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Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
John 5:24
Developing Godly Habits
~ God blesses those who persevere, working hard to carry out His will.
Picture this: In a field nestled among rolling hills, a hardworking farmer toils day after day, sowing seeds and nurturing tender plants. From dawn till dusk, he tends to the crops, knowing that lazy hands yield no harvest. With unwavering faith and persistence, the farmer trusts that the output of labor will be rewarded.
Proverbs 10:4 tells us, “Poor is one who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” This proverb is about more than material wealth; it speaks to the richness of a diligent life. As a bountiful harvest results from industrious labor, so our life is shaped by our habits — the choices we make day after day.
Through prayer and obedience, we align ourselves with God’s plans instead of our own. This is how we cultivate habits grounded in His Word. This kind of diligence goes hand in hand with stewardship of our time, talents, relationships, and resources. Wisely using such things for God’s glory will bring a good return for His kingdom.
Let us prayerfully evaluate our habits:
• Are we using our time purposefully?
• Are we nurturing relationships that honor God?
• Are we faithfully stewarding our resources?
Seek God’s guidance and make intentional choices that align with His will.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/
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Built on Christ
"You are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple.” ~ 1 Peter 2:5
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-10
We have all sorts of names for groups of animals. No doubt you’ve heard of a “flock" of sheep, a “herd" of cattle, or even a “gaggle" of geese. But some names may surprise you. A group of crows is called a “murder". How about a “congregation" of alligators, or a “crash" of rhinoceroses? Have you heard of a "building of rooks" (Eurasian crows)?
Building, in fact, is one of the names in the Bible for believers in Jesus. “You are . . . God’s building,” wrote the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 3:9). There are other names for believers as well: “the flock” (Acts 20:28), “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27), “brothers and sisters” (1 Thessalonians 2:14), and more.
The building metaphor recurs in 1 Peter 2:5, as Peter tells the church, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.” Then, in verse 6, Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone.” Jesus is the very foundation of His building.
We may have the sense that it’s our job to build the church, but Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). We’re chosen by God to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). As we declare those praises, we become instruments in His hands as He does His good work.
~ by Bill Crowder
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Reflect & Pray:
• What does it mean for Jesus to build His church?
• How can you participate in that work?
"Dear God, forgive me for the times I think it’s all about me. Please use me to serve You and love others as You build Your church. In Jesus’ name, amen."
___________________
Scripture Insight:
The apostle Peter describes believers in Jesus this way: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). He wasn’t the only New Testament writer to utilize the building metaphor. In fact, Paul uses that imagery multiple times in Ephesians alone. In Ephesians 2:21-22 we read, “In Christ the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.” God crafts His people into a “building” — a “spiritual house” — which is His dwelling place. Not only is this true of believers in Jesus collectively, it’s also the case for individual believers. The apostle also wrote: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
~ by Bill Crowder
https://odb.org/2024/09/16/built-on-christ
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Lord Jesus! I Love You!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
behind every dark cloud that brings struggles into our lives is the sunshine that will come forth....we just have to look for it. every dark cloud experience offers us an opportunity to shine & count our blessings ------God Bless
Solitude with Emmanuel
~ May you be encouraged and motivated today to get truly alone with the Father in these days.
One of the greatest privileges of the Christian faith is solitude with God. Engaging in solitude with our Creator is a life-giving celebration of His heart. Our God isn’t after what we can do for Him. He’s all about being with His people in restored, unhindered relationship.
Isaiah 7:14 prophesies about the birth of Christ saying:
“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Immanuel means, “God with us.” How amazing is it that the King of heaven and earth would desire to be called “God with us” and that our Creator would want to be known as one who would write Himself into the story of His creation in such a way as to be tangibly, truly present.
When we take time to get alone with the Father apart from any other agenda, to simply open our hearts and be with Him, we declare to ourselves and to God that our lives are centered around Him. When we make space to hold off on questions (and reading, learning, and growing) to simply rest in His nearness, we discover that God is far better and far more loving than we ever could have guessed [or imagined].
Solitude with God is a place of abundant joy. It’s a place of peace and encounter that no other spiritual discipline can bring. It’s a source of perspective and freedom in times typically marked by frivolous pursuits and stress. And it’s a cornerstone of Christian spirituality: a pursuit of God that casts aside every ulterior motive to simply and purely be with God.
John 1:14 says:
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
The heart of Jesus is marked by grace and truth. He sees you as you are. He knows exactly what you need. Take time to discover the grace of God to speak to you as you simply open your heart and listen. Trust in His perfect love and leadership by sitting at His feet and letting Him say everything, or nothing at all. Fix your eyes on Jesus today and enjoy the simplicity of solitude.
May your heart be filled with peace and joy as you encounter Emmanuel, God with us.
One of the greatest markers in my life for how I’m doing, is how consistently I am getting time to simply enjoy God. Loving and being loved by God is foundational to every other aspect of the Christian life. It’s only in experiencing God’s love that I can effectively love others. It’s only in enjoying God that I am able to fully enjoy family and friends. Sometimes the simplest of things are the most powerful. May your heart be light today as you find joy in the simplicity of solitude with God.
_________________
~ from an article by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/
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Good Word for the day plugger!
Psalm 51:10---"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me"
I have a hard time this morning being focused, then I ran across this passage and it seemed fitting for what I needed
GOD BLESS & have a great Saturday
Good Congee
"He went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him.” ~ 2 Kings 5:14
Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 9-14
Jocelyn’s bestselling dish at her food stall was her congee. She’d stir the rice porridge very carefully until it had a smooth consistency. So, she was startled when a regular customer said, “Your congee tastes different. The texture isn’t as fine.”
Jocelyn’s new assistant had prepared it this time and explained why it was different: “I didn’t stir it as long as the recipe said since that’s how I do it at home. I also added more sesame oil. In my opinion, it tastes better that way.” She had decided to ignore the recipe and do it her way instead.
This is how I sometimes respond to God’s instructions. Instead of fully obeying His commands as given in Scripture, I subject them to my opinions and proceed my way.
Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, was on the verge of making a similar mistake. On receiving God’s instruction through the prophet Elisha to wash himself in the Jordan so his leprosy would be healed, the proud soldier got angry. He had his own expectations for how his need ought to be addressed, believing his opinion was superior to God’s command. His servants, however, convinced him to listen to Elisha’s words. As a result, Naaman was healed.
When we do things God’s way, we experience a peace that’s indescribable. Let’s work with Him in fulfilling His purposes.
~ by Karen Huang
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Reflect & Pray:
• How do you allow your opinions to compromise your obedience to God?
• How does this affect His work in your life?
"Dear God, please help me to obey You in full, for Your command far surpasses my opinion. Amen"
___________________
Scripture Insight:
What we see of Naaman in 2 Kings 5 is a reminder of our human propensity for “self-salvation strategies” — self-styled plans to improve ourselves, our status with others, and even with God Himself. While there’s nothing wrong with general self-improvement, we can only have a right relationship with God by accepting Christ’s sacrifice as the payment for our sin. We can’t allow pride, self-righteousness, and worldly wisdom to get in the way. Acts 16:30-31 says, “‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.’”
~ by Arthur Jackson
https://odb.org/2024/09/14/good-congee
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I wonder----while waiting for my bride to get ready to go the grocery, I sat at my desk and just flipped open my Bible, it opened in Mark where Peter was 3 times denying Christ....As I read I wondered if maybe, not being judgmental just wondering, if maybe folks should think more on the crucification than we do, maybe I am just thinking of me, IDUNNO...Like I said just a passing thought while waiting
GOD BLESS
Looking For A Fight
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” ~ Romans 12:21
In all the superhero stories, there is a fine line that is very difficult for the hero to walk. On the one hand, the hero is called to fight for justice and goodness. On the other hand, a fight is a fight. Villains are not vanquished with good manners. In the fight itself, it can be difficult to discern the difference between the two. Both are fighting, and the fighting is violent and difficult.
Superheroes are born to fight. It is their purpose. But they lose their way when they can no longer distinguish their behaviors and motives from the bad guys. Their goodness is found in the purpose for which they fight. The true superheroes fight for freedom.
The struggle is the same for us. Faith superheroes also need to fight for the right things, and the right reasons. God does not call us to “get our way.” We are not called to achieve what the world values. The Marvel villains inevitably seek to control the world. Their motive is a tyranny where all must bow to their will. The superhero risks his life so that people can make their own choices. The superhero fights for freedom.
We are attracted to Marvel superhero stories because in the deep recesses of our heart we long to follow the ultimate faith superhero - Jesus. The Bible tells us “It was for freedom that Christ set us free.” Our freedom was purchased with his life. On the other hand, Satan is a tyrant, seeking to bend all to his will. What he calls freedom is slavery. Jesus calls us to true freedom, the freedom to serve others as faith superheroes. A cause worth fighting for.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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On hearing, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."
—Matthew 9:12 💝
Thanks for sharing
Good morning ...for whatever reason this morning I was looking back over post on the Bible board from back in late 2019 and early 2020… Just to see some of the stuff that we were posting back when the Covid thing was going on… and I came across this post from 2019 that I had posted and copy / paste to put here this morning…just to show anybody that may be reading here…i don't care what you're going through…i don't care how tragic and unnecessary and lost your life may seem… or maybe you have a family member that their life is falling apart…there is always hope…and that hope is the Lord Jesus Christ always and forever!
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
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
1 John 5:4
God is still in the answering of prayer business. Just talk with God, He already knows everything, He knows what is on your mind before you speak, so why not just go ahead and just talk with God like you would a friend. ----1 Corinthians 2:9----"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."------You can find this also in Isaiah 64:4---How many times I have read this, how many times I have heard this preached on, how many times did I really not grasp the true message, I have no idea....everyday in my morning coffee time chatting with God I always ask for wisdom, I, being really thick upstairs, just want to understand, I think I understand only to find that I know nothing----Now back to God answering prayer, this morning not knowing where in my Bible I wanted to go next I talked with God in all seriousness and I felt led to 1st Corinthians, I got to 2:9 and got to reading several resource things and developed an understanding I never had before, I'll not try to explain. Reckon my point is----God truly answered my prayer, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit teaching me....Think on this, if you will, All throughout the N.T. we are taught that "ALL" learning comes from God through the Holy Spirit. Now I understand that God uses man to spread His word, But the Spirit is what draws us near.
May I ask why you visited the Bible Board this morning ? May I suggest to you that you are right hear reading different post because you are right where God wants you to be, doing exactly what God wants you to be doing. Truly, to be caught in the presence of God, His Son Jesus & the Holy Spirit is an awesome experience------God is still in the Prayer answering business---give it a try
The Purpose of Our Trials
~ In the midst of our struggles, we may feel overwhelmed, but God will carry us through.
Scripture Reading:
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory.” ~ 1 Peter 4:12-13
Some believers like to portray their life as ideal and carefree. But in reality, being a Christian isn’t easy. In fact, sometimes we’ll experience trials that truly test our faith and ability to trust in God.
In today’s passage, Peter refers to times of testing as a “fiery ordeal.” He says we shouldn’t be surprised when adversity comes. It’s important to remember that God has a purpose for our difficulties and will see us through them (Romans 5:3-5). Here are some of the goals He may have for painful experiences:
• At times the Lord uses hardship to cleanse us. Trials drive us to Him. And as we focus on God, we’re increasingly able to see things from His perspective.
• A difficulty in our life may be the Lord’s way of testing us. He could be trying our faith, endurance, or devotion to Him.
• God uses suffering to demonstrate His power to sustain us. When He brings us through challenging times, He glorifies Himself. In turn, this encourages others, because they have witnessed God’s sustaining power in our life.
Ultimately, hardships strengthen our testimony. In the midst of our struggles, we might feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But once the storm has passed, we can often look back and see the Lord’s providential hand carrying us through.
__________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-purpose-of-our-trials
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Love 2 all in Jesus!! http://mobilesavior.com
You got that right brother - me too…
In my reading of Billy Graham's book on the Holy Spirit he wrote "There is a difference between sin and sins. Sin is the root, sins are the fruit." I read that, over and over again & again...Man that's heavy, going to take me some time on this, be carrying this around for a while. Yes, I get it, just never before gave it any thought . My 1st thought was sin is like an apple tree, and then sins are all the apples on that tree. Well got your attention,
GOD BLESS & have a very blest day
Well there's some truth for you right… I remember one of pluggers post he was talking about Flip Wilson and one of his famous lines… The devil made me do it… And I think that's something that we believers have to keep in mind… Just like you said brother....saying satan get thee behind me and then the Holy Spirit convicting you and saying that that's your flesh… I think what we often do just like Flip Wilson we often times give satan too much credit when it's our flesh that we should be paying more attention to… And trust me I'm speaking from experience...now dont get me wrong...i from time to time speak the words satan get thee behind me but just like you...almost instantly or shortly there after my spiritual light bulb lights up and i say...i hear you Lord that was me....but....still in the heat of battle...sin...im not taking a chance to call out to satan and tell him to take a hike just in case it is him!
Good morning....a deep subject indeed....because...and im just going to throw this out there for something to think on....who are my enemies...well like you say there is satan and his demons. And i guess i can in some way throw in there wolves in sheep clothing...false prophets...unbelievers and yes believers also that try to cause me harm...those that harbor unforgiveness towards me....and i know y'all can add to that list. But then...outside of satan and his demons Jesus tells me to love my enemies...WHAT!
And then of course lets not forget who can often times be my worst enemy...myself...sigh!
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic[a] either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Luke 6:27-31
For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
Psalm 109:2-5
And again...this who are our enemies and loving your enemies is a deep subject that can go in different direction in conversation...and all be biblical...if you finish reading Psalm 109 David ask God to come down hard on his enemies....
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20109&version=NKJV
Hope in God's Nearness
~ As we make space for His presence today, I pray that He fills us with a new measure of hope and life in His nearness.
As sons and daughters of the living God, faith founded on God’s nearness should be at the core of our hope.
Psalm 139:7-12 says:
“Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol [the grave], You are there. If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night” — even the darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You.”
There is no greater source of hope than God’s resounding declaration of His nearness. Jesus paid the ultimate price that you and I might be no longer separated from God. His presence now dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. And that fact brings a pervasive hope that has the ability to profoundly impact every aspect of our lives.
As you look forward, know that the God who dwells within you knows every little thing that will happen next. He dwells within all of eternity. Time for Him is not as it is for us. And He promises to be with you in the midst of any trial, pain, victory, or defeat. He longs for you to know His presence moment by moment in everything you will do.
Your heavenly Father says:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” ~ Isaiah 41:10
You can have the fullness of hope because the God who fashioned time is “your God.” He will help you and be there for you. He will never “leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
While the rest of the world sits in fear and worry over what the future holds, your God is leading you in the path of peace that comes from trusting in His presence. But the choice is yours. Will you place your hope in yourself, others, the world, or in God? If you try and build your hope on the foundations of this world, you will find yourself tossed about by the ever-changing waves of man’s opinion. But if you choose to found your hope on the rock of God’s nearness, your life will be filled with all the goodness and mercy of God’s steadfast love.
Take time right now to place your hope in the loving nearness of your heavenly Father as you enter into prayer.
• Why do we live as if God isn’t near to us?
• Why do we fumble through life on our own when Jesus paid the ultimate price that we might have restored relationship with our loving Creator?
God has made available a better way of living and has called us to walk in it. He wants us to know His will, love, and power moment by moment. He wants our thoughts, emotions, and actions to be fully founded in His unshakable nearness.
Paul’s prayer in Romans 15:13 is my prayer for you today:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
May your day be filled with the peace that comes from trusting in God’s nearness.
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~ excerpt of an article published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/
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I am slow, lol,,, I had to read this twice, then caught on, I have to remember this lesson
When you read stuff in the Scripture to you kind of understand it as in our world today. That ain't very clear, but maybe this will help.....David in the Psalms writes so very much about his enemies, from the O.T. Scriptures we understand who & why those enemies exist .....Yesterday in reading my 5 Psalms I got to thinking on David's enemies which led me to think "who are my enemies"....The devil and his demons or helpers, they are my enemies, now don't get me wrong, I am not talking about the BOOGIE MAN, or the MONSTER under the bed but just as I believe in the Holy Spirit and angels I also believe in the devil and his helpers----Great big ole subject there.....I best leave this alone for now----but think on it----remember ole Flip Wilson, he often would say "the devil made me do it", a real top-notch comedian he was and joking he was-----but so very true
As usual, you be right on. OH !!! may I say it has been a real blessing for others to start posting more often, never know the smallest word may seem like nothing yet God through His Holy Spirit can take that little thought and touch a sinner's heart, we just never know, probably best we don't know because then that opens the door for the devil to put pride in, then I or we think it all happened because of us. Such and easy trap for us humans to fall for
Trust me plugger...God thru David was speaking loud and clear to me as well....almost 29 years that i have been born again Jesus has brought me a long long ways but i can still have my moments if im not careful! What i guess i mean...even if im just thinking it in my head and not speaking it and showing my hind end....God is still hearing it sooooooooooo!
Good morning...i remember...i think...you saying something about that...however...even though i didnt think my memory could get much worse im finding out that it can. Anyway... if i remember right at the end of that post you said you were reporting for chair duty so i didnt bother replying because i didnt want to wake you up knowing that your wife was getting a little peace and quiet!
So i mentioned my memory because to go with what you are saying here. Sometime i hear and read stuff and im not sure if it is really new to me or if it is just a memory thing. Outside of that as we know with the word of God. God is going to give us so much at a time concerning His word and when we get that He will reveal more to us....Just like with other things in life...right? Then..as we know...Gods word is living and active. I can read a passage this morning and God speak to me a certain way thru it....then....a few months or years He can speak to me totally differenty thru that same passage....so...what we learned thru that passage before...and now something reavealed to us differently...can maybe make us think it is something new?....and in a way that is true...or...but...God is just allowing us to interprete it differently? Like i can listen to Adrian Rogers...John MacAurther...Charles Stanley....David Jeremiah...thats the guys i listen to regularly....i can hear them preach on a passage and make a awesome sermon from it....then down the road they preach that same passage and use it in a different context...so to speak...to make a totally different message...point from it. They are not changing God word...they are not contradicting themselves...its just in my belief Gods word is living and active and He speaks to us thru His word or preachers for what we are going thru at the time. I mean....if what a preacher is preaching is truly Holy Spirit inspired....there could be 100 people sitting there listening and all 100 people hear smething different led by the Holy Spirit....right? So yes...we keep learning and like you say because i feel the same way at times about what have i actually learned...or... is it really sticking to me with spiritual head knowledge but most important heart knowledge. And of course....i believe when a person is born-again....those times that we read the Bible or listen to a preacher preach....those times we dont feel like we learned anything or really got anything out of it. I believe the Holy Spirit even in those times stores it away in our head and heart to have when we need it.
And of course on the Hitler and Stalin being baptized thingy....like you said we must be born-again before we show a public testimony of faith and are baptized and of course a person can be saved and go to heaven without being baptized but if we are saved we of course want to be baptized. What did just say...lol...
Being baptized before real and true salvation is just a bath...wink!
I found in Palm 141 this and it hit me right upside my thick head---How did David know thousands of years ago to say this to me here in 2024, lol....Probably doesn't apply to any of you but maybe 1 or 2---anyway struck home here-----"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."-------The footnote says--"David prayed that God would protect him from the kind of evil that characterized his enemy.".......Think maybe I need to put this passage to memory
GOD BLESS
Jesus - the Light
~ Our Savior came to illuminate our lives and enable us to shine for Him in a dark world.
Scripture Reading: John 1:4-5; John 1:9
In the Bible, God’s first spoken words are “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). O Oriens, the next antiphon from “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” is translated “O Dayspring.” Originally meaning the dawn of a new day, the term refers to the illuminating presence that God’s Word brought to the dark and formless world.
The same language describes the new creation that the Lord brings to us. John says that in Jesus — the eternal Word — is life, which is the “Light of mankind that shines in the darkness” (John 1:4-5). The other Gospel writers don’t miss the connection either. When Jesus moves to Capernaum after John the Baptist’s arrest, Matthew recalls Isaiah’s prophecy about the light coming to a dark place. People “sitting in darkness … sitting in the land and shadow of death” were visited by that light (Matthew 4:16).
Though parts of the world remain in shadow, we know that the Light has come — and He shines brighter than any sun. Today, ask God to illuminate every corner of your life “to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). And remember: As we “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7), we receive God’s forgiveness and are reconciled to Him. Then He makes us shine in a dark world.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/
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I made mention the other day that I was reading a book by Billy Graham on the Holy Spirit, he got on this "Born Again" subject, and here after reading & studying my Scripture since 1990 or even maybe before that-- Man I thought I was beginning to know something, I can honestly say "I KNOW NOTHING", well maybe know enough to get me in trouble. Anyway, he got on the subject of being born again he got to writing on this very subject which lead to writing on "regeneration"....So interesting that after breakfast I came back to read those several pages again and got to looking in Scripture-----NEVER--EVER---EVER stop learning, just as soon as I think I know a little something I learn -- I KNOW NOTHING...now that does not make me feel bad because in Billy Graham's senior years he basically made the same statement that all his reading & studying he constantly keeps learning things he did not previously know.----Check this out, you may have known this, but bet 10 to 1 many did not know----Baptized, both Hitler and Stalin were baptized----I wonder, not judging, just curious, how many Christians think they are on safe ground because they were baptized---being born again involves way more than being baptized....yes the preacher may ask a few questions and one will answer, but that is no regeneration----amazing subject, I will be on this for a couple of days
GOD BLESS
One day last week...i think...we talked quite a bit about the soul and spirit...and im going to mention that again but to make a different point i was thinking on this morning. For those of us that are born-again believers...we understand the fact that we have a spirit and a soul that are going to live forever. And in that spirit and soul...is who we are as a person...our character...our personality...emotions...the way we think...everything about us consist in that spirit and soul. And that of course lives in this human body...yes...this human body is just a vessel carrying us around as we walk this Earthly path here on planet Earth. And when the human body dies that spirit and soul is going to leave this vessel and step foot into eternity in one of two places...Heaven or Hell. And for those of us that are born-again believers we have that awesome promise from Jesus...that he has gone to prepare a place for us in heaven...paradise! But what i really want to talk about this morning is as a person... being perfect. I actually did a quick search and found that in at least five scriptures...that i posted...we are told to be perfect. Now...we humans know theres no way we can be perfect...there was only one perfect human in all of creation and all of time...and of course that was Jesus...who was both fully man and fully God and still is God. And im not speaking for God but im pretty sure God also knows that we cant be perfect thats why he sent Jesus to die in body and pay our sin debt in full...yet...He tells us to be perfect..so..why is that? My thought is this...everyday God wants to mold us more and more into the likeness of Jesus...and...as a human living in this earthly vessel..our goal every day...even though we will never achieve it...we should be striving for perfection. And what is perfection. Could it be as simple as letting Jesus live his life through us...think about it.
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Matthew 19:21
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2 Corinthians 7:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:4
Remaining in Jesus
"I will build My church, and the forces [gates] of Hades will not overpower it.” ~ Matthew 16:18
Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-19
A fire burned Balsora Baptist Church to the ground. As emergency workers and community members gathered after the blaze subsided, they were surprised to see a charred cross standing upright amidst the smoke and ashes in the air. A firefighter commented that the fire “took the structure, but not the cross. [This is a reminder] that the building was just that, a building. The church is the congregation.”
The church is not a building, but a community united by the cross of Christ — the One who died, was buried, and rose again. When Jesus lived on earth, He told Peter He’d build His worldwide church, and nothing would destroy it (Matthew 16:18). Jesus would gather believers from all over the globe into a group that would continue throughout time. This community would face intense difficulty, but they’d ultimately endure. God would dwell within them and sustain them (Ephesians 2:22).
When we struggle to establish local churches only to have them stagnate and sputter, when buildings are destroyed, or when we’re concerned about believers struggling in other parts of the world, we can remember that Jesus is alive, actively enabling God’s people to persevere. We’re part of the church He’s building today. He’s with us and for us. His cross remains.
~ By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
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Reflect & Pray:
• In what ways might you support fellow believers?
• How does sharing the good news relate to God’s plan for the church?
"Dear God, please strengthen Your people everywhere. Fill them with wisdom, protect them, and help them stay faithful to You. Amen."
_________________
Scripture Insight:
How are we to interpret Jesus’ reference to “the gates of Hades” (Matthew 16:18)? The setting for Christ’s great question to Peter, “Who do you say I am?” (v. 15) is Caesarea Philippi, which lies at the southern base of Mount Hermon. The area in and around Caesarea Philippi had historically been known as Bashan, which scholars and the Scriptures connect to the worship of several false gods and to child sacrifice. People commonly believed this region to be the entrance to the underworld — the place of the dead. Jesus knew that the phrase “the gates of Hades” would be understood as our great enemy — death. Christ’s statement is a declaration that He’s the Messiah who overcomes even death. Peter answered Jesus’ question by saying, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v. 16). Christ called Peter “blessed” for this response (v. 17).
~ by Tim Gustafson
https://odb.org/2024/09/09/what-remains
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You have said a mouth-full there brother…
I understand you brother. Pray that you are having a blessed Sunday!
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We don’t fall a part, for our hope is to be with The Lord , like someone who doesn’t believe in The Lord . We are on His time not our time . We know if our love one’s believe Paid for there sins on the Cross shed his blood for them and Rose again, We know we will see them again!
I wish very much that organized religion would speak more of the Holy Spirit than they do, just an opinion here. I am reading a book by Billy Graham--"The Holy Spirit...Activating God's Power In Your Life."----In here I hi-lited this and think it sort of fits in with your post and what Tenac & I were chatting about---"God the Holy Spirit can take the humblest preaching or feeblest words of our witness to Christ, and transform them by His power into a convicting word in the lives of others."
Just my thoughts here, many Christians fail to speak up for Christ, not of being ashamed, or afraid of what someone may say----but because they do not feel qualified to share the gospel---now I say do not worry about it, I don't care how bad you screw up your words, I don't care how uneducated you are, whatever your excuse I don't care because I know the Holy Spirit will take your good intentions and turn it into beautiful music for God. I have many times depended upon the Holy Spirit for one thing or another, so much so that I can honestly say the Holy Spirit is there just like Jesus promised, The Holy Spirit is there to walk beside each of us to help out in our hour of need-----Once again my opinion here---the only way to really experience this is to give it a try, find yourself in a hole with noway out, don't keep digging, speak out to the Holy Spirit & ask for help, after all that is why Jesus ask His Father to send the Holy Spirit here for----to help us out---I think the Greek is "Paraclete"---The one who is called along side. Also called the "comforter" the "Helper". the "Counselor". & I think we find this in John 13 or 14, somewhere along there I think. I never understood the Trinity, all the reading I have done on the subject shows that no-one else does either, when I was a little boy I ask my mom about this, knowing a mom ain't gonna lie to their boy she said honestly she could not explain it, but be good and one day when you get to heaven you can ask------as a young boy and now as an old man I have no idea to explain the Trinity, but at 81 yrs. young I am getting close to the time of asking and getting my answer
God Bless and behave yourselves, you got angels watching
Good morning folks… I am replying to the post that I put on here last night because whether I need to or not I want to clarify something just to make sure that what I said isn't taken the wrong way. I was NOT saying that a person has to have gone through something…been there done that…to minister to someone.…i hope I didn't give that impression. As believers we are to minister to everybody…the saved and the unsaved...regardless of what they are going through and regardless of whether we've been through something like that or not. It's just that we need to choose our words carefully when we are talking to folks…just looking them in the eye and being sincere showing them love and letting the light of Jesus shine from us. I was just saying that when we are talking to someone in our time of trouble knowing they have first hand experence makes a difference to me but also knowing that it was Jesus who made the difference in their successful journey back from a dark place into the light again. OK that's all I've got…wink… Y'all have an awesome day… soon be time to head toward the church.
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This is the BEST explanation I have EVER heard to one of the toughest most asked question of you if you are a Christian you NEED to listen to this dudes TRUTH so when others ask you the explanation you give will make sense to them.
No matter if you are a Christian or not the evil one LOVES to use this question.
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