Bible (Bible)

[tenac]

1st Corinthians 13:4-8..."Love is patient...love is kind. It does not envy...it does not boast...it is not proud. It does not dishonor others...It does not insist on its own way...it is not easily angered...it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects...always trusts...always hopes...always perseveres. Love never fails." Such a awesome reminder to just sit and read and think about what real and true and awesome love should look like. And for me...and maybe you...when i read this scripture this is how i like to read it as a reminder of who and what God desires me to be. Rick is patient...rick is kind...rick does not envy...rick does not boast...rick is not proud...rick does not dishonor others...rick does not insist on his own way...rick is not easily angered...rick keeps no record of wrongs...rick does not rejoice at wrongdoing but he rejoices with the truth...rick always protects...always trusts...always hopes...always perseveres...ricks Love never fails. When I look at it from that perspective thats a big order to fill…but...as we know and as we often like to quote…"I can do all things through Jesus who gives me strength." But...I know in my heart and in my mind…deep down…on my good days or my not so good days…I dont always live up to that biblical definition of love. I fail here and there with one thing and then another thing but I know that Im a whole lot better than I used to be and I know that God is molding me each and every day more and more into the likeness of Jesus…and...eventually He is gonna get me to where I need to be…because...it is me thats holding me back. And ill just go ahead and say it im sure on the side of eternity on this side of heaven I'm never going to get to be 100% with all of these things all the time? And here is the excuse...sigh...I am human…i am my own worst enemy…my flesh and my sinful nature…they are always going to raise their ugly head here and there…but...i look at it this way. The Bible often tells us to be perfect…and we know and God knows that we cant be perfect. But... if we strive for perfection every day then we are growing and we are getting there. Maybe not on this side of eternity on this side of heaven but we're working toward perfection. Its the same way with love…as long as we are striving to love the way this scripture talks about…all the way to Agapi love. Each and every day we're gonna be able to look at ourselves and get to know ourselves better and better and love God and other folks and ourselves the way God intended love to be. I want to be that man and live my life the way that this scripture talks about…because...I know that's who God desires me to be. I may not totally get there on this side of eternity on this side of heaven… But what an awesome thing to strive for day by day...week by week...year by year…becoming more and more like Jesus and His love.

I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane

[Ranb2khz]

Traffic Jam

“...in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!” ~ Romans 8:37-39

Perspective is a choice. The decision is hardest when our expectations do not match the reality we are facing. We sometimes feel like these kinds of situations victimize us, stealing our choices away. But they do not. They just provide the context for our choices.

If we find ourselves stuck in traffic, there are two ways to perceive.

One is frustration. We are angered that the world did not meet the expectation of circumstances to which we are entitled. We cannot control our circumstances, so we react in anger. We decide that being mad at other drivers and poor road conditions and the city infrastructure is the proper perspective. In a sad sort of way, we decide that since we can’t control the traffic, we will instead destroy our joy, for that is something we do control.

The other option is to see the traffic jam as a blessing. Take the unforeseen opportunity to pray, to make a phone call to a friend, or just take a deep breath. See the people as comrades, fellow humans, also trying to make their way in this world. Understand that others have plans and that sometimes interruptions are opportunities.

Nothing can be done to change the circumstances – but your perspective can change and your choices can be made.
________________

~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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[tenac]

Im pretty sure all of us that have a few years under our belt learned the "Golden Rule" when we were very young at school. But what some folks may not know is that it actually is scripture from the Bible. In Matthew 7:12 we are told...“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. So...lets think on that for a moment. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. How awesome is that...and...how easy should that be to do? Here we as children whatever years ago...even outside the home and church...someone...somewhere...thought this important enough to teach it to us even in the schools because of how the truth in these simple words could have such a impact on our lives if we were to actually live by them. So my thought...what if...everyone...believers and unbelievers...lived by this scripture every breath of everyday....i mean...in reality...how hard is it? What if everyday we humans treated everyone the same way we want to be treated. We talked to everyone the way we want to be talked to. We done for everyone the way we want to be done for and helped the same way we want to be helped...and most importantly...loved people the way we want to be loved! What a different world...what a different United States this would be. And to go a step further...what if we as believers lived this way everyday even though we know we are NOT going to be treated the same in return...i mean...should that matter...that i treat you with honor and respect and the love of Jesus even though i know you have little or no regard for me as a person? I remember very well the ole Rick Sane up to age 40 when Jesus finally got thru my thick head and hard heart with all those years of booze and drugs out on the road working construction. When i was living for me and satan and the world and sin. I remember what a destructive mindset i had and for the most part in some way shape or form a good deal of the people that i ran with and myself included...life could be do unto others before they do unto you...it was all about me myself and I. Then Jesus saved me and took that ole hard rock out of my chest and replaced it with a heart of flesh...and...it was out with the old and in with the new and i became a new creation with a new loving Holy Spirit outlook on life that still blows my mind how Jesus can change us if we will just say here i am help me! So...my thought today...yes we can always treat others with the love of Jesus...right? Remember...Jesus never said as believers that we should expect to win a popularity contest...He did say just the opposite that the world will hate us just as it hated Him. So my brothers and sisters in Christ...remember this...we are to love everyone... be they like us or not...because...we are set apart from this lost and dying world and our heart is also the heart of Jesus and Jesus loves everyone! Do you? Think about it.

I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane

[Ranb2khz]

Our Weakness Can Be Our Strength

A 10-year-old boy decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move. "Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?"

"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.

Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.

This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. "No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue."

Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: He dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.

On the way home, the boy and the sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind. "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"

"You won for two reasons," the sensei answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."

The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

"'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
________________

~ published by: The Daily Encourager

To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager






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[tenac]

As adults....i think all of us can think back and we can at least kinda sorta remember when we were 8...10...12 years of age...right. And...i really dont know the age it happens...different for everyone i reckon...but there was a time that came that we figured out what life and death was...or is. I mean...when we finally come to know the reality of life and death and at that age we thought we had this long life before us. We looked at people that were in their 40s...50s and 60s...and if you remember...at that young age we thought these people were really old...but...now that we have reached that age or older...we find out that that really isnt that old after all...well kinda sorta. Yes...as a young boy or girl we maybe thought we were going to live forever because im thinking in the grand scheme of things...if we made it to a hundred years old that was a long life...but now...the realization of something that we use to hear older folks say..."The older you get the faster time goes"...that is a reality that im sure all of you will agree is all so very true. Back in my young years i use to think it so cool that in the year 2021 i would be 65 and could retire...2021 sounded so cool...but...when 2021 rolled around...not sure it was so cool...wink. So for the sake of just picking an age and since i mentioned it we will use 100 years because it really does seem like a long time...i mean...im 69 now and if God allows me to live to a 100...thats 31 more years...but as fast as the birthdays roll around...i know now 31 years really aint all that much longer. I moved back to Greeneville 14 years ago and its like...where did that 14 years go! And...i went to my 50 year South Greene class reunion last year...What? But thats okay...i dont worry about life...i dont worry about death...i don't worry about if im going to die in the next 10 seconds or the next 10 years. My point this morning is this...even if we live to be a hundred on this Earth and yes in Earth years that is a long life...However...what about eternity. Do we really think about that...do we really think about whether we go to heaven or we go to hell? 100 million years in eternity...a billion years...a trillion years...is a fraction of what eternity truly is... and that is...eternity is Forever! Be it we go to heaven or we go to hell its never going to end...100 years on this Earth is not a speck of dust of this ole earth in comparison to Eternity. So...where are you headed...are you going to live for forever in the torment of hell or are you going to live forever in paradise in heaven? And...another topic for another day...where is most of our treasure stored...here on earth to be left behind or in heaven to enjoy for forever? Please...think about it!......

I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane

[plugger]

WOW !!! And here I thought I knew a little on faith----As I have said previously how long I have read and studied the Scriptures, This morning I continue my study of the Book of Philemon, the breaking down of this little book and studying it one verse at a time has only taught me that I have known NOTHING, I don't think any study prior to this has moved me as close to God as this little book---1 Chapter---25 verses---To jut read it is one thing but to really dive into it and pray on it, and be led but the Holy Spirit is beyond my words....I know as others will read this little book as I have in the past and most likely get no more out of it than I did. I don't mean to go on & on about this, but it pure joy when one is truly moved by the Holy Spirit---I just felt it good to share with my Bible Board family----GOD BLESS

[plugger]

A little something to think on today: Wordsworth calls for us to live by:
"That best portion of a good man's life,
his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness
and of love."

I originally said "something to think on"-- let me change that to "a little something for us to put into practice" TODAY
GOD BLESS & try to keep out of trouble, if not we will collect bail money for you

[Ranb2khz]

Comforting Those Who Grieve

~ Those who mourn are all around us; may we offer them the compassion of our Savior.

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 11:26-27

Like Tamar and Rahab, the fourth woman in Matthew’s genealogy has a tarnished reputation – Bathsheba is labeled by some as a temptress. In reality, however, she was a victim. Desired by King David, she was brought to him and soon found herself pregnant and in danger of death for adultery. David tried to cover up his sin by manipulating Bathsheba’s husband Uriah. When that didn’t work, David had him killed at the [battle] front.

Suddenly, Bathsheba was a grieving widow. “She mourned for her husband,” according to 2 Samuel 11:26. Then David made her his wife. When she delivered a son, her joy was short-lived. The child became sick and died, as the prophet Nathan had prophesied (2 Samuel 12:14). Now she was grieving two great losses: a husband and a child.

When it comes to our attention that a parent is grieving, we may feel unsure of the best way to reach out. But we have Jesus as a model of how to offer care. Matthew saw his Master heal the multitudes and remembered the words of Isaiah:

“He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick;” ~ Isaiah 42:3

May we receive such people with gentleness and be a safe place that promotes their healing.
_______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/






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[Ranb2khz]

Waiting for God

~ Trusting God's timing is always a wise choice.

Scripture Reading:

"I am certain that I will see the LORD’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; let your heart be strong and courageous. Wait for the LORD.” ~ Psalm 27:13-14

Our culture is an “instant” society. A fast pace isn’t necessarily bad, but we should guard against becoming so set on immediate fulfillment that we can’t wait for God’s timing.

In Genesis 15:4-5, after Abraham shared frustration about him and Sarah being childless, God revealed the couple would have a son and innumerable descendants would follow. Abraham believed God but eventually decided to handle matters on his own, building a family through Sarah’s servant (Genesis 16:1-4).

Abraham probably rationalized his decision, figuring that the Lord wanted him to have a son – and since it seemed impossible any other way, surely this must be what the Lord wanted him to do! But it wasn’t. Abraham had to deal with the consequences of his actions, including jealousy and resentment between Sarah and Hagar. These problems in turn created further difficulties, both in the short term and throughout history. The Lord was faithful, though – 14 years later, Sarah gave birth to a son named Isaac.

Like Abraham, you might believe God’s promises but prefer instant results. Or you just want things done your way. Instead, ask the Father to lead you. Then wait for Him. His way may not be what you think you want, but it is always best.
_____________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/waiting-for-god






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[plugger]

In the Bible the book of Philemon is only 1 chapter. Some years ago when I taught Sunday School the quarterly taught of this little book about forgiveness, which it is about forgiveness, but, however the letter is an appeal for the slave Onesimus to be returned to Paul that he may help Paul. When reading this 1 chapter letter it is how you read it as to what it really is...81 yrs old, I have taught Sunday School, spoke at various churches, a born again believer and still learning stuff I didn't know, been at this before 1990 and still dumb as a rock. This makes it easy to understand why Jesus said---"knock and it will be opened---seek and you will find---ask and it will be given"----all comes from faith---GOD BLESS

[Ranb2khz]

Trusting in the Lord

"My child, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands; for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being.”

"Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and people."

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths."

"Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones."

~ Proverbs 3:1-8






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[tenac]

.....i got my first motorcycle when i was 14...that was 1970. That was when i put my bicycle in the barn and truly understood why a dog likes to hang their head out the truck window. I now had access to every place that i should not be. That was my first year at South Greene High School. That was also the year that i started sippin on a little beer and smoking a little weed. That was the first year that i started listening to rock n roll. And probably the first year that i was smoking cigarettes regularly. That was the year that life started to change in so many ways for this simple country boy that had had a regular normal life up to this point in time...living in farm country here in Greene County TN...down at the foot of the mountain in the St. James...Cedar Creek area. And in those first fifteen years...Sunday morning and Sunday night...most Wednesday nights...we were in church. I knew the truth of the Bible i had just never been born-again. Now dont get me wrong...i didnt jump off the cliff all at once...even in my progressive helter-skelter life thru high school...the craziness came by bits and pieces. Me and my close friends we put money in our pockets in the hay fields and tobacco patches of family and most every farmer around...we worked hard. However...and as i said...we started with the beer and weed...and each year thru high school...got a little more intense with what we were doing. And by my junior year...that senior year...i guess you could say that i majored in drugs and minored in booze...or...vise versa! I had grown my hair long...i dont remember ever taking part in any school activities...never going to football...basketball games...my life at that early age was centered around getting high...the "Age of Aquarius". So when graduation time came around...the principle came to me one day...in my patched out jeans and psychedelic t-shirt and long hair. He put his hand on my shoulder and said...Rickie...you aint a bad kid...you have just lost your way...i really cant graduate you but i really dont want you here again next year. So back in those days...if i remember right...the seniors got out a couple weeks early so he told me. If you will come these last two weeks and sit in the library from start to finish each day and write this book report of my choosing...i will give you a diploma. So...i was like...right on man...so that is what i did...and of course i was high each and every day but i copied and copied the contents of that book for two weeks...i think its called plagiarism...wink...and that must have impressed...not fooled...because as a man of his word...i got my diploma! So whats my point...Here it is 51 years later and i still remember that man with the kind heart and id like to think...him being a preacher also...had at least a little faith that some day the Lord would turn my life around as im thinking he probably also prayed for me. And you know what...even after 25 years of insanity with booze and dope...i reckon i didnt turn out to bad after all?
Thank You Jesus and thank you Mr. James Parham!...1930 - 2000.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Ezekiel 36:26-27

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane

[Ranb2khz]

Being Super

“As each has received a special gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” ~ 1 Peter 4:10

The weight of responsibility is an integral part of being super. And it becomes very difficult for others to understand how we are stewarding our gifts and passions. We can never please them all. And the slightest hint of rejection is enough to knock us off our perch.

The faith that angels observe with fascination is our strongest power. And it is longing to get out, to make itself known, to serve responsibly. Faith is inside of us. We are filled with potential energy waiting to go kinetic. To be something is only half of the equation of humanity. It is how we steward who we are that determines the depth of richness we will experience in this world.

God is cheering for us, wanting the most good for us. He wants us to be who we truly are, no matter the risks involved or how the world might respond. He wants us to live the extraordinary life prepared for us.

Being super is not about fame and fortune and power. It is more subtle than all that. Being super is about living well. Being who we are. Worshipping God through a life well-lived, a life of joy and of service.
____________________

~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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[Ranb2khz]

God Remembers Us

~ It is impossible for God to forget us – we are His children and are inscribed upon His hands.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 49:13-18

• Does it ever seem as if God has forgotten about you?
• Do you ever feel overlooked, abandoned, or unimportant?

In seasons of suffering, it’s easy to think He doesn’t see or care about what we’re going through. With Jerusalem destroyed and most of its inhabitants sent into Babylonian captivity, the people of Israel were also tempted to think God had forgotten and abandoned them.

Today’s passage, however, directly challenges the assumption that pain and hardship are indications of His absence. After God acknowledges that He knows all about Israel’s fear of abandonment, He counters by asserting His unconditional love. He is as near, attentive, and giving as a mother with her nursing baby, and it is impossible for Him to forget us. To make this point clear to the apprehensive, weary Israelites, God gave reassurance that He had inscribed them upon the palms of His hands. Does that image sound familiar?

Centuries later, Jesus Christ hung on a cross with nails driven into His hands – proving that God’s words were true and that we are worth more to Him than we could ever imagine. We are God’s unforgettable, beloved children.

How would it change our daily lives and our relationship with our heavenly Father if we lived safe in the knowledge that we are always on His mind?
______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/






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[plugger]

Thank you Bigfoot bud...Have a great day

[Bigfootbud]

Psalm 41:1-3 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him; the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

[plugger]

Up really early this morning for my Thursday 6am Bible Study, trust me I came up with all sorts of reasons not to go, really had to force myself to go......Sure glad I did, I got a lot from it. I suppose my point is---sometimes when we just don't feel like going to church -- go anyway and I trust you will always be glad you got off your lazy butt and went. God works in strange ways, sometimes trials come our way, how we respond to those trials is what counts.----GOD BLESS

[Ranb2khz]

Consider Him Who Endured

"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” ~ Hebrews 3:13

Jesus endured ridicule and humiliation from His accusers, and overwhelming pain on the cross, simply because He dearly loved us. The joy of seeing our restored relationship with the Father allowed Him to persevere through unbelievable hardship. His sacrifice brought us Salvation – His perseverance should bring us strength and a renewed hope.

"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.” ~ Hebrews 12:3

There are going to be days when the burden seems extra heavy – days when the attacks come fast and furious and feel like they will never end. It may bring temporary relief for someone to agree and confirm the difficulty of our situation, but the only way to truly ease the load is to focus our heart back to Christ and pray for His strength;

"May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance [perseverance] that comes from Christ.” ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:5

We must persevere... because He first persevered for us!

There is definitely a place within the Body [of Christ] for compassion and the sharing of one another's sorrows; but when our burdens become seemingly unbearable, we must also encourage one another to simply put one foot in front of the other and boldly continue down His path. His grace and His strength WILL be sufficient! We will not lose heart if we focus on His love. We will persevere and not grow weary if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and consider Him who endured.

Have a Christ Centered Day!
______________

~ by Steve Troxel, "God's Daily Word Ministries”

~ published by: The Daily Encourager






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[Ranb2khz]

God Cares About the Vulnerable

~ God considers justice and compassion important for those who need help – and we should as well.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew mentions only five women in Jesus’ genealogy. That alone makes them remarkable, but their stories are more than mere curiosities. They reorient how we see and value the women among us.

Tamar was the mother of Judah’s sons Perez and Zerah. But Judah wasn’t Tamar’s husband; his son Er was. Er, however, was “evil in the sight of the Lord,” so his life was taken from him (Genesis 38:7). Tamar then married Er’s brother Onan, who also displeased God and died. Though Hebrew custom (and, later, the law) protected a widow by requiring a relative of the deceased to marry her, Judah denied Tamar because he was afraid to lose another son (Genesis 38:11). So she took matters into her own hands (see Genesis 38).

Justice for widows is important in God’s eyes. The psalmist, in fact, calls Him “a father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows” (Psalm 68:5). And God’s ultimate judgment of Tamar is in her favor. She gave birth to Perez and Zerah – the twins Judah fathered and direct-line ancestors of Christ.

Psalm 68 also says God “makes a home for the lonely” (Psalm 68:6). We should participate in caring for those who are grieving or vulnerable. This is confirmed in James’ epistle when he calls the care of widows “pure religion” (James 1:27). So let us make our churches and homes welcoming places for those who need help.
__________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/






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[plugger]

While some think nothing good comes from Facebook ----this morning I read this and just had to share------

"God used Noah--knowing he would get drunk----
God used Jacob knowing he would lie---
God used Moses knowing he would murder
God used Rehab after knowing she was a prostitute
God used Jonah knowing he would run away
God used David knowing he would commit adultery
God used Saul knowing he would persecute Christians

WHAT MAKES YOU THINK GOD WON'T USE YOU

[tenac]

Amen brother...everyday that we walk out our door into the world we enter the mission field that God has assigned to us. And as you say...by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us we are equipped to do the job that God has for us to accomplish that day in witnessing and ministering and praying for all those folks that Jesus sets before us. That of course can be offering hope and encouragement and salvation...all thru Jesus. And our Helper...the Holy Spirit is right there...within us...to give us everything we need to get our to do list done that day. We are never alone!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
John 14:16-17

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:26

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

[tenac]

Do we understand that the single and most important part and meaning of life...is Love. First and foremost the love of God the Father...God the Son...God the Holy Spirit...the perfect and unconditional love of God for us...and...our love for God the Father...God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Then...there is the right way in loving ourselves...and...the love we have for each other. Yes...loving others as we love ourself...all the way to loving our enemies...yes...that is what Jesus told us to do...by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. Remember...Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment and Jesus said we are to love the Lord your God with all of your heart...mind...soul and strength...and to love others as yourself. Let me say this again...the single most important part of life is love. God is love...love is God...it is God that instilled love in all of us. Now...the things im about to mention are important...because we do need to survive as human beings...But the single most important part of life is NOT a good job...social status...a nice car...nice clothes...the best vacations...money...all of that earthly material stuff. I'll say it again...the single most important part of life is love. I mean love is the main theme of the Bible...right? Love is what the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross is about. Yes...the unimaginable beating and scourging and the horrific death on the cross...was all about Gods love for us. As i sometimes quote..."Love is...Giving somebody what they need the most when they deserve it the least at great personal cost to ourselves". So today...where is our focus going to be? Is it going to be on the world and stuff. Or is it going to be on love. Remember...love really is a verb...Love shows action. And what does that mean...Yes its extremely important to say I love you...but whats really important is to show each other that we truly do love those folks that we love...and...to show everyone our love for them and we of course can do that thru Jesus. Thats what makes the world go round...thats what makes relationships grow. Love...a little four letter word...but could it actually be the most important word in all of creation? I say yes! And what is real and true love...let Gods word refresh our memory from 1st Corinthians 13:4-8a......Love is patient...love is kind. It does not envy...it does not boast...it is not proud. It does not dishonor others...It does not insist on its own way...it is not easily angered...it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects...always trusts...always hopes...always perseveres. Love never fails.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:7


I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane

[Ranb2khz]

Caring for One Another

~ Ask God to show you how to minister to the people He’s brought into your life.

Scripture Reading: John 19:25-30

The last mother named in Matthew’s messianic lineage is “Mary, by whom Jesus was born” (Matthew 1:16). Mary watched her Son’s ministry, no doubt treasuring all He said and did (Luke 2:51). She likely felt a range of emotions – from motherly pride to worry and fear – despite the fact that she understood He was “about His Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). Then, when Jesus was on the cross, she undoubtedly felt anguish watching Him suffer but also heard Him lovingly entrust her to John’s care (John 19:26).

Even though she had long anticipated a sword through her soul (Luke 2:34-35), that knowledge didn’t lessen her pain. But she didn’t endure it alone. She was surrounded by other believers in the days before and after Jesus’ passion. Following His ascension, she waited with them for the Comforter (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1) and likely lived for years as a member of John’s household and part of the growing Christian community – worshipping, praying, and serving with those Jesus had come to save. And in that early church environment, she would also have been served by them.

• Do you know of friends or acquaintances who are dealing with adversity?
• How can you show them the love of Christ?

Ask the Lord to reveal ways to care for the people He has brought into your life.
______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/






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[plugger]

In the Bible the Christian way to live out a victorious life is clearly stated and this teaching is easily understood----The harder task is doing it. Here in 2025 the believer or want to be a believer faces tons & tons of challenges and life does not seem to get any easier. Yesterday I mentioned some about the Holy Spirit, Learn that Jesus said, clearly, that when He went home to be with God, He would ask God to send the Holy Spirit into the world to walk along beside us, to be our stay in the time of trouble. My struggles in life have become so much easier once I started believing in the Holy Spirit. Now don't confuse the Holy Spirit with angels, angels are surely around, say more for protection (my words) the Holy Spirit is here to help & guide us in a Godly way------GOD BLESS & I use hope I did not royally screw this up

[plugger]

Allow me to help start off your day with this:
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want"---
GO BLESS & have a really good day

[Ranb2khz]

Answering the Call

~ As we pursue God’s will, He will provide the wisdom and strength needed to face any opposition.

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 6:9-13

When we submit to God and allow Him to rebuild our broken places, we can expect opposition. Nehemiah’s efforts to restore Jerusalem were threatened by Sanballat and others. In a similar way, we have an enemy who opposes the work God is doing in our life – an antagonist who does everything possible to discourage and distract us. When that happens, we can echo Nehemiah’s prayer: “Now, God, strengthen my hands” (Nehemiah 6:9).

Today’s passage tells of a hindrance involving Shemaiah – an Israelite who advised Nehemiah to preserve his life by hiding from his enemies (v. 10). This incident suggests that even people from whom we seek wisdom might at times obey the voice of fear and ignore the bigger picture. Once Nehemiah refused to listen to the anxiety-driven advice, his eyes were opened. Then he saw Shemaiah for who he was: a false friend hired by Sanballat.

When answering the call to partner with God in the work of renewal, we have a choice: Give in to distress, or heed the voice that promises, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5). The Lord wants us to say “no” to fear. Although we may be tempted to despair at the brokenness around and within us, we can cling to God’s promise of restoration and entrust our life to the One who makes all things new.
_______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/






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[Ranb2khz]

A Faith Worth Passing Down

~ Anyone in a child's orbit can leave a legacy of faith.

Scripture Reading:

"I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy, clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:3-5

The most precious thing we can pass down to children is our faith – the conviction that God is who He says He is and will do all He has promised. Timothy’s strong relationship with Christ didn’t materialize out of thin air; it grew because his mother and grandmother were godly examples. Here are some ways that we, too, can hand down a rich legacy to the next generation:

1. Teach biblical principles – Kids need to know God’s views on wealth (Psalms 24:1), the way to meet needs (Philippians 4:19), and direction in life (Proverbs 3:5-6).

2. Model character through lifestyle – How we live communicates what we truly believe about the Lord.

3. Serve God by serving others – Actions show that our faith is real (James 2:26).

4. Intercede on their behalf – Kids won’t forget hearing us pray regularly for them.

5. Communicate love in every way possible – They need to know we love them the way that God does – unconditionally.

As caregivers, we must be intentional about leading the next generation to Christ. This means anyone in a child’s orbit can leave a legacy.
______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/a-faith-worth-passing-down






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[plugger]

Paul was locked up in prison & God used him to share the gospel to those around. I found this interesting in my morning study---"When a Christian wants to serve God, God will find a way to use him. When he cannot go forth to find his opportunities, God will bring them to him.".......My opinion here, but good food for thought----I really want my fellow believers to really believe in the Holy Spirit, I don't think the average Christian understands that the way they live out their lives in all their daily activities says way more than any preacher can ever say from the pulpit. Not being critical of the man in the pulpit or his words, just saying you and I have way more contact with everyday folks than the man in the pulpit. I will be the very 1st to say I really struggle every day with doing what is right, seems the wrong is so easy to do. Listen my friends, learning to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit is not an easy thing to do, it requires effort on our part---called prayer---and that is just our thoughts through-out the day shared with God---Don't try to force your faith on others, that only gives the devil the opportunity to use you, let God open the doors for you, opportunity is then made available to you, don't worry what to do or say, the Holy Spirit will guide you in all things.......OH ME!!! went a little long here, didn't mean to but it just fell out-----GOD BLESS & may you be a witness to others---that's your job

[tenac]

..."Jesus paid it all...all to Him i owe...sin had left a crimson stain...He washed me white as snow".....In the Gospel of Mark...there is a awesome story about a madman...who was possessed by evil spirits and Jesus set him free from the evil that tormented his life. And that is a great reminder of what Jesus did for me! You see...i didnt fit into the category of being a madman...nor was i demon possessed...but...for most folks that knew me those 25 years of drugs and booze...you probably would have thought that i was in some ways those things. I was addicted to sin...broken and bruised from my lifestyle...self-destructive and really didnt care about what did or did not happen to me. But when i ask Jesus into my life...He didnt just clean my act up...He set me free from all that insanity and refreshed my mind and way of thinking and gave me a brand new heart filled with love and compassion! You see folks...being a born-again believer isnt about getting cleaned up and then trying to hang on for dear life! No...coming to Christ means you have the power of Jesus to overcome our sin filled habits...our addictions...all that old stuff that was satan-centered. Now hear me...we are never going to reach perfection on this side of eternity...we all fall short and sin...but....with the Holy Spirit living in us....to guide and direct us every second that we will allow Him....our heart mind and soul gets distracted a whole lot less...right? We are no longer on our own! Its not just getting the evil out. Its getting the power of God in! Thats what changes us. We cant fix ourselves! When Jesus comes to live in us and clothes us with His righteousness...then the love of sin is replaced with a love of God! The love of sinful passion and sinful pleasure is replaced with a love for holy purposes and passions that honors God. The old me passed away and the new me was re-born...born-again! I can look in the mirror and the man i see...is the same man that lived for satan those 29 years ago...the difference that makes me different now...is the Holy Spirit living in me...and that...is all the difference in the universe! Outside of a relationship with Jesus...there really is no hope for me.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Ezekiel 36:26-27

I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane

[Ranb2khz]

Assessing What Is Left

~ There is always hope when we look to the Lord for our next step.

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 2:11-18

Navigating loss is a complex process; there is no straightforward path through grief. Yet Nehemiah’s journey from lamenting the broken walls of Jerusalem to rebuilding them offers us insight as we partner with God to put life’s shattered places back together.

After grieving the destruction of Jerusalem’s fortifications, Nehemiah asked King Artaxerxes for permission to return to that city and rebuild its protective wall.

Taking stock of what remains after loss is an important step as we move from grieving to rebuilding. It can be difficult to find glimmers of hope while surveying the ruins of broken lives, dreams, or relationships, but we are never without the one thing that matters most – God’s presence. Nehemiah knew this to be true, which is why he toured Jerusalem to inspect its walls and learn what was needed to repair the damage. In doing so, he oriented himself towards hope – that is, he looked for what could be accomplished with God’s help.

As the Lord did with Nehemiah, He also invites us to view rubble in our life with eyes of faith. So, let’s dare to look beyond our present circumstances toward the joy of future restoration.
_____________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/






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[plugger]

In my Bible Study I have read this 3 times, today being the 4th time, today it finally hit home..Terrible handicap to be thick up there. Anyway, here I go:

As a Christian we are not to be wasting time, but filling it with positive Christian living---
"Fill up each hour with what will last;
Buy up the moments as they go;
The life above, when this is past,
Is the ripe fruit of life below"

Think on that and God Bless

[plugger]

Good Morning Bible Board folks:

Psalm 141: 3-4
New King James Version
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Do not incline my heart to any evil thing,
To practice wicked works
With men who work iniquity;
And do not let me eat of their delicacies.

God Bless & have a great week-end

[plugger]

You and our Bible Board came in my little ole brain when doing my Bible Study on Coll. 4…. In the Interpreters Bible it speaks of how important it is for Christians to step out of their comfort zone and witness for Jesus. It spoke of each Christian using their life experiences to let others such as ourselves know that they are not in the battle alone….your Thursday night thing and the other churches in your town on their turn is a perfect example. If we don’t stand for good then evil just grows & grows…. More than the preacher the lay persons share the gospel. When God says speak out, don’t worry He will give you the courage and words……don’t try to open doors by force, opening doors is God’s job…..we just identify with others by what we have gone through in our past. I am sure. Our responsibility goes in more detail, great big ole subject here.

[tenac]

In some way shape or form I have heard at least on a few occasions…John MacArthur…David Jeremiah…Adrian Rogers…and Charles Stanley. Talk about the fact that it's not that we should not be interested in government...especially in the aspect of them being wolves and sheep clothing to bring harm to us. But...what you said here that primarily our focus as the church...we as believers and the preacher…should be focused on seeing lost souls saved. That is our job so to speak…Is to see lost souls saved. And again…they weren't saying for us to ignore government and the goings on of government... the going ons in the USA and in the world…but primarily our job…so to speak…is seeing lost souls saved. I mean the great commission is what…to go unto all the world and preach the gospel ...to make disciples of men. And each one these men i mentioned in preaching on this... their thought... their reason... was the fact that the Bible tells where the world and the United States is headed. I mean the United States and the world's fate is sealed… Right? And their point was satan is very good in distracting us and being so caught up in government and politics and the goings on of the world...with the news... that we get so distracted with all of that that we can lose focus of our primary job…To see lost souls saved…to go into the world and make disciples of men…to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now there's a lot more than this that I have on my heart and mind just from what these preachers have preached several times but to go into all of that is getting too deep and that's a post as long as your leg so maybe i have made my point? Well one more point…lol... As humans are we really going to change anything? One example for 50 years in the good ole USA we murdered like 80 million babies by abortion...then...Roe vs Wade was over turned and guess what...we are still murdering babies by abortion. Folks said same sex marrage would never catch on...ok...prayer and 10 commandments would never be taken from schools and goverment places...ok...the list goes on. And we can go to the book of Daniel and Revelation and where does it say weare headed? To the Rapture..Tribulation..Millennial...End Times...be folks like it or not? And as we know....everything that happens God has allowed it… It has been shifted through his hands…and it's happening for a reason… a godly reason. My two cents... if we go to Romans 13… and everybody that hated Obama and Biden…did God not appoint them as president of the United States. And everybody that hates Trump now and before…did God not appoint Trump as president…and from Romans 13 that goes for all leaders right... all government leaders are appointed by God. I don't know how that works…if its by God turning unbelievers over to themselves that they vote for people that they shouldn't be voting for… if it's just that God allows satan to have at people to vote for people that they shouldn't be voting for....anyway a very long long long long long subject… But I'm gonna say it one more time our job… The great commission… is NOT to try and fix the world…so to speak... It's to see lost souls saved… make disciples of men…preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thats my belief and i welcome other folks thoughts..beliefs and opinions.

[plugger]

Allow me to vent just a bit.....If you have caught any news lately you know there is a new Pope----all well and good. .. Now I have heard much about him, his live, and what they hope will bring in money from the USA, now I am not picking on da Pope but I see a lot of Christians leaders, regardless of their denomination, very involved in social issues, government issues and so forth, but I always thought or was brought up to believe the Christian leader 1st and foremost job was to win the lost to Christ. All that I have heard on the new Pope and not "one time" have I ever heard anything about saving the lost---those without God in their life---- Then we wonder why church goers numbers are going down---OK !!! I vented so I will move on and be careful that I do not fall into satan's trap---GOD BLESS & help my attitude

[plugger]

You folks have a great week-end, remember you may be the only Bible others will read, you are an ambassador for Jesus, others will view faith in the Christian life by you actions ----GOD BLESS

[Ranb2khz]

Lamenting What Is Lost

~ Offering our tears to God requires faith that He is able and willing.

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 1:3-11

Is it possible for grieving to be an act of worship?

Consider today’s passage about Nehemiah, an Israelite who served as cupbearer to the king of Babylon. Nehemiah sat down and wept for days when he learned Jerusalem’s walls had been destroyed, leaving his people defenseless. Yet his tears weren’t just a simple outpouring of strong emotion. Through weeping, fasting, and prayer, Nehemiah allowed his distress to lead him into deeper communion with God.

Shedding tears over what was lost – giving full expression to his pain – was an essential component of Nehemiah’s prayerful turning toward God. His bold display of sorrow was an affirmation of his belief that God alone was capable of restoring Jerusalem and her people to their former glory. As he prayed, Nehemiah reminded God of His promise to gather the exiles and dwell permanently among His people (vv. 8-9).

As Christians, we can sometimes interpret another person’s outward display of grief as a lack of faith. Why are they crying, we may wonder, if they truly trust God? But Nehemiah’s example shows us that taking time to lament what we have lost can be an act of worship.

When we are in pain, God invites us to cling to His promises and offer our tears to Him as devotion – even if they are all we have to give.
________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/






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[tenac]

Good morning plugger....

then I felt called to share my feelings, which I am now doing.... See that is a big part of the Bible Board, not only does it help the one sharing but God can put to use whatever it is to touch the heart of another.

Absolutely and totally man. Every human that lives on planet earth…born with our sin nature…our flesh...ourselves being our own worst enemy. We all have a story to tell. God has allowed each of us to live our lives in whatever manner that we have and from that have a story to tell to help others that have been through the same types of things. It don't matter if before a persons day of salvation they were a devil worshiper and running with the Charle Mansons of the world totally engulfed in more evil than most people even know exist. Or...for those folks that lived a pretty good life and held on to values and morals and a certain standard of living before they got saved…and then those folks thats anywhere in between. We all have a story to tell. And its through that story that people find Hope and encouragement and salvation…of course all thru Jesus thru us. Out here in real life Im one that likes to tell everybody how much of a satan worshiper I used to be…now i didnt actually worship satan but i was living for him so kinda sorta the same thing..right? How messed up my life was and then I met this man named Jesus and how He changed me…I was born again. And I do that simply because I really dont care what people think about me or how they might look down on me or how bad they may think i still am…you know those godly people that say they trust and follow Jesus but may not trust me thinking that someday I'll end up back like I used to be. But I have absolutely no doubt that the majority of the people don't feel that way. The majority of the people see the light of Jesus shining from me because I'm open and honest about who I was and what I was and how Jesus saved me from myself and satan and the world. How Jesus took that old hard rock out of my chest and put back a heart of flesh… a new creation…not because of what I've done…because of what Jesus has done and is doing. And every time I tell my story out here in real life…or here on the Bible board or Facebook. It reminds me each and every time of how gracious and awesome and loving God is. It's just every once in a while I still say to the Lord…and I'm 29 years clean and sober…please Jesus never let me forget who I used to be and what I used to be. And as I always finish everything that I write with… I have no regrets about my past my past is who I am today…Born again. And it's through my story that I don't know but I have to believe…people are finding Hope and encouragement and salvation…not through Rick Sane but through Jesus. We all got a story to tell…and we better be telling it…that is why Jesus put us here…that is why Jesus allowed us to live through everything that we have lived through… Right? To tell others of his love and grace and mercy…Everlasting and forever… Thank you Jesus!

[Ranb2khz]

Giving Thanks for Fleas

"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” ~ Colossians 3:17

Corrie Ten Boom, in "The Hiding Place", relates an incident that taught her an important principle. She and her sister, Betsy, had just been transferred to the worst German prison camp they had seen yet, Ravensbruck.

Upon entering the barracks, they found them extremely overcrowded, and flea infested. Their Scripture reading that morning in 1 Thessalonians had reminded them to rejoice always, pray constantly, and give thanks in all circumstances. Betsy told Corrie to stop and thank the Lord for every detail of their new living quarters. Corrie at first flatly refused to give thanks for the fleas, but Betsy persisted. She finally succumbed.

During the months spent at that camp, they were surprised to find how openly they could hold Bible study and prayer meetings without guard interference. It was several months later when they learned that the guards would not enter the barracks because of the fleas.

There are times in our lives when we refuse to be thankful, especially when something is uncomfortable or causing us pain. We rarely feel inclined to thank God for the traffic on the freeway, the unhappy clients at work, the tantrums our toddlers have, or the unexpected illnesses that keep us from doing all the things we need to do. However, I have learned to sit and listen in the discomfort, because even there, God is present. Just like the fleas allowed Corrie and Betsy to freely share the Gospel and worship with others, our uncomfortable circumstances could also lead to something greater.

The tantrums my two-year-old throws is developing patience and love in me, and also teaching me how to discipline effectively. Common illnesses have forced me to slow down and spend time with God. The difficult client at work has led me to prayer. Listening to worship songs in the traffic has allowed me to have the most meaningful times with my Heavenly Father.

The next time you find yourself in unpleasant circumstances, thank God for that and ask Him to draw near and show you His will. Everything in the life of a Christian has a purpose. Let's take a moment to thank God for the "fleas" today.

Suggested Prayer:

Lord, in every moment You are there. Every feeling I experience, You see and want me to tell You all about it. Thank You for all the nuisances I encounter every day. Instead of complaining, help me be thankful for all that You are doing in the middle of it. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.
_________________

~ by Crystal B

~ published by: The Daily Encourager






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[plugger]

Up early---preparing for Bible Study at the church. I swear the more I study, the less I know , been at this ting for years now and, honestly I feel dumb as a rock. Scripture says that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and I believe He does, but I am thinking is, maybe all things are way more than any human's mind can grasp in its fullness. BUT---Strange as it may sound when the time requires it of us to witness the Holy Spirit shows us how to act and what to say. I suppose that not being the sharpest knife in the drawer has it benefits, allows me to witness to folks like me. Just thinking here this morning, probably too early to think, anyway......GOD BLESS & HAVE A GREAT DAY

[tenac]

My body was sick...my soul was decaying...my spirit had all but left me. Emotionally...mentally...physically and especially spiritually...i was a train wreck. This once happy boy from Greeneville Tn. had journeyed for 40 years and had finally reached the end of the road. Beaten down from 25 years of drug and alcohol abuse and the insanity that goes with it...torn apart limb by limb by satan and my own self destructive lifestyle. Life itself had not only lost its meaning and value and importance...but i as a empty shell of a person had lost all hope of ever seeing the light of the world again...never to see another normal sober day. Life or death to me...did no longer matter as i thought i was dying everyday. I mean...the last couple of years most of the time that i was awake...high...i seriously had this feeling of impending doom thinking that this was it...i was on my way out...paranoid...wondering which was going to get me first...my lifestyle or my own hand. At that very point in time...a God...a Man...a Spirit...who had been watching and calling me all along the way...stepped forward and reached out His hand with a loving smile on His face...and compassion in His eyes. His voice so soft and tender spoke to me and said. My lost son I have not forgotten you...and... "I AM" here for you to lift you up and set you free if you will just take my hand in faith and follow me for all your days. "I AM" here to forgive and forget all that you have done! At that moment...late at night...in my bedroom...high...i reached out and took the hand of Jesus and with a shout...Forgive me my sins...save me from myself...Help me! He smiled and wiped the tears from my face and said...welcome home my son...now sleep...i awoke the next morning a new man. Everything about my life...my body...my heart...my soul had changed as i remembered my promise to Him from the night before. Take away my sinful heart...my addiction...help me my God and i will do my best to live for you! Well..it has been 29 years now and all is well with my heart and mind and soul...because...i was born-again! Thank you Jesus for saving my life and most important...for saving my soul!

I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today....Born Again!
Rick j Sane

[Ranb2khz]

Killing Off the Coyotes

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will they also reap.” ~ Galatians 6:7

In his book, "Rewriting the Family Script", Roger Hillerstrom shares how a small, Midwestern town once sponsored a coyote hunt because so many farmers were losing chickens to the predators. Fifteen hundred coyotes were killed over a single weekend.

However, within a few months the entire community was overrun with rodents, because their natural enemy, the coyote, had been eliminated. A year after that, the rodents weren't much of a problem, but the rattlesnakes were! Because there were so many rats and mice for them to eat, the poisonous snakes had reproduced rapidly.

At that point, the chickens were safe, but the humans were in danger! You see, the coyotes had been an important part of the environmental system – the food chain. When one part of that system changed, other parts adapted to the new reality.

When we, as individuals, groups, or societies and even some churches get rid of God's Word, and overthrow God's standards to do as we please, and seek to throw out God Himself, the seeds of our ultimate destruction are sown. God is not mocked. We will reap what we have sown.

As the Apostle Paul exhorted the Christians in Corinth: "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love." (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).

Suggested Prayer:

"Dear God, amid the ever increasing pressure in our society to get rid of anything to do with the Bible and with You, please help me to be on my guard, be strong, and stand firm in my Christian faith. Help me to so live that others seeing Jesus in me will want Him for themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
________________

~ published by: The. Daily Encourager

To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager





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[plugger]

Great thoughts for today:

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

[Ranb2khz]

In a World of Quick, Slow Is Good

~ Let's give others – and ourselves – time to learn and grow.

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:11-16

Have you ever gotten into the far left lane on the highway so you can move just a little faster – only to have the cars in front of you slow down? Then you’re stuck between a divider wall on your left and even slower traffic on your right, feeling frustrated and annoyed.

Sometimes we want to treat our spiritual growth like that – jumping into that fast lane to “beat” everyone else to the goal and reach our destination sooner. We think that by reading a specific book or praying a certain way, we’ll grow more quickly and get to the next thing. But then the trials of life come, and without a strong foundation – one that’s built over time and with diligence – we quickly become overwhelmed and disillusioned.

In a world of quick, remember that slow growth is a good thing.

Consider today’s passage, where Paul describes believers as children who must “grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ” (v. 15). We don’t expect children to do everything like adults. It takes time for them to develop the strength, coordination, and intelligence required for “adult” tasks. When we become Christians, the process is similar. No one becomes a fully mature believer overnight – nor does God expect us to.

So, let’s be patient with ourselves, take the time required to “grow up,” and celebrate when we see progress in ourselves.
_______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/






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[plugger]

CAUTION----The devil came calling this morning, he did not come to me tempting ---He came raising doubts in my mind over the real existence of all that I believed in, I'll not go there, but all happened so real in life, I was almost convinced, then in Matthew 6 - I read the prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray, then I read Psalm 23, then Psalm 51:10-11, then Psalm 139: 23-24, then I felt called to share my feelings, which I am now doing.... See that is a big part of the Bible Board, not only does it help the one sharing but God can put to use whatever it is to touch the heart of another. Those Scriptures I mentioned above I have hi-lited and read every morning then I proceed to my Bible reading & study. Let me tell you that at 81 yrs. old the devil's battle to win me back is far from over, I am so thankful that I know how to battle the devil and his helpers, GOD's
WORD DOES THE TRICK EVERY TIME. The older I get the bigger the struggle gets, my hope & prayer is that you reach a ripe old age and then this post comes to mind and you know you never walk this path alone. The thief on the cross next to Jesus in the ending of his life ask Jesus
to remember him and at that moment Jesus told him that he would be in paradise with Him, that thief had no time to join a church, no time to tithe, no time to worship (other than worship himself), no time to do any of the things Jesus taught, but the thief reached out and took hold of his savior. Never too late and the devil will always encourage you to put off reaching out to Jesus, tomorrow may be too late------GOD BLESS & CARE FOR YOU

[plugger]

Great message for every self professing Christian

[tenac]

I listened to a awesome message from Jesus thru Charles Stanley yesterday that reminded me of what i already knew but was so awesome to be reminded....so....im posting it for anyone that might want to listen....

Grace Alone
One of the reasons many believers live their lives without any sense of peace, joy, or satisfaction is because they don't understand God's grace. Dr. Stanley explains why this is so important.

https://www.intouch.org/watch/sermons/grace-alone

[tenac]

...i walk up to the mirror on the wall and i stand there and look at the person looking back at me...who do i see? Do i see more or mostly ole Rick Sane...or...do i see more or mostly Jesus? Now of course the visual is me...Rick Sane...but we have to go far beyond...or deeper than that. Ive got to look into my heart...my mind...even into my very existence...my soul...and in doing that...who do i see? When i am home alone...does my life consist of things behind close doors that are pleasing to Jesus...or do i partake in things that Jesus says...really Rick! When im out in public...how do i carry myself...do i act one way around my believer friends and another way around unsaved folks? Maybe the better question is...when other people see me...who do they see? Do they see Rick Sane living life like much of the world...or...do they see me in such a way that they also see Jesus in the way i talk...act...live life on a daily basis...or...do they see me acting just as the unsaved world acts. I guess my point this morning is this...i want to be a person...a believer...that as the saying goes...i dont just talk the talk...i walk the walk...and...when people see me each day i can in some way put a smile on their face and Jesus thru me...put a warmth in their heart. And for those that are not saved...i want them to see me in such a way that i stand out different...that next month...next year they stop and look in the mirror and they say...you know...im tired of looking in here and seeing me and my messed up life...i want what ole Rick Sane has...and he says that is Jesus! Remember folks...people are watching us...who do they see...Jesus now and then...or...Jesus thru us every breath of every day? And above and beyond everything and everyone...What is Jesus seeing as He walks with me each and every day...remember...there is No such thing as a part time believer and follower of Jesus and God is watching our every step...and...hearing our every word and thought! So...the bottom line....i still have some rough edges...i still find time to sin now and again...but...i am a work in progress...i try and let God mold me into the likeness Jesus but im sure not as often as He would like...however....i do know that im a long ways from where i use to be and i know im heading in the right direction. Thank You Jesus!

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:6

To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24

I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane

[Ranb2khz]

Gaining Better Vision

~ If you want to see clearly, ask God to help you see from His perspective.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-8

You may have seen videos on the internet of babies receiving their first pair of glasses. They fuss and fight a little as the frames are being put on, but almost instantly, they stop and stare. Things that were previously blobs of color suddenly have defined shapes. Their parents’ faces, once fuzzy, become clear. Their smiles tell you everything you need to know about the gift of vision.

In a similar way, clear spiritual sight is vital for believers, and it involves learning to see as the Lord sees. This requires a shift in our perspective, and today’s passage provides a practical blueprint for learning to discern with the eyes of Christ: “Do not judge” (v. 1). True understanding begins with an awareness of our sins so we can “take the log out” (v. 5) from our own eye and see ourselves and others for what we truly are – forgiven and beloved sons and daughters.

1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that God doesn’t see as man does. Seeing with the eyes of Christ means searching beyond surface appearances and asking the Spirit to help us look more deeply into the heart of things. Jesus truly saw people – He recognized their brokenness and compassionately sought their good. May we be willing to do the same. Learning to view others as God does is the joyous labor of a lifetime, and the rewards for doing so are great.
_______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/






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[plugger]

Thanks, I love that passage from Romans 7, I struggle every day, I could be very wrong but I often think to myself " you know David you ain't 35 anymore, your are 81, closing in on 82, you've been trying to right for around 40 of those years, quite a few years ago I was re-born, I experienced God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit which totally turned my life around, but I swear, Romans Chap. 7 has always been my wake up call., OOPPPS!! got a little off base here, I was saying what I tell myself, the bottom line is the devil does not like one bit loosing a good solider, which I was, he knows my days are drawing nearer every day and he desperately wants me back and tosses all sorts of crap out there for me to trip up". ---I just thought age has nothing to do with it, once a person comes to Christ the devil works really hard to get that person back....Like you posted the other day --you won't find the devil in the beer joint down the street. If my heart is trying hard to do right then God will give me the strength---Hope I didn't mess that up too bad--------------GOD BLESS