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 Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2023 4:00 pm
I would like to start a Bible devotional page. Would anyone be interested if I start one so I can share the devotionals I get everyday with everyone here?
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Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2023 9:21 pm
HE TENDS HIS FLOCK LIKE A SHEPHERD: HE GATHERS
THE LAMBS IN HIS ARMS AND CARRIES THEM CLOSE
TO HIS HEART; HE GENTLY LEADS THOSE THAT HAVE
YOUNG.
( ISAIAH 40:11*NIV )
There is no other love that compares to the love of our Lord,
for His Children. FOR AS HIGH AS THE HEAVENS ARE ABOVE
THE EARTH, SO GREAT IS HIS LOVE FOR THOSE WHO
FEAR* HIM. ( PSALM 103:11 )
[ *Fear should read Revere ]
He is our strength in time of need, and just as King David
said; "THE LORD IS THE STRENGTH OF HIS PEOPLE, A
FORTRESS OF SALVATION FOR HIS ANOINTED ONE."
( PSALM 28:8 )
He comforts us and guides us through any adversity. For HE HEALS
THE BROKEN HEARTED AND BINDS UP THEIR WOUNDS.
( PSALM 147:3 )
He offers us forgiveness for all of our sins, for it is written, ALL THE
PROPHETS TESTIFY ABOUT HIM THAT EVERYONE WHO
BELIEVES IN HIM RECEIVES FORGIVENESS OF SINS
THROUGH HIS NAME. ( ACTS 10:43 )
Best of all, He offers us Eternal Life; FOR GOD SO LOVED THE
WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, THAT
WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT
HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. ( JOHN 3:16 )
So, know that you are in loving hands, when the
GOOD SHEPHERD is in charge of your life! FOR THE LORD YOUR
GOD GOES WITH YOU; HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR
FORSAKE YOU. ( DEUTERONOMY 31:6 )
Now have a wonderful day, and MAY THE GRACE OF THE
LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE LOVE OF GOD, AND THE
FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU. Amen.
( 2 CORINTHIANS 13:14 )
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Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2023 12:07 pm
THEN PETER CAME TO HIM AND SAID, “LORD HOW
OFTEN SHALL MY BROTHER SIN AGAINST ME, AND I
FORGIVE HIM? UP TO SEVEN TIMES? JESUS SAID
TO HIM, "I DO NOT SAY TO YOU, UP TO SEVEN TIMES,
BUT UP TO SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN."
( MATTHEW 18:21-22 *NKJV )
Peter asked this question because the Rabbis' taught
that one should only forgive another three times. That was
based on what was written in the Book of AMOS, Verses
1:3,6,9,11,13 & 2:1,4,6.
Now Peter was being generous when asking Jesus about
seven times, however Our Savior answered seventy times
seven, meaning that we should not even keep track of how
many times we forgive others.
Further Our Savior taught us that we must forgive others if
we are to receive forgiveness from God! For Jesus also stated "IF YOU
FORGIVE OTHER PEOPLE WHEN THEY SIN AGAINST YOU,
YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL ALSO FORGIVE YOU. IF
YOU DO NOT FORGIVE OTHERS THEIR SINS, YOUR FATHER
WILL NOT FORGIVE YOUR SINS." ( MATTHEW 6:14-15 )
After all we are not to avenge or try to repay others for what
they have done. FOR WE KNOW HIM WHO SAID, “IT IS MINE
TO AVENGE; I WILL REPAY,” AND AGAIN, “THE LORD WILL
JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.” ( HEBREWS 10:30 )
Therefore, BEAR WITH EACH OTHER AND FORGIVE
ONE ANOTHER IF ANY OF YOU HAS A GRIEVANCE AGAINST
SOMEONE. FORGIVE AS THE LORD FORGAVE YOU. Amen.
( COLOSSIANS 3:13 )
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Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2023 8:54 pm
Words: What We Say Matters
Today's inspiration comes from:
100 Devotions for Kids Dealing with Anxiety
by Justine Froelker
Editor's note: More kids than ever before are dealing with anxiety and depression. It can be confusing to fight for mental and emotional health as a believer, especially for our kids. Enjoy this except from Justine Froelker's book 100 Devotions for Kids Dealing with Anxiety and be sure to share it with a young friend.
*
What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded. — Proverbs 18:21 NCV
Words are powerful.
If we believe the Word of God, we know that the tongue can bring life or death. If we listen to our parental figures, we know that certain words aren’t allowed in our homes. If we listen to therapists, we know that our language can change everything. The words we choose to put after I am are very powerful. They are the difference between hard days and brighter days. They can fuel our anxiety, or they can help us cope with our anxiety. We have also talked about self-compassion and how to talk to ourselves the way we’d talk to someone we love.
Another shift in language that can help us is to name what I am struggling with.
How often do we say something like, “I’m bad at _________.”
I am sure you’ve even heard adults in your life say it. Today I want you to shift that language to, “I struggle with _______.” Then if you want to take it even further, end it with, “I am doing _________ to improve.” When we shift our language, we empower ourselves to make changes that move us forward in our healing.
What is the last thing you said you were bad at? Rewrite that into an “I struggle with” statement followed by what you are learning and doing to improve.
I struggle with ___________________________________________________. I am doing _____________________________________________to improve.
*
Self-compassion means speaking to yourself the way you would speak to someone you love.
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. — Proverbs 16:24 ESV
How do you talk to yourself? Do you use kind words filled with grace? Oftentimes, when we ask people of all ages this question, the quick response is no! Our follow-up question is, “Would you speak to someone you love the way you speak to yourself? Would you talk to your parents, siblings, and best friends the way you talk to yourself?”
When you are struggling with anxiety, it can feel really hard to not shame, judge, blame, criticize, and berate yourself. Here’s the thing though: just like today’s verse says, all the yelling and shaming you do to yourself is only making your anxiety worse. All the self-inflicted yelling and shaming does not make you a better person or create improvement. Change can’t happen in shame and judgment because shame and judgment are disconnection. Change and healing only happen in connection — even connection with ourselves. This, my friend, is called self-compassion.
Self-compassion means speaking to yourself the way you would speak to someone you love. When speaking, you choose words that are sweet as honey because they will bring healing to hearts, souls, and bodies.
Think of someone you really care about who is going through a tough time right now. Write a short letter of support to them, just a couple of sentences. Now copy those sentences onto the lines below, address it to yourself, and read it. This is self-compassion. How does it feel?
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Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2023 12:10 pm
I Can’t but God Can
Paul’s Need for God’s Power
Paul knew he needed more power. That’s why he asked in Romans 7:24,
Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? — NLT
That is the question we all need to answer.
But Paul answered his own question with his next sentence in verse 25:
Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. — NLT
Paul understood, I can’t get myself unstuck, so I need a power I don’t possess. The power he found was Jesus. Paul discovered, I can’t. But God can.
Discovering that same truth transformed my life.
My Need for God’s Power
I finally realized I couldn’t do what I couldn’t do because I was trying in my power. Then I learned how to turn to God and access His power. It worked. He worked! I could do what I couldn’t do — by His power. I could stop doing what I couldn’t stop doing — by His power.
“Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.”
It was all God. God’s power.
The good news is that the same power that helped Paul and helped me is available to you. Actually, this is more accurate: the same power that got Jesus out of a grave, resurrected from death to life, is available to you.
When we’re at our worst, God’s love is at its best.
Your Need for God’s Power
Let’s look at something Paul wrote in another of his letters:
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins. — Ephesians 2:1
Wow. The reality is, we don’t just feel stuck, we are stuck. Worse than stuck, we are dead.
Have you noticed dead people don’t have a lot of power? Ask a dead person to help you carry a heavy box or arm wrestle. Not gonna happen. Dead people don’t have a lot of power. And we are dead. Powerless.
That’s discouraging. But Paul provided some hope-inducing truth.
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead. — Ephesians 1:19–20 NLT
The same power God used to raise Jesus from the dead is available to you!
If you feel dead in some area of your life, you don’t need to stay dead. Why? Because resurrection power is available to you. If you feel stuck, you don’t need to stay stuck. Think about it. If God can get Jesus unstuck from death in a grave, He can certainly get you unstuck.
In the next chapter of Ephesians, Paul wrote,
But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) — Ephesians 2:4–5 NLT).
There are several Bible passages, like this one, that describe how we’ve messed things up and gotten stuck. Reading them, you can start to feel depressed, but then this amazing word appears — “but.”
But God
You’ve probably never been thankful for God’s “but.” But you should. Because when God puts His “but” into your situation, it changes everything.
What was is no longer what is because “but God.”
What’s behind you is not what’s ahead of you because “but God.”
Your past doesn’t have to be your future because “but God.”
We were dead, “but God” gave us life, new life, in Jesus. Why?
Because God is “rich in mercy” and “loved us so much.”
Paul then described God’s grace. Grace means to get the opposite of what you deserve. God loves us in spite of us, not because of us. He loves us not because of what we do but because of who He is.
When we’re at our worst, God’s love is at its best.
Paul wrote that because of God’s grace, you have been “saved.” Saved is a verb. You can write a verb in past, present, future, or perfect tense.
Past tense speaks of something that has already happened.
Present tense describes something happening right now.
Future tense refers to something that will happen eventually but hasn’t yet.
Perfect tense speaks of something that has happened in the past, is still happening in the present, and will continue in the future. It draws attention to the continuing effects of something that has happened in the past.
Paul wrote “saved” in perfect tense! You were saved by God’s grace in the past, but the effect is still happening. His grace is always going to impact your life. God will continue giving you new life in your dead places until his work is complete in you.
You never have to feel defeated.
You can never give up.
Because God didn’t just save you. He saves you. He is constantly saving you.
You can’t, but God can. And God will, if you turn to His power.
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2023 3:04 pm
Jesus said, "I NO LONGER CALL YOU SERVANTS, BECAUSE
A SERVANT DOES NOT KNOW HIS MASTER'S BUSINESS.
INSTEAD, I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS, FOR EVERYTHING
THAT I LEARNED FROM MY FATHER I HAVE MADE KNOWN
TO YOU."
( JOHN 15:15 *NIV )
"Oh, what a Friend we have in Jesus!" A friend that is always
there for us no matter what! A friend that loves, comforts and
guides us through out this life. A friend that loved us so much
that HE gave HIS life to pay for our sins! After all; GOD SO LOVED THE
WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, THAT
WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE
ETERNAL LIFE. ( JOHN 3:16 )
Now it is written; GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS: TO
LAY DOWN ONE'S LIFE FOR ONE'S FRIENDS. ( JOHN 15:13 )
and that is exactly what Jesus did for us!
So whenever you see the Cross, think about the tremendous
price that HE paid for all of us! Why not stop right now and thank
HIM for all of the things HE has done for you as well. Also right
about now, why not sing to yourself that beautiful old Hymn,
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus." For what a friend we have
indeed!!! Amen.
Have a wonderful day, and please try not to sing out
of key like I do.
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Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2023 1:38 pm
JUDGE NOT, AND YOU SHALL NOT BE JUDGED. CONDEMN
NOT, AND YOU SHALL NOT BE CONDEMNED. FORGIVE, AND
YOU WILL BE FORGIVEN."
( LUKE 6:37 *NKJV )
As God's Children we are not to judge one another, but to
love each other and forgive each other just as our Heavenly
Father has forgiven us. For it is written, "LET ALL BITTERNESS, WRATH,
ANGER, CLAMOR, AND EVIL SPEAKING BE PUT AWAY FROM
YOU, WITH ALL MALICE. AND BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER,
TENDER HEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS GOD
IN CHRIST FORGAVE YOU." ( EPHESIANS 4:31-32 )
After all Jesus gave us this stern warning, IF YOU FORGIVE MEN THEIR
TRESPASSES, YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL ALSO FORGIVE
YOU. BUT IF YOU DO NOT FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES,
NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES.
( MATTHEW 6:14-15 )
Our Savior Jesus Christ also said "WHENEVER YOU STAND PRAYING,
IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING AGAINST ANYONE, FORGIVE HIM, THAT
YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN MAY ALSO FORGIVE YOU YOUR
TRESPASSES." ( MARK 11:25 )
So, do not let anger with another control your thinking,
and dominate your mind. For anger often turns to vengeance,
and remember God said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE; I WILL REPAY, SAYS
THE LORD. ( ROMANS 12:19 )
Finally, I pray; THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEART
THROUGH FAITH; THAT YOU, BEING ROOTED AND GROUNDED
IN LOVE, MAY BE ABLE TO COMPREHEND WITH ALL THE SAINTS
WHAT IS THE WIDTH AND LENGTH AND DEPTH AND HEIGHT—
TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST WHICH PASSES KNOWLEDGE;
THAT YOU MAY BE FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD!
Amen. ( EPHESIANS 3:17-19 )
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Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2023 4:27 pm
HE HAS GIVEN US THIS COMMAND: ANYONE WHO LOVES
GOD MUST ALSO LOVE THEIR BROTHER AND SISTER.
( 1 JOHN 4:21 *NIV )
Our Savior Jesus Christ said; "A NEW COMMAND I GIVE YOU:
LOVE ONE ANOTHER. AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, SO YOU
MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER." ( JOHN 13:34 )
So; OFFER HOSPITALITY TO ONE ANOTHER WITHOUT
GRUMBLING. EACH ONE SHOULD USE WHATEVER GIFT
YOU HAVE RECEIVED TO SERVE OTHERS, AS FAITHFULL
STEWARDS OF GOD'S GRACE IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS.
( 1 PETER 4:9-10 )
Therefore; IF ANYONE HAS MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
AND SEES A BROTHER OR SISTER IN NEED BUT HAS NO
PITY ON THEM, HOW CAN THE LOVE OF GOD BE IN THAT
PERSON? DEAR CHILDREN, LET US NOT LOVE WITH
WORDS OR SPEECH BUT WITH ACTIONS AND IN TRUTH.
Now just; SUPPOSE A BROTHER OR A SISTER IS WITHOUT
CLOTHES AND DAILY FOOD. IF ONE OF YOU SAYS TO
THEM, "GO, IN PEACE; KEEP WARM AND WELL FED," BUT
DOES NOTHING ABOUT THEIR PHYSICAL NEEDS, WHAT
GOOD IS IT? ( 1 JOHN 3:17-18 ) & ( JAMES 2:15-16 )
After all Jesus also said, "TRULY I TELL YOU, WHATEVER
YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS
AND SISTERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME."
( MATTHEW 25:40 )
Therefore; LOVE MUST BE SINCERE. HATE WHAT
IS EVIL; CLING TO WHAT IS GOOD. BE DEVOTED TO ONE
ANOTHER IN LOVE. HONOR ONE ANOTHER ABOVE
YOURSELVES. ( ROMANS 12:9-10 ) And God will
Bless you for it! Amen!
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Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2023 3:43 pm
AND SO WE KNOW AND RELY ON THE LOVE GOD HAS
FOR US. GOD IS LOVE. WHOEVER LIVES IN LOVE LIVES
IN GOD, AND GOD IN THEM.
( 1 JOHN 4:16 *NIV )
The following was sent to me by one of our Brothers in Christ.
Please take time to read it for it may very well change your day!
It is Titled:
LUNCH WITH GOD
A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip
to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies
and a six pack of root beer and he started his journey. When
he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She
was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons.
The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He
was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed
that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie.
She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was
so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered
her a root beer. Again, she smiled at him. The boy was
delighted.
They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they
never said a word.
As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he
got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few
steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman, and
gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short
time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his
face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you
so happy?" He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before
his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's
got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned
to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on
her face and he asked, "Mother, what did you do today that
made you so happy?" She replied, "I ate Twinkies in the
park with God." However, before her son responded, she
added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile,
a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the
smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn
a life around.
People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a
lifetime. Embrace all equally!
Therefore Send this to people who have touched your life
in a special way. Let them know how important they are.
Have lunch with God.
Author Unknown
Wishing you a wonderful day, and enjoy your lunch
with God today!
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Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2023 10:44 am
Talkin’ to God
Today's inspiration comes from:
by Reba McEntire
I love to talk to God, and I’ve never been shy about asking Him for a helping hand. Doesn’t matter if a problem is big or small, I talk to God about it. But Daddy saw it a different way. Back when I first started singing, Mama let me wear one of Daddy’s championship belt buckles. You can see it on the cover of my album Whoever’s in New England. At one point, when I came home from touring, I realized I’d misplaced it. Daddy overheard me tell Mama that I’d been praying I would find that lost belt buckle.
“Reba,” Daddy said, “don’t bother God with silly stuff like that. He’s got more important things to deal with.”
That really shocked me because I asked God about everything!
Later on, when I came home from touring, I called Mama. She told me that my nephew, Vince, and our neighbor’s son had found the belt buckle in the dried-up creek bed! It might seem like a small answer to prayer, but it was a huge reminder for me that prayer works.
There is nothing too big or too small to pray to God about. He can do the impossible. You just have to ask.
The main thing I try to stay consistent with in my life is my relationship with the Lord. He’s always been there for me. My faith has gotten me through the loneliest of times. He’s that rock, that fortress you lean on when things go wrong.
The best way for me to be still in my spirit is to go out for a long walk. I love being outside and looking at God’s creation. Watching the clouds go by and listening to the birds sing always fills me with peace. I felt the same way when I was a girl riding through the hills on our ranch. There’s just something about being alone in nature that helps me listen in a way I can’t in the middle of the hustle and bustle of my usual life.
One day back in 2014, when I was out walking, I said, “Okay, Lord. What do You want me to do?” and He said, “Pray for peace.” So I did. A few days later I was out walking again, and I asked again, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” and again He said, “Pray for peace.”
“Well, I’ve been doing that.” “Sing it,” He said.
So I started singing, “Pray for peace. Pray for peace.”
A while after that, I asked God what He wanted me to do with that song, and He said, “Record it.”
So we did. We recorded it and made a music video that included people from all over the world praying for peace. I was so moved to see the Lord at work in the lives of so many different people in so many different places. I don’t write a lot of songs, but when the Lord gives you such clear direction, you listen.
There is nothing too big or too small to pray to God about.
When I’m going through something tough, most of the time God just wants me to be still and listen to the instructions He’s giving. It’s about His time, not my time. His will, His way. Not mine.
Another time when I was out walking, trying to process through my divorce, I heard God say, “When something like this happens, just say, ‘Oh well.’” So that’s what I do. Or sometimes I tell Him, “Okay, Big Boy. I can’t handle this. This is way over my pay grade.” And every time, He shows up and takes care of me.
When tough times come, we have to recognize that this life is not our own.
Sometimes there is nothing we can do but get out of the way and let God take control. I have full faith that God is in control and that He is bringing better things into my life, even if I can’t see them yet.
God is always there when you need Him. You might find Him in church, or you may be like me and feel closer to Him out in His creation. Get out in nature and let all the things God has made show you the way. Faith is never far away, and at least for me, the best evidence that God is always with us is right outside. I hope these words will help you to be still and listen for Him. And I hope you’ll find in Him what I always have — love, strength, peace, and wisdom.
Talkin’ to God
There are many ways to pray to the Lord. Here are a few you can try if you’re feeling stuck about how to talk to Him.
Sing a song. The Bible talks about music an awful lot, and singing has always been part of the way we worship God. I love the praise-and-worship part of church and feel so close to Him when I’m singing.
Ask the Holy Spirit to take over. When you don’t have the words, the Holy Spirit does.
Recite the Lord’s Prayer. Let that be your starting point.
Get out into nature. Just be still. Listen for God instead of doing all the talking.
Read your Bible. Get into God’s Word and see what He tells you.
Ask someone else to pray with you. We all know a few prayer warriors we can ask to help us out if we need it.
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Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2023 7:44 pm
Peace That Conquers
Today's inspiration comes from:
by Charles F. Stanley
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. — John 16:33
Europe trembled as Hitler’s menacing armies annexed Austria and set their sights on Czechoslovakia. Attempting to appease the dreaded dictator, England’s prime minister Neville Chamberlain traveled to Germany and, on September 29, 1938, signed the infamous Munich Agreement. Upon his return, Chamberlain triumphantly announced, “I believe it is peace for our time.” Less than a year later, Germany had conquered Czechoslovakia and invaded Poland, and World War II had begun.
Was Jesus’ talk of peace like Chamberlain’s optimistic boast? After all, war, violence, hatred, and persecution still exist.
Yet when Jesus promised that He would leave us His peace, He did not ignore the reality of conflict in our lives.
That’s why He immediately followed by explaining,
In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. — John 16:33
You will face adversity — indeed, you may be enduring some today. But when overwhelming circumstances arise that threaten to shake your tranquility, Christ promises that He will be your wise and victorious defender. He is more than able to triumph over whatever you could possibly face.
Jesus, thank You for being my defender and my peace in every situation. Amen.
*
When Jesus promised that He would leave us His peace, He did not ignore the reality of conflict in our lives.
His Personal Spirit
He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever. — John 14:16
Mystery often surrounds the person of the Holy Spirit — our understanding is often muddled about who He is and what He does. However, it is not possible to make progress in the Christian life apart from His presence. This is because the Holy Spirit is God’s personal representative here on earth, and His role is to be our Helper and Comforter. In Greek, this word is parakletos, and it suggests that He gives us aid much like a legal counselor or advocate would. He comes alongside us, giving us strength and encouraging support. However, if we do not recognize His presence, authority, and power, we can mistakenly believe and act like we are in this life alone.
Jesus knows how important His presence is with us. Therefore, the Lord in His great compassion and wisdom sent His Holy Spirit to teach, guide, and help us.
He instructs us in the truth and is our personal advocate before the throne of God. This is our peace and strength regardless of the circumstances — whatever we face, Christ faces it with us personally through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit.
Jesus, thank You for the enduring presence, wisdom, comfort, and power of Your indwelling Holy Spirit with me. Amen.
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Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2023 11:01 am
"RETURN TO ME, AND I WILL RETURN TO YOU," SAYS THE
LORD ALMIGHTY.
( MALACHI 3:7 *NIV )
Sometimes we may find ourselves walking far from God.
Know that if ever that happens to you it is because we have
moved, not because God has left us. For THE LORD HIMSELF GOES
BEFORE YOU AND WILL BE WITH YOU; HE WILL NEVER
LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. ( DEUTERONOMY 31:8 )
Now perhaps we find ourselves feeling abandoned by God
because we are overwhelmed with problems, or because of
the loss of a loved one. If that is the case remember that; HE DOES NOT
WILLINGLY BRING AFFLICTION OR GRIEF TO ANYONE.
( LAMENTATIONS 3:33 )
Therefore if you ever find yourself feeling far from our
Heavenly Father, remember, that God is there with open arms
to receive you back. So; TAKE WORDS WITH YOU AND RETURN
TO THE LORD. SAY TO HIM, "FORGIVE ALL OUR SINS AND
RECEIVE US GRACIOUSLY." For then He will say, "I WILL HEAL
THEIR BACKSLIDING, I WILL LOVE THEM FREELY."
( HOSEA 14:2 & 4 )
Further that is His promise always, for; JESUS CHRIST IS THE
SAME YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER.
( HEBREWS 13:8 )
So if you are feeling far from God right now, LET US EXAMINE OUR
WAYS AND TEST THEM, AND LET US RETURN TO THE
LORD. ( LAMENTATIONS 3:40 )
Now, MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND PROTECT YOU;
MAY THE LORD SMILE ON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU;
MAY THE LORD SHOW YOU HIS FAVOR AND GIVE YOU HIS
PEACE. ( NUMBERS 6:24-26 ) And may His; GRACE BE WITH
YOU. AMEN. ( HEBREWS 13:25 )
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Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2023 1:38 pm
THE LORD DELIGHTS IN THOSE WHO FEAR [Revere] HIM, WHO
PUT THEIR HOPE IN HIS UNFAILING LOVE.
( PSALM 147:11 *NIV )
Now, our life would be pretty tough without hope! Alexander
Pope ( 1688--1744 ) once said that "Hope Springs Eternal," and
indeed it does for the children of our Heavenly Father.
After all God provides our hope for it is written; FOR WHAT IS OUR
HOPE, OUR JOY, OR THE CROWN IN WHICH WE WILL GLORY
IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR LORD JESUS WHEN HE COMES?
IS IT NOT YOU? INDEED, YOU ARE OUR GLORY AND JOY.
( 1 THESSALONIANS 2:19-20 ) AND HOPE DOES NOT PUT US
TO SHAME, BECAUSE GOD’S LOVE HAS BEEN POURED OUT
INTO OUR HEARTS THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO HAS
BEEN GIVEN TO US. ( ROMANS 5:5 )
Remember also the words of the Sons of Korah*, for they said; WHY, MY
SOUL, ARE YOU DOWNCAST? WHY SO DISTURBED WITHIN
ME? PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD, FOR I WILL YET PRAISE HIM,
MY SAVIOR AND MY GOD. ( PSALM 42:5 )
[ * Sons of Korah were temple musicians and assistants ]
So, I pray that you will; BE STRONG AND TAKE HEART, ALL
YOU WHO HOPE IN THE LORD. ( PSALM 31:24 ) I also
pray that; THE EYES OF YOUR HEART MAY BE ENLIGHTENED IN
ORDER THAT YOU MAY KNOW THE HOPE TO WHICH HE HAS
CALLED YOU, THE RICHES OF HIS GLORIOUS INHERITANCE
IN HIS HOLY PEOPLE. Amen. ( EPHESIANS 1:18 )
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Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2023 1:48 pm
Have you ever had a fire alarm go off because the battery was dead? It happened to me in the middle of the night and I really didn't feel like getting up to take care of it.
So I just unscrewed the fire alarm and put it on the table. It wasn't until days later, when I was on vacation, that I remembered that fire alarm and thought with horror, "What if my home starts burning NOW?"
First, no alarm will go off, and second, the insurance company won't pay! You can imagine how nervous that made me feel!
And it should make you just as nervous if you don't keep checking the battery of your faith life. You know those moments when you think, "I should pray again..." or "I haven't read the Bible in a while."
Yes, maybe your Bible is on the table, like my fire alarm is at the moment. Your Bible is there, but it's just as useless as the fire alarm if it's not connected to what it's there for.
What is the Bible actually for?
To sound the alarm when:
...you forget once again who is in control of the whole world: “Ah, Sovereign Lord , you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17 NIV)
...you feel lonely: "God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us." (Acts 17:27 NIV)
...you are desperate for peace: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27 NIV)
The Bible can give you everything you want to take away your despair. I could give you so many more examples because the Bible is full of hope, full of life for you! But you know what is even more valuable than hearing it from me? Experiencing it yourself!
God wants to speak to you! Reconnect with Him and don't leave the fire alarm—the Bible—just lying on the table any longer. You will want to hear the alarm in time when you are once again in despair or even in danger.
This will be a life-changing day!
You are a miracle!
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Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2023 8:50 pm
BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK. IF ANYONE
HEARS MY VOICE AND OPENS THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN
TO HIM AND DINE WITH HIM, AND HE WITH ME.
( REVELATION 3:20 *NKJV )
Jesus is knocking on the door of our heart every time
that we feel moved to go to Church, or to study the Word
of God etc. For when Jesus knocks we automatically
sense that we should turn to Him.
Now when we open the door of our hearts to Him, He
promises, I WILL GIVE YOU A NEW HEART AND PUT MY
SPIRIT WITHIN YOU; I WILL TAKE THE HEART OF STONE
OUT OF YOUR FLESH, AND GIVE YOU A HEART OF FLESH.
( EZEKIEL 36:26 )
So, don't let problems stop you from opening the
door of your heart all the way, and always keep it open!
For then you will never miss Jesus when He knocks: AND LET THE
PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, TO WHICH ALSO
YOU WERE CALLED IN ONE BODY; AND BE THANKFUL.
( COLOSSIANS 3:15 )
Now in closing may: THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST,
AND THE LOVE OF GOD, AND THE COMMUNION OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU my friend! AMEN.
( CORINTHIANS 13:14 )
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