Bible (Bible)

[tenac]

Multitudes of people who expect to go to Heaven will go to a Hell of torment. Thousands of "good" people, "moral" people, church members, even church workers - yes, and, alas, even prophets, priests and preachers - will find themselves lost when they expected to be saved, condemned when they expected approval, cast out of Heaven when they expected to be received into eternal bliss. That is the explicit meaning of the words of our Lord...“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’...Matthew 7:21-23

-John R. Rice-

[tenac]

Don't say that a loving God is going to send you to hell - He's not. The thing that's going to send you to hell is that you're a sinner and you don't want to admit it.
-J. Vernon McGee-

[tenac]

God keeps no half-way house. It's either heaven or hell for you and me.
-Billy Sunday-

[Ranb2khz]

The Sources of Adversity

~ No one likes suffering, but it helps to know God allows only what He intends to use for our benefit.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 45:5-10

Have you ever wondered why God allows painful situations in our life? To our way of thinking, this simply doesn’t fit with His role as our loving heavenly Father. In order to understand what’s going on, let’s consider the possible sources of adversity:

• A Fallen World:

When sin entered the world, suffering came with it. God could have protected us from these harmful effects by making us like puppets who couldn’t choose to sin. But that would also have meant being unable to choose to love Him, since love, by its very nature, is voluntary.

• Our Own Doing:

Sometimes we get ourselves into trouble with sinful choices. If the Lord rescued us from every negative consequence, we’d never grow into mature believers.

• Satanic Attack:

The Devil’s goal is to destroy our testimony, thereby making us weak and useless for God’s purposes.

• God’s Sovereignty:

Ultimately, the Lord has authority over all adversity that comes our way. To deny His involvement contradicts His power and sovereignty over creation.

For us to accept that God allows affliction, we must see adversity from His perspective. Is your focus on your pain or on God and His faithfulness? For us as believers, God doesn’t allow adversity unless He can use it for our benefit and His good purposes.

"We know that God works together in all things for the ultimate good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-sources-of-adversity






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[plugger]

Psalm 50:15------"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify Me"----One of my favorites and it works for me, my daughter has it on her kitchen wall, in plain sight.-----Yesterday morning in my Bible time I started and quite honestly everything seemed like a bunch of "who shot John", I mean nothing seemed right or true, really set me back, the devil was ever so present, putting all sorts of evil thoughts in my mind, shameful to say the least, then I remembered this passage from Psalm and I called upon God, I told Him my problem and ask to remove all those devil thoughts, then I went back to reading and BINGO the devil no longer was present....and I thanked God....All my kids know this passage and I explained that the trick is to remember to rely on it-----giving up self-control is a very, very difficult thing to do. Remember...the devil is as active as any of God's angels, we have to know evil surrounds us, we need the tools to deal with it
GOD BLESS

[Ranb2khz]

Living in the Present

~ Encouraging others in their Christian walk is a daily work with eternal impact.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:23-25

Many of us spend a great deal of energy in the present moment dwelling on the past and the future. We know that the past is beyond our control, but we worry about it. We tend to believe the future belongs to us, yet we fret about what it holds and whether it will bring joy or pain.

The gospel urges us to entrust both the past and the future to God. That mindset frees us to live for the Lord in the only moment we can: the present. Yes, there is an aspect of God’s kingdom that is not yet — its fullness hasn’t yet arrived. But at the same time, we live in His kingdom here and now.

In Hebrews 3:13, the call to encourage one another every day isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a vital practice for spiritual growth. We need the regular support of Christian brothers and sisters to help us successfully navigate each day’s challenges and opportunities. Encouraging each other can be a beacon of light and hope to those around us.

That’s the author’s focus in Hebrews 3:13. If we want to guard against our hearts being “hardened by the deceitfulness of sin,” we should give and receive encouragement. It is good to speak words of affirmation, hope, and accountability regularly. But even when offered just once, they can have a long-lasting effect, far beyond the present moment.
_________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org






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[Ranb2khz]

Verse of the Day

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” ~ Psalms 40:1-2 (NLT)






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[Ranb2khz]

As a true believer – a disciple of Christ Jesus – if you found yourself siding with those that desired for the death of a man created by God – in His image, for such a time as this, then you need to seriously consider if you have been saved by grace at all. A person saved by God’s grace will not be wishing for the death of another believer. God saved this man for a reason. Thank You Lord.

“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.






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[Ranb2khz]

The Daily Article — July 13, 2024

~ Shooting at Donald Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania.



Donald Trump was speaking at a campaign rally this afternoon in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a series of pops that sounded like gunshots rang out. Mr. Trump’s face and ear were bloodied as he was rushed off the stage by Secret Service agents and escorted into his motorcade.

The shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president.

At this writing, a person believed to be the shooter is dead as well as an audience member in attendance. Another person is believed to be in critical condition. The shooter was reportedly in a sniper position located hundreds of yards from Mr. Trump’s podium. He was shot and killed by Secret Service personnel.

Some Gratifying Responses:

The official Team Trump account on X wrote, “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”

We would expect his political allies to respond with support for the former president, as they have. But it is gratifying to watch the reactions from those who are on the opposite side of the political spectrum:

• President Biden responded: “I’m grateful to hear that [Mr. Trump is] safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally.”

• Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated, “I thank God that former President Trump is safe.”

• Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was “horrified” by what happened and was “relieved that former President Trump is safe.”

• California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on X, “My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted at the rally today."

• House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries responded, “My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”

• And, independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. posted to X, “Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family.”

What does this say about our nation and our future?

“The only nation that is founded on a creed”:

In many countries around the world, violence against political opponents is an endemic part of the culture. Russian President Vladimir Putin has systematically and violently stamped out opposition to his regime. The autocrats in Communist China and North Korea do the same. In my many trips to Cuba, I was cautioned never to speak negatively about the Communist leaders, even in my hotel room, for fear of reprisals.

By contrast, Americans across the political spectrum are horrified by what has happened this afternoon. Why?

British writer G. K. Chesterton observed, “America is the only nation that is founded on a creed.” This creedal conviction that we are equally granted “unalienable rights” to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is on full display today.

And this creedal conviction itself points us to the origin of these rights: “all men are created equal.” Each one of us, from Donald Trump to his bitterest political rivals, is created uniquely and intentionally by God in His image (Genesis 1:27). This biblical conviction, more than any other single factor, explains the uniqueness and vitality of our nation.

As a result, violence such as we witnessed today horrifies each of us, as it should. And it calls us to pray fervently for Mr. Trump’s continued safety, for the safety of President Biden and all our other elected officials, and for the Secret Service and others who protect our leaders and our citizens.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness”:

In addition, I am praying for God to redeem today’s tragedy by using it to expose the deadly dangers of political animosity. Hate in speech becomes hate in action. Condemning those with whom we disagree dehumanizes them and incites violence against them.

If we don’t want what happened today to happen again tomorrow, we must heed the words of our Lord:

“But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, so that you may show yourselves to be children of your Father in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:44-45a

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was prophetic when he declared:

"Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."

How will you drive out the darkness and hate in America today?
_________________

~ published by: Denison Ministries

https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/shooting-at-donald-trump-campaign-rally-in-pennsylvania/






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[Ranb2khz]

The Foundation of Unwavering Faith

~ Jesus is our anchor for all the storms of life — and He always will be.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:8

In our ever-changing world, friendships drift, families move, and technology advances. If we seek security in people, position, or possessions, we’re going to be disappointed. Yet we all need somewhere to turn during the storms of life. The one true anchor for our soul is Jesus, who never changes. To find comfort in Him, we must learn who He is and how He works. Today we will explore a few details about His life and character.

John 1:1 reveals that Jesus was Deity from the beginning. Fully God and fully man, He was born of a virgin, lived 33 years on earth, was crucified despite His innocence, and rose after three days. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life — the Christ, the Son of the living God (John 14:6; Matthew 16:16). Our Lord fulfilled innumerable Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 53. Like us, Jesus has feelings — He wept for hurting people and felt angry when people misused the temple. Most importantly, His resurrection defeated death, and He still lives today.

The merciful, loving, compassionate, and holy Jesus we know from Scripture is the same Messiah we can cling to today. Difficult circumstances are inevitable. Prepare yourself for them by learning who Jesus is — He’s the only true Shelter and Rock that will not change.

What a wonderful Savior!
______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-foundation-of-unwavering-faith






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[plugger]

After my study time I just flipped open my Bible and it opened at 2 Peter 1----at Verse 2 it really spoke to me and I thought it might be a good thing to share:
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him, who called us by glory and virtue."
GOD BLESS & have a very Blest Day

[Ranb2khz]

Thorn in the Flesh

“Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

The passage above describes a "messenger of Satan" that the Apostle Paul was dealing with. Most Bible scholars understand this to be a physical ailment – but, could it not as easily been a pesky sin that would occasionally rear its ugly head? As a born-again believer, I believe that we all have experienced those times when we are on a peak of our walk with Christ, when all of a sudden, BAM! the “messenger of Satan” – that pesky sin that we can’t seem to shake off no matter how much we plead with the Lord to remove it – rears its ugly head – and there we are: feeling weak, ashamed, defeated and downright unworthy of being called a child of God.

I believe that the Holy Spirit prevented Paul from telling us what his “thorn in the flesh” to be because the Lord knows full well that all of His followers will experience a thorn in our flesh as long as we are alive in this fallen world; whether it be a physical ailment, other certain person(s) or types of persons, sin, etc.

The Good News is that the Lord’s grace is sufficient for all that we are going through – we just need to ask and receive it.






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[Ranb2khz]

The Living Word

~ Through the Bible, God speaks personally to His children.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13

The Bible is the most amazing book ever written. God used human beings to record His thoughts and words in writing so that others could know Him (2 Peter 1:20-21). The One who spoke the universe into existence still speaks just as powerfully through the pages of the Bible that you hold in your hands.

At the moment of salvation, believers receive the Holy Spirit, and lines of communication with the Lord are established. Then, whenever the Scriptures are read, children of God can hear His voice, and the Spirit enables them to understand and put into practice what they have heard.

The Bible isn’t just a good book that’s filled with comforting words; Scripture is effective and always achieves God’s purpose (Isaiah 55:10-11). Today’s passage describes it as “active and alive,” and 1 Thessalonians 2:13 tells us the Word of God is “at work in you who believe.” This Book has the power to change our life if we will believe the Lord and do what He says.

God uses the Bible to transform us from the inside out. Before reading Scripture, ask Him to help you hear and understand what He’s saying. As you believe and obey, your spiritual hearing will become more acute, and your time in the Word will become an intimate conversation with the Lord.
__________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-living-word






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[plugger]

Ain't that the truth

[tenac]

Need you now by Plumb

[plugger]

I am learning although sometimes I think I may be dumb as a rock, anyway this morning in my continued study in Acts I came across in the footnotes something concerning "7 ECUMENICAL COUNCILS"....which I had never heard of, so I got to digging, sometime I have to just stop digging, I be like dog digging a hole, I just keep digging & digging, & digging....I am not a highly educated person so being a little thick upstairs comes easy for me....You want to get confused, start looking back on history of early Christianity , those guys in the early church, say roughly 400 AD and on a for few hundred years. I got reading and thinking, these guys are no different than we are today, what they think is their opinion and a lot of those opinions are to satisfy the group, my opinion here, " they thought we just have to come together to make everyone happy." Now I could be completely wrong on those thoughts. But when someone says "I THINK" ---I know this is just their opinion---something news-folks are famous for.
As I was looking for answers out of nowhere this came into my little "P" brain......What did Scripture teach me & what did Jesus say---"The Holy Spirit will teach us all things."------A BIG lesson here for you & me, learn to rely on the Holy Spirit, He will not lead us wrong. In my coffee time with God each morning I ask to be a better person today than I was yesterday and I always ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In my search of the Scriptures this morning I learned just how important the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life is in my life...I don't know nor do I understand but Scripture says, Jesus sits on the right hand side of God & Jesus ask God to send the Holy Spirit (comforter) to guide us, help us, lead us. There are many distractions in our world today, I have to be real careful not to stumble, fall & get all dirty, but if I do my helper is right there to help me. I encourage you to talk with God about the presence of the Holy Spirit in your daily life.
GOD BLESS & strive to walk in the light

[tenac]

Its no big secret...and...this all didnt just start in recent times but i think we can all agree that in the last 50 years and especially the last 30 years...the United States as we once knew it...as the ole saying goes..."is going to hell in a hand basket!" Now for me...that catch phrase is describing a path or way to hell taken by a large group...all at the same time...and...the USA we live in today i find that all so very true because faith based statistics will tell us that maybe 25% of the 360 million people in the USA are actually "born-again" believers headed to Heaven...remember...theres a big difference in calling yourself a "christian" and actually being born-again! So...wheres the other 75% going?! Go ahead and say it...Hell. And in my mind...the newest and greatest tool of satan..."political correctness"...is what has helped kick this "once" God loving country into overdrive of walking totally away from God! Remember..we have murdered 60 million of our own babies in the last 50 years. We are pretty much living in a country that we are not suppose to challenge other people for what they want to do and how they want to do it...pretty much anything goes because as the secular world wants to dictate...its nobodies business. The bar to a standard of good decent living hasnt just been lowered...it has been taken off the rack and tossed in the trash. Day by day the once most important morals and values of humans seem to be less and less important and we can do and say whatever we please because once again...its just nobodies business. So many people including government are trying to brain wash us into believing that we are suppose to be tolerant of everyones beliefs and actions and lifestyle because once again...its none of our business. We seem to live in a nation that the "golden rule" has changed from "do unto others as you would have them do unto you"...to...do unto others BEFORE they do unto you. And to help fill that hand basket to the brim...we have who knows how many so called preachers preaching and teaching just enough truth from the Bible to make it sound good and right and the rest is from their own agenda of satan changing and taking away from and twisting scripture and having people to believe so much "stuff" that is so far from what the word of God actually says its mind blowing and millions of people are sucking it up sitting on the church pews singing kumbaya thinking they are heaven bound when in fact they are going to split hell wide open...all because...they listened to the lies and deceit of satan from and thru these false prophets! So whats my point...i dont have one...i just pray you think about the scripture i posted this morning along with my ramblins in this post!

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

[tenac]

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Romans 16:17-18

[tenac]

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
2 Timothy 4:3

[tenac]

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
1 John 4:1-3

[tenac]

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15

[tenac]

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
2 Peter 2:1-3

[tenac]

“‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
Matthew 15:8-9

[tenac]

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8

[tenac]

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12

[tenac]

Good morning brother… and… Amen! I also from time to time hear people say the same things about having difficulty in their prayer life… And that can cover a whole lotta ground in the reasons for that… and…to go out on a limb often times maybe even just an excuse? But I'm not gonna go there… I will focus more on me. As we have talked about and has been posted in different ways on this board…the main thing to remember I guess… It's just to talk to God… Just talk to Him…whether it be in our mind…our thoughts…or out loud…but of course most importantly from our heart…we just need to talk to him. Just like a conversation that we would have with anybody…just talk to Him…but of course keep it in mind that we are talking to the Creator of the heavens and the earth and all of creation…but still…just talk to Him…open up our heart and tell Him what we think and how we feel…and sometimes....there may be a little anger in that conversation…or a little doubt…all the way to the point that we holler a little bit…we need to just lay it out there…because...as you said...God already knows everything about us…and actually even knows more about us than we know ourselves…so... it's not surprising
Him in the least…even when we come to Him with anger and disappointment and disbelief and maybe even unbelief in some form… He knows our heart completely so we might as well just get it out there....
So... talking about me… And I've already expressed some of this stuff… But that's just how I am…talking to God… I just throw it out there… Sometimes even…that if somebody could hear me would think that I was crazy and showing disrespect that I'm talking to God and the way that I'm talking to him… but He… He is my heavenly Father… It's through my conversation with him that things are going to get figured out and settled… So of course I tell it like it is because He already knows… And I know I'm running a rabbit around the hole here but just to make a point to let people know That it's OK… To let God know exactly how we feel because again and again and again and again....He already knows! .
All the way to the point that sometimes when I'm talking to Him… I don't even have a clue what I'm trying to think or say or do or wonder or figure out because of dissappointment...unknown circumstances....frustration...anger...confusion… And it's in those times I just stop and say Holy Spirit ...in Jesus name i ask that you pray for me… And guess what… He does… How awesome is that… so that was the last lap of running the rabbit around the hole… So I'll end it with saying y'all have an awesome day!

[Ranb2khz]

Quick Listener

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” ~ James 1:19-20

Listening is an important and often overlooked part of communication. We all tend to vie to be seen and heard. It’s easy to forget that we need to fight to hear what others say and see what others see.

When we refuse to listen to others, we only see one way. Our way. And the odds are we do not have a monopoly on the truth. Even if our facts are right, there is something that is more important than just knowledge: loving someone by hearing them.

Not listening leads to wrath. Anger. We become incensed that our way is not being accepted. We raise our voices. We use manipulative tactics to try to turn an argument in our favor. If we refuse to listen, we become trapped in our own heads. Our insecurities feast and the chaos forms like a tornado. We try to displace it, blame the other for their inability to listen, or make everyone around us hurt in equal measure.

It is easy to see how this kind of anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. The Greek word translated “righteousness” includes the idea of community and harmony. Listening leads to harmony, anger does not.

If we cannot listen to others, it probably means we cannot listen to God either.

When we make the effort to listen, to slow down the fleshly impulses of pride, we can hear what others have to say. Not only hear what they say, but also to see what they are seeing. That opens the door for us to know God better.
_________________

~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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[Ranb2khz]

Good word on forgiveness Plugger!

I have 100% experienced God's forgiveness and I can honestly say life is much more enjoyable when I walk the Christian path...

Amen brother!






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[plugger]

Good Morning folks, here is wishing all of you a wonderful day. Many a times I have been told that a person has difficulty in their prayer life, a prayer life can be troublesome at times, meaning that at times we just feel lost.....This morning after my coffee and God chatting time I felt drawn back to Psalm 51---this is after David had his roll in the hay with Bathsheba and after he had her husband killed.....You may think you have problems or gone astray, we are talking here about adultery & murder, on the upside we are talking about forgiveness. Think on this for a moment, God knows everything, so why should I or we not discuss everything with Him, I mean He already knows not only what I or we have done, but God also knows our heart. Sometime if you struggle with your prayer life, take your Bible and flip open to Psalm 51, make that your prayer, you may not have committed adultery or signed one over to death, but your sins are still there before you....God's forgiveness has no barriers. Maybe I do not 100% understand God's forgiveness, but I have 100% experienced God's forgiveness and I can honestly say life is much more enjoyable when I walk the Christian path....At times I stumble, I fall, I get all dusty, but I ask for forgiveness, I receive forgiveness, I get up, knock the dust off and try harder to lean on the Spirit for guidance .
GOD BLESS & Let your light so shine

[Ranb2khz]

A Life Without Lack

~ The longer we follow Jesus, the more we discover that He is all we truly need.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 23

“How much is enough?” a reporter once asked John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil and the first American billionaire. “Just a little bit more,” Rockefeller said. While few of us have the resources of the super wealthy, we face the same question. Our world is obsessed with getting more, spending more, doing more. But at the root of an answer like Rockefeller’s is a misunderstanding about who provides for us.

David understood that God was his provider. “I will not be in need,” he wrote in verse 1 of Psalm 23. In other words, because he belonged to the Lord, he was able to experience a life without lack.

We can think about this in two ways:

First, we can expect God to give us everything we think we need. And when we don’t get it, we look for someone — or Someone — to blame. Or, as Jesus and His followers laid out, there’s a second and better approach: Gratefully receive what God has provided and allow Him to change our heart. In that way, even our needs are governed by our submission to Him.

Reading the first verse of Psalm 23 should immediately remind us of John 10:11, where Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” The transforming truth of the gospel is that we have more than enough because Jesus gave us [all of] Himself.
_________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/






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[Ranb2khz]

The Desire to Live a Life of Significance

People often ask a common question when it looks like their time on earth is drawing to a close:

“Did my life matter?”

• Have you ever wondered that?
• Have you ever taken a minute to look back on your life and wonder if all your efforts will mean a thing when you’re gone?

We all dream of being a great success. No children playing sports in their backyard fantasize about hanging up the towel after high school. They dream of making it pro. No musician dreams about playing to a handful of people. They see themselves on a massive stage in front of thousands of screaming fans. We all have a desire to make an impact in this world. We all desire to make a difference to the degree that we will be remembered when we’re gone.

God designed us all with this desire while having the perfect plan to satisfy it. The problem is that we have twisted what success really looks like. We’ve made success into something prideful — an idea constrained to the ways of this world. We’ve been living under the notion that living a life of significance is all about ourselves. You see, making an impact doesn’t necessarily mean you’re known by the entire population, have books written about you, or are even a success at all in the eyes of the world. Success is solely defined by God and solely achieved by your faithfulness to whatever He has called you to. You are meant for the significance that faithfulness to God brings, not an impact wrought with struggle for achievement by the world’s standards.

The Bible clearly defines success as being faithful to what God has spoken. In Matthew 25:21 God says:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master.”

Your desire to make an impact will only be satisfied by living in obedience to God’s will for you. It’s His plan we’re all a part of, not our own. God has brought us into the glorious narrative that has been playing out from the foundation of the earth. Being faithful to your page in God’s grand narrative has an eternal significance more important and long-lasting than anything you could achieve on your own. One day, all of the grand stories of what mankind has done in pursuit of our own glory will be brought to nothing. One King will stand above all. Jesus Christ will be given His reward, and we will reign alongside Him forever.

Choose to live a life of significance for eternity today.

Be faithful first to love God and then to love others with compassion and humility. You have a chance to lead people into eternal life. You have a chance to store up your treasure in heaven where moth and rust will not destroy (Matthew 6:19-20). You have a chance today to cause change and significance beyond anything you could imagine. Allow God to define your identity and purpose. Experience the joy and fulfillment that can only be found in passionate communion with your heavenly Father.



Jesus is the perfect example of what it looks like to live a life of significance because He was wholly surrendered to the will of the Father. At the end of His ministry, He had only a few followers that stood by Him. He never wrote a book or even traveled more than a few hundred miles from where He was born. Rather than considering Him successful, the world killed Him. But He made the biggest impact of anyone in all of history. Live like Jesus today. Live solely for the opinion of God, and find your satisfaction in being faithful to what He has called you to. May your day be filled with the abundant life that comes from surrender to the perfect plans of God.
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~ published by: First 15

https://www.first15.org/






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[Ranb2khz]

"All Scripture is inspired [breathed out] by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that a messenger of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17






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And that my friends is why true Christian folks enjoy sharing……..hoping, praying that maybe a seed was planted in someone and God makes it grow……I never had the drug or alcohol addiction, but I was still on the road to hell. Since I got off that well traveled road, like Rick, I like sharing Christian points hoping that I will plant a seed of faith. God does great things with just a tiny piece of faith.

[tenac]

This song has held a special place in my heart for a good many years

Faithful Father - Brian Doerksen

[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..torn apart limb from limb by satan. 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. At that very point in time..a God..a Man..a Spirit..who had been watching all along...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 i reached out and took the hand of Jesus and with a shout..Forgive me my sins Jesus i accept you as my Lord and Savior! 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 28years 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 especially my soul!

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

[tenac]

Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!
Psalm 31:19

[tenac]

A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:1-5

[tenac]

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
Psalm 7:17

[tenac]

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 107:1

[tenac]

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

[tenac]

Brought to my mind a video i have saved on facebook like 3 years ago....

Why would a good God send people to hell?

https://www.facebook.com/josh.howard.7731/videos/4364364543579305

[plugger]

A small piece of a morning devotion which caught my eye
"Men and women can go to heaven is an expression of God's love; That they can go to hell is an expression of the value God places on their freedom."
You see when Jesus called his disciples, it was a simple statement---"FOLLOW ME"-----a simple answer yes or no----with human freedom
God desires a relation with us, we can say yes or no. Very simple, our choice, we can say yes to heaven and seek the way or we can say yes to hell, from my view, the easy path.....GOD BLESS

[Ranb2khz]

Find Help in God’s Presence

~ Take your pain to the Lord — you can rely on Him.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 42:5-11

Whenever you’re feeling down, the Psalms are an excellent source of comfort and encouragement. In today’s passage, the psalmist shares how God offers comfort to you, His child, in hard times. To receive it, you should …

1. Look within:

Before you can deal with despair, you need to know what is causing it. If you’re not sure, ask the Lord to help you figure out what’s going on.

2. Look up:

The next step is to lift your eyes to the Lord and place your hope in Him. Remember, discouragement comes to everybody at one time or another, but it should not be permanent.

3. Look back:

Despair has a way of making you forget all the good things God has done over the years. Recalling His past care and provision helps to overpower discouragement.

4. Look ahead:

Knowing that the Lord’s plans are good, you can look forward to what He is going to do in the future. His lovingkindness will support you by day and bring comfort by night.

To overcome discouragement, fixing your focus on the Lord is key. His Word promises that He walks with you through the valley (Psalm 23:4). Remember, even if you feel disheartened, you are never alone.
________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/






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1 John 1:8-9
New King James Version
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I suppose this is why we have the Holy Spirit walking beside us throughout our day....every time I screw up, this little voice inside me lets mr know my short coming...thing is do I do something about it or just move on----only takes a couple of seconds to say " God. sorry, there I id it again, please forgive me". Every morning with my morning coffee & God I thank Him for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life....Just for thinking: I wish organized religion would teach & preach more on the Holy Spirit than just on love. In my conversations with others I often think they are way too hung up on Jesus's teachings on Love your neighbor, while this is super important---there is more to getting into heaven than just being a good person.....now I am just rattling on & on.....I be 81 later this month, chalk it up for senior moments....lol

[tenac]

As we know…We live in a world that is full of messed up people in every way shape and form… And of course that is because of sin… And it is estimated that maybe 5% of the world's 7.6 billion people are actually born again. Our churches are also full of messed up people in every way shape and form… And that also as we know is because of sin… And we have a lot of churches that are not preaching and teaching the truth… Churches that are embracing Sin such as same-sex marriage and allowing homosexuals in the pulpit to Preach and teach. And I only single these two sins out because they are kind of at the forefront of what's going on in Many churches today. And we also have a lot of churches that are full of false doctrine ...false belief... false religion… Which I guess is kind of the same thing… many wolves and sheep clothing leading many sheep astray. And the thing about it is… Another number to throw out there that adds to all of the mess… It is estimated that here in the United States that maybe of the 360 million people that live here… Maybe… 25% of those are actual born again believers… Because as we know… There's a big difference in calling yourself a Christian and actually being born again. And with all of that said and to bring it home and to look at the plank in my eye...I am a citizen of this world… And I am a person that goes to church… So I can be added to that list of those messed up people… It's just in my own way… My own sin… my own unrighteousness from time to time. No matter where we go be at church or work...you name it… There's always gonna be plenty of messed up people there in every way shape and form… And again… That includes me… my righteousness...I am like filthy rags in the eyes of God… But I thank God that He sees me through the eyes and righteousness of Jesus… or.... all who of us would be in big trouble right? For me… I do pretty dad burn good in walking the walk with my actions and with my words… My battle or battles… Pretty much mostly take place in my mind… Which of course… Those sinful thoughts are just as much sin as any other sin… I mean I do pretty good in controlling that also… but often times I fail… The battles in the mind can be so self-destructive and so powerful and of course Satan knows that and throws everything he's got us believers full of lies and deceit and destruction… He can't have us but he can sure make a mess of us while we still try to walk the walk on this path of righteousness. So I think I had a point so I'm gonna try to get back to that… When I see things and hear things of what people are doing in the world… And more importantly when I see things and hear things that's going on in the church… With people in the church… I try very hard to make it a point to look in the mirror… To look at the plank in my eye… Because as I said I'm one of those messed up people too....Plugger used to quote… If people would worry about the dirt on their own porch they wouldn't have so much time to worry about the dirt on their neighbors porch… I try to use all that stuff that's going on around me… As a teaching tool in my own life… Again what's going on in the world… What's going on in the church… What's going on with the people in the church… I try to use that as a learning tool in my own life… Because as we know… Rick Sane is only gonna be held accountable for Rick Sane… Gonna be held accountable for what I'm doing not what everybody else is doing…and of course that dont mean that i agree with or condone the sin of others... And to add to that… I'm also gonna be held accountable for the things that I'm not doing that I should be doing… Anyway After running that rabbit around the hole I think I got back to what I was trying to say…Bottom line...what you were saying Plugger....we are the light of the world...Jesus light thru us...and we must go unto all the world and tell people about Jesus....so....we go to those places daily...yes...even church...to be that light and to depend on Jesus to protect us all physically...mentally ...emotionally and spiritually...as we travel thru the valley of lifes shadows of death....and from that we become more dependent of Jesus...our faith and trust grows and grows in Him....and we are more likely to just have that speck in our own eye in place of having a plank! Y'all have an awesome day!

[plugger]

Something to think on: Yesterday the preacher said concerning reading our Bibles----"Read it---Examine Me---Practice it"------
When we read our Bibles it goes beyond "just reading", after reading think on how does this "apply to me", once we grab this "put it into good practice."

For some reason or another this stood out to me, maybe I need to improve here, I don't know, so I made a note and am giving it some serious thought. Say I read
"The Sermon On The Mount"---starts in Matthew 5 and I think it goes through Chap. 8-----anyway, after reading Jesus's teaching, what is Jesus trying to teach me, then after I get it, I need to put it into practice in my daily life.
GOD BLESS & So let your light so shine that others may see Christ in You

[Ranb2khz]

How to Diminish Fear

"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to continue to speak Your Word with all boldness." ~ Acts 4:29

Peter and John had been ministering in some pretty amazing ways, teaching faithfully that Jesus had risen from the dead. Their teaching and the healing of a lame man drew some attention from the Jewish leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the law, so they were arrested and questioned.

If you read the first verses in Acts 4, you might think that these men had no fear! They bravely stood before the Council and answered the questions being asked of them. Acts 4:13 says, "The members of Council were amazed to see how bold Peter and John were and to learn that they were ordinary men of no education." However, later we see that they are released with a threat… under no condition were they able to teach in the name of Jesus. And although we see the brave reply from Peter and John, this strong warning instilled fear.

Our natural response to such threats might be to withdraw to avoid further consequences. However, Peter and John joined with other believers, and together prayed to God. They believed and trusted that God had them there for a reason, and they wanted to be obedient and continue the work God had set before them, so instead of asking God to miraculously make the opposition disappear, they asked for boldness to speak God's message. After they prayed, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and God granted them the boldness they prayed for.

We all have fears. There is no question about that. Often, we feel tempted to give in to these fears and let them stop us from doing what God has called us to do. Instead of giving into fear, we need to move forward trusting that God will provide what we need to boldly face the opposition we may encounter. Fear only grows when we let it stop us. However, our faith can grow greater than our fear when we obey God and continue taking steps forward. Our fears will diminish when we choose to embrace the boldness that we have in Christ and His Spirit that lives within us.

Suggested Prayer:

Dear God, there are times when fear seems to creep in and tries to discourage me. In those moments, I pray that You would give me the boldness to trust You and keep moving forward one step at a time. Thank You because regardless of what I face, You are always with me. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. 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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[Ranb2khz]

America’s Impending Judgement

“Gather yourselves together; gather together, shameless nation, before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning of the Lord’s anger overtakes you, before the day of the Lord’s anger overtakes you. Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth, who carry out what He commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be hidden on the day of the Lord’s anger.” ~ Zephaniah 2:1-3

This is the prophecy (God’s decree) given to Zephaniah for the nation of Judea. Many people will read this passage and declare that was against only the peoples and nation of Judea a millennia ago. I believe that – just as most of the Holy Scriptures – this passage is applicable to any nation of peoples whom – at any point of their existence – have declared the Lord God to be sovereign over the land. The United States of America (USA) was formed under the precept of: “One nation, under God”.

For any that have read, or listened to, the messages of Jonathan Cahn – you are already aware of the synonymous of the prophecies of old concerning the nation of Israel and the nation of the USA. Like the nation of Israel, the USA was at one time a nation of people who served the Lord God with moral virtue, humbleness, and Christlike compassion and love. That is no longer the way it is in the USA – for unbelievers and, unfortunately, many that claim to be believers as well.

God’s impending judgement is at the doorsteps of our once great nation. The sins of our nation (people) are a pungent odor to the Lord, and as the Righteous God that He is – those sins must, and will, be dealt with.

Do these words imply that there is “no hope” for our nation of peoples? Absolutely not.

Hundreds of years before the prophecy given to Zephaniah, the Lord God answered Solomon’s prayer with the following message:

“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14

And from the New Testament the Holy Spirit tells us this:

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” ~ James 5:16

Whether God delays His righteous judgement against the USA, or if it is imminent – as true disciples of Christ we are to continue to pursue His righteousness through our thoughts, words, actions and deeds, and to proclaim salvation – by the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ – to those within our circle of influence.

And pray.





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[plugger]

Not a brag, just a statement---I been reading my Bible since before 1990, exact year I do not know, anyway I have come across something different...Example: Like I read Psalm 23 every day along with the prayer Jesus taught His disciples----so to my point, I now will have a word jump out at me, it used to be sentence or a thought which the Bible writer was passing on.....but just the other day a certain word would really grab my attention, a word that I have read many times and never really gave it a lot of thought.....2 or 3 days ago as I read Psalm 23 the word "anoint or anointed" stood out, I looked up the Hebrew meaning, nothing new here, still have not grabbed it----but I know good and well in God's time the Holy Spirit will teach me something new
GOD BLESS & shine on, a little light puts out a lot of light in a dark place, sort of like the mustard seed, a tiny seed (1/32 of an inch) yet it grows to a big bush-------Think small & God will make great things happen

[plugger]

You nailed it brother------Rick started this, now I got a headache---