&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J_86uWOeqwdnV0yaSF-x2jpXXSZVlK6C0YPjHbsLu8HQWfm38FRPm5FVWQmVvNxikFT9l-RA8hG3bZ34kJ7utFz8ATOsgecSX4KsqvVlocULrmOYJU0EdV0Kzb7Gtj0otmWc5Uxp9ld7SXdhmPooDGJi5LQh3Lv7PPmpeP_WWlTwUzchFg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj1vOikuOiJAxWGmYkEHQDHNVgQtKgLegQIIxAB&biw=1328&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=OcO__yZDufIYjM&vssid=mosaic
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‘The Lord is with you!” 11/18/2024 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Joshua 1 9 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/2024/10/14/the-lord-is-with-you-3/

The Lord is with you!

October 14, 2024

 

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. 

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV).

God is present, saving, delighting, and singing – all because of you! It’s incomprehensible! How do we begin to fathom how a holy God would love us in such an extraordinary way? And yet He does.  God is deeply satisfied in you. In fact, it’s more than that, He’s ecstatic!

The context of this verse is the “Day of the Lord” and the restoration of His people. It’s a prophetic word. In its first life setting it refers to God’s dealings with Judah’s remnant. It also refers to a time when all of God’s people will be rescued and restored.

In some ways, the verse parallels John 3:16 as it indicates how God’s love is excessive – exceeding anything we can quantify or imagine. It’s a remarkable proclamation. A reminder that, according to the hymn writer Frederick M. Lehman, “the love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell; it goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest hell.”

Now that’s not to say that there’s anything in us that’s worth loving or is the reason for God’s love. The basis for God’s love is in the nature of God Himself. God loves us simply because He loves us.

While God loves us because He’s Love, we should note that His love embraces everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (Zephaniah 3:9). It’s God’s people, whoever and wherever they are, who are the object of His love. While the Lord is with you, He’s simultaneously with every Christian from every ethnic background in every country. This global extension of God’s love is both a temporal and historical reality. Every person who knows Christ as Lord and Savior knows for him/herself “this love that surpasses knowledge” Ephesians 3:19.

So how should we respond? We should do what God does. We should take joyful delight in God and sing because of who He is and all that He has done. How can we do otherwise? Love should be reciprocated. We should mutually rejoice in our love for God and His love 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…

Photo credit: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=95f26022873c7c6c&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+Joshua+1:9&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J_86uWOeqwdnV0yaSF-x2jogM63VUdBhAMVqo6r6ESHkeTcOanHNTvXOv2qpBhw3zpFBfEwPfY3PN65eFDAm5_lLaJ7-sbOAkLsV90Fz2-JOMPAqqBZ-E8373v_I2HCVi8zE_YZZ7O1HgFzRpgkN0iOWd333oxIuKR_WTkw-2jmNBmGDXA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwijrb_v-eWJAxUJElkFHZ29IQsQtKgLegQIERAB&biw=1328&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=aBS4Q07coKo_IM&vssid=mosaic
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AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING?” 11/17/2024 Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor”

Posted on November 17, 2024 by Godsmanforever

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

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2022/04/

AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING?

Posted on April 30, 2022

 

Before my thoughts spill out all over the Wacky World Web, take a moment and slowly read this passage. Just one time. Wait! Scratch that. Read it slowly 3 times.

22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations chapter 3, verses 22 and 23 from the New King James Version

 

Did you read this slowly 3 times? I think not! Go back and read it slowly 3 times. Now we can proceed. Back to my opening question: AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING? Now, write down your guess and we will see if you win today’s grand prize! Got your answer? Good. And the correct answer is There’s A Brand-New Sunrise! It’s not like yesterday’s or last week’s or last year’s! It’s brand new! Now, let’s cut to the chase: Does this excite you about the potential for today? Or does it fill your mind and heart with fear, anxiety, and dread?

Now go back to the words from Jeremiah’s heart! Do you know when and why he wrote those words? Knowing what’s happening as the writers share their hearts helps us see the power of their words! Jerusalem and Judea had just been invaded by their neighboring enemies, the Babylonians. The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and looted and devastated The Temple. The people who lived through the onslaught were carried away into captivity as prisoners of war and slaves.

Yet, I said YET! Jeremiah sees the sunrise! “They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” What is the They? God’s mercies! If on this Saturday morning, you feel like a prisoner of war or something’s slave, listen to the hope from Jeremiah. With this newest sunrise, God has brand new mercies and They are new this morning. This is good news because what we think is the outcome of our messes, His Mercies provide a different outcome. As bad as it may seem sometimes, the problems will not consume you! All you have to do is give up! Give up everything inside of you and ask God for His Mercies! Then believe there is an abundance of Mercy all because of what Jesus did on the Cross for all of us.

It’s a new day, and it’s filled with Fresh Mercies! His mercy always delivers us! Always! Now go out there and love God with all your heart. Love others the way Jesus loves you. And make sure all the glory goes to Him! Now, if you will excuse me, there are some new mercies on this Saturday for me. . and for 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/imgres?q=lamentations%203%2022-23%20image&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F3c%2F25%2F28%2F3c2528ae1226778d33fa872ab55a2062.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2Flamentations-32223–350858627225030895%2F&docid=rJaRiEvXjTT6_M&tbnid=DCmZSTnp5pRLHM&vet=1&w=1280&h=1280&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwisqpDvt-OJAxVUwvACHZKQLN8QM3oECBgQAA
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“God’s Power on Our Behalf” 11/16/2024 Posted by Alister Begg for www.truthforlife.org from Spurgeon’s writing

Posted on November 16, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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Psalm 68:28 Summon Your power, O God; show Your strength, O God, which You have exerted on our behalf.

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

Original post @ https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/11/15/2024/

God’s Power on Our Behalf

Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.

Psalms 68:28

It is wise and necessary to beseech God continually to strengthen what He has worked in us. Failure to do so finds many Christians blaming themselves for those trials and afflictions of spirit that arise from unbelief. Satan indeed seeks to flood the fair garden of the heart and make it a scene of desolation. Still, it is also true that many Christians leave open the floodgates themselves and let in the dreadful deluge as a result of carelessness and lack of prayer to their strong Helper.

We often forget that the Author of our faith must be the Preserver of it also. The lamp that was burning in the temple was never allowed to go out, but it had to be replenished every day with fresh oil; in the same way, our faith can only live by being sustained with the oil of grace, and we can only obtain this from God Himself. We will fail if we do not secure the needed sustenance for our lamps. He who built the world upholds it, or it will fall in one tremendous crash. He who made us Christians must maintain us by His Spirit, or our ruin will be speedy and final.

So let us, evening by evening, go to our Lord for the grace and strength we need. We have a strong argument to plead, for it is His work of grace that we ask Him to strengthen—“the power … by which you have worked for us.” Do you think He will fail to protect and provide that? Let your faith simply take hold of His strength, and all the powers of darkness, led by the master fiend of hell, cannot cast a cloud or shadow over your joy and peace. Why faint when you can be strong? Why suffer defeat when you may conquer? Take your wavering faith and faltering graces to Him who can revive and replenish them, and earnestly pray, “Summon your power, O God … by which you have worked for us.”

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://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=f684702dde6df33f&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+ps68:28&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J_86uWOeqwdnV0yaSF-x2jpXXSZVlK6C0YPjHbsLu8HQWfm38FRPm5FVWQmVvNxikPuGUro0kULs737NLvYt_770cqPBb-7c9YW98tWSpANkOcZZylZvCbVkKD2SeH_fJOnPgXdUsVXCVyRh_eSp_T6GxUwRZE0bpoVyiYh4GfPMFOiP6w&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjajaWOgeGJAxXlLlkFHeTcKmMQtKgLegQIEhAB&biw=1328&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=IEgTjx-_mUO0OM&vssid=mosaic
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“When / How do we receive the Holy Spirit?” 11/15/2024 Posted by www.gotquestions.org

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

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Posted by www.gotquestions.org

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/receive-Holy-Spirit.html

Question

When / How do we receive the Holy Spirit?

Answer

The apostle Paul clearly taught that we receive the Holy Spirit the moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior. First Corinthians 12:13 declares, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” Romans 8:9 tells us that if a person does not possess the Holy Spirit, he or she does not belong to Christ: “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Ephesians 1:13-14 teaches us that the Holy Spirit is the seal of salvation for all those who believe: “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

These three passages make it clear that the Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation. Paul could not say that we all were baptized by one Spirit and all given one Spirit to drink if not all of the Corinthian believers possessed the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 is even stronger, stating that if a person does not have the Spirit, he does not belong to Christ. Therefore, the possession of the Spirit is an identifying factor of the possession of salvation. Further, the Holy Spirit could not be the “seal of salvation” (Ephesians 1:13-14) if He is not received at the moment of salvation. Many passages make it abundantly clear that our salvation is secured the moment we receive Christ as Savior.

The ministries of the Holy Spirit are often confused. The receiving/indwelling of the Spirit occurs at the moment of salvation. The filling of the Spirit is an ongoing process in the Christian life. We hold that the baptism of the Spirit also occurs at the moment of salvation. Some other Christians do not, believing that the baptism of the Spirit comes subsequent to salvation.

In conclusion, how do we receive the Holy Spirit? We receive the Holy Spirit by simply receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior (John 3:5-16). When do we receive the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence in us the moment we believe.

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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=a1c2417e3bcb69eb&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+but+you+will+receive+the+Holy+Spirit+in+Bible&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J_86uWOeqwdnV0yaSF-x2jpXXSZVlK6C0YPjHbsLu8HQWfm38FRPm5FVWQmVvNxikFT9l-RA8hG3bZ34kJ7utFz8ATOsgecSX4KsqvVlocULrmOYJU0EdV0Kzb7Gtj0otmWc5Uxp9ld7SXdhmPooDGJi5LQh3Lv7PPmpeP_WWlTwUzchFg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiT9_Kfst6JAxW5pokEHdq5GRkQtKgLegQIFRAB&biw=1367&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=s13KfulMWDfJWM&vssid=mosaic
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“Pray Always” 11/14/2024 Written by Katara Patton for “Our Daily Bread”

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

Michael Chuplis on X: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV https://t.co/rvyu0U6W1M https://t.co/v85YOVIer2" /

Written by Katara Patton 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/pray-always

Pray Always

Today’s Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Today’s Insights

How is it possible to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)? Theologian J. B. Lightfoot wrote, “It is not in the moving of the lips, but in the elevation of the heart to God that the essence of prayer consists.” That is, prayer isn’t just times set apart to speak to God; it’s continually lifting up all that’s in our hearts to Him as we go about our daily lives.

Sometimes that will take the form of words, but often it will be a wordless reaching out to Him. It’s possible to “pray continually” because Christ’s Spirit unites our hearts to God’s, continually assuring us of His love for us as His children (Romans 8:16).

Find out how you can overcome obstacles to praying continuously with James Banks.

Today’s Devotional

I got an 84 on the test!

I felt my teen’s excitement as I read her message on my phone. She’d just started attending classes at a high school and was using her phone during lunch. My mama heart leaped, not just because my daughter had done well on a challenging test, but because she was choosing to communicate it to me. She wanted to share her good news with me!

Realizing that her text had made my day, I later thought about how God must feel when I reach out to Him. Is He as pleased when I talk to Him? Prayer is how we communicate with God and something we’re told to do “continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Talking with Him reminds us that He’s with us through the good and the bad. Sharing our news with God, even though He already knows all about us, is helpful as it shifts our focus and helps us think about Him. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast [fixed on you], because they trust in you.” We have peace awaiting us when we turn our attention to God.

Regardless of what we face, may we continually speak with God and keep in touch with our Creator and Savior. Whisper a prayer and remember to rejoice and “give thanks.” After all, Paul says, this is “God’s will” for us (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Reflect & Pray

What do you need to share with God? How can you remember to keep in touch with Him throughout your day?

Gracious God, please remind me to stay in touch with You throughout my day. I want to rejoice and give You thanks in all I face.

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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=e8c05aba066cb726&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=1thes5:16-18&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0AbzhUJjXv6jRup8eVc0BvPyH5PazCaW205cG-Bd0in0SeU-Q4GVbDidOCCAlv8ddwnuh7lPh3aYhqMJdmlhqKO8rDglsPvyMjbq9rCVLJ_yJmgu07O0TOYPmJLS_mK6Z6rtJTT2cflayCnoQBAkHyJrAwA5nPd_C1eBSMA1JIZ8HRQR8w5k0ORcG21C943uByh41G6Jmx2m6Q_XvFsSwQoUna5RQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjdyt3W2NqJAxXMF1kFHbKGFtQQtKgLegQIExAB&biw=1367&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=jXmNnV8vJaR7bM&vssid=mosaic
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“Compassion” 11/13/2024 Written by Dawn Ivey for “Drawing closer to Christ”

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

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

Original post @ https://drawingclosertochrist.com/2024/10/07/compassion/

“Compassion”

Isaiah 30:18 NLT, “So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.”

Compassion is something that seems to be scarce in the hustle and bustle of today’s world. Showing compassion requires us to take time to be aware of those around us and to listen to what they have to say. When we listen, we can learn and understand what others need.

Photo by: Andrea Piacquadio of Hungary

As the verse says, the Lord is faithful to show us love and compassion when we come to Him. It is a blessing that we can take that same compassion that we receive from Him and give it to others. God is always willing to help us do what He asks us to do. We just need to be willing to act in obedience.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Now is a good time to ask God to keep our hearts and eyes open to those who need to receive His compassion. Especially with the holidays approaching, since it is often a difficult time for many people. Chances are we won’t have to look very far because it’s usually the people we interact with daily. Or perhaps it may be a stranger who crosses your path. But either way, it’s an honor to be able to extend the compassion of God our Father. May He help us and bless us as we aim to shine the light of His compassion in a dark world.

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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=4804c780a61df574&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+eph+4:32&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J_86uWOeqwdnV0yaSF-x2jpXXSZVlK6C0YPjHbsLu8HQWfm38FRPm5FVWQmVvNxikPuGUro0kULs737NLvYt_770cqPBb-7c9YW98tWSpANkOcZZylZvCbVkKD2SeH_fJOnPgXdUsVXCVyRh_eSp_T6GxUwRZE0bpoVyiYh4GfPMFOiP6w&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjd79e2tdmJAxVuk4kEHUxYOAMQtKgLegQIERAB&biw=1367&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=f56QYyZ2fPW0fM&vssid=mosaic
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“THE WORLD CONTINUES TO TURN . . .” 11/12/2024 Written by Kathy Boecher for “atimetoshare”

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Godsmanforever

“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

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

42 Bible Verses about 'Together' - DailyVerses.net

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

Original post @ https://atimetoshare.me/2024/11/06/the-world-continues-to-turn/

THE WORLD CONTINUES TO TURN . . .

Posted on November 6, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.”

― John Adams

 

“Terrorism is a psychological warfare. Terrorists try to manipulate us and change our behavior by creating fear, uncertainty, and division in society.”

Patrick J. Kennedy

Thank you, Jesus for another day, has been my prayer for the last few years. With the breaking of each day, I have been blessed to have my husband still by my side. Life goes on for us until it doesn’t. Our prayers are not what keeps us here, it’s what God has ordained for each one of us. Today I say, “Thank you, Jesus, for another day. An election has taken place, and the voice of the people has spoken. No matter what your political bend, we continue to have that right to vote. As a unified nation, we have the ability to work together.

There will be broken hearts, fear of our nation’s demise, threats to our leaders, more rhetoric, and who knows what else. God is still in control. He is the One who created this orb – the One who continues to watch over and direct it –

The Sovereign King who will never leave us. When we separate from Him, we are losing out on the greatest gifts of all. Instead of a day of sadness, loss, fear, and anxiety, we should consider today a new beginning. We can start by setting aside our differences and start the healing process. Division has been our downfall for a long time. It’s time to start looking at our country and its leaders with respect and honor. We must also remind ourselves that life goes on. The world still turns until He decides otherwise. His love endures forever!

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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=6c6542941364db10&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1112US1112&q=image+gather+together+for+good+Bible&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0BglSNKPbDQcL4Et01QEIYvJ5VGsHgUL_tsKqYywhWXkknveTpaLEIQiU02u5i1FK60ElrIW9FFtqgEnQbUPTP1v5PQAzhf1Y13Kdv-jba_5gxhg0vDqZDkhJc6r3gAp6AjEH3uQGUsTlbW9bCqWbU_KQmLRMpSvMOHQImtns6Bjg8mdovUCIgSWlsLlCl7eMPas0SlDN3m17qUidJPA2sLM55w-g&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjJ687F69aJAxXZkIkEHddJOcIQtKgLegQIExAB&biw=1367&bih=887&dpr=1#vhid=zZOhY-6BlE0XPM&vssid=mosaic
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“Lest We Forget” 11/11/2024 Written by Dr. Lawson Murry for “SEIZE The DAY”

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Godsmanforever

Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org/

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

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

Original post @  https://seizetheday-blog.com/2024/11/11/lest-we-forget-6/

Lest We Forget

November 11, 2024

lest we forget

Remember this. “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead . . .”                 2 Timothy 2:8 (NIV)

 

Remembrance Day, recognized yearly on November 11, commemorates the fallen dead of the two World Wars. It also commemorates those who have died in lesser wars since the world wars.

In appreciation of the freedom from tyranny and oppression which the sacrifice of millions has made possible. Rudyard Kipling’s Recessional captures the expression of many hearts.

God of our fathers, known of old,

Lord of our far-flung battle-line,

Beneath whose awful Hand we hold

Dominion over palm and pine –

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,

Lest we forget – lest we forget!

There are other things that we should remember:

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” Exodus 20:8.

“Remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes” Numbers 15:39.

“Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” Deuteronomy 8:18.

“Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles and the judgments he pronounced” 1 Chronicles 16:12.

“Remember the Lord who is great and awesome” Nehemiah 4:14.

“Remember to extol his work which men have praised in song” Job 36:24.

“Remember to obey his precepts” Psalm 103:18.

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” Ecclesiastes 12:1.

“Remember him – before the silver cord is severed . . . and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” Ecclesiastes 12:6-7.

“Remember . . . I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me” Isaiah 46:9.

“Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it” Luke 17:32-33.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” 2 Corinthians 9:6.

“Remember the poor” Galatians 2:10.

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” Hebrews 13:3.

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” Hebrews 13:7.

“Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner away from his error will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins” James 5:20.

“Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it and repent” Revelation 3:3.

Finally, lest we forget, there’s Calvary’s War Memorial. This is the pre-eminent remembrance. For in the cross we’re reminded of the supreme sacrifice made by Jesus Christ on behalf of mankind when He gave His life as an atonement for sin. In the grim battle at the cross, Christ conquered death and overcame the devil once and for all. Through Christ’s death and subsequent resurrection, those who trust in Him can commemorate the freedom which is the epitome of freedom – being “set free from sin” Romans 6:18.

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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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