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Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!
The Sacrificial Lamb
~ All of our wrongs — past, present, and future — are forgiven when we accept the gift of salvation that Jesus died to give us.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:1-14
God’s grace has no limits. His mercy can reach the darkest part of our heart. Christ not only erased our past, present, and future sin; He also paid for the wrongs of every generation. When the ancient Israelites brought a goat or a lamb to the temple for a sacrifice, they placed their hands on its head and confessed their sins. The priest then killed the animal and sprinkled some of its blood on the altar of atonement. The ritual symbolized a confessor’s payment for sin.
But the lamb could not actually take on the sin and die in place of the Israelite. If an animal’s blood could actually erase a sin debt, then Jesus’ death would have been unnecessary. The ritual of sacrificing a lamb was the Father’s idea, though the act itself was symbolic. God established such offerings as an illustration of the seriousness of sin. The practice also pointed to Christ’s perfect sacrificial death on our behalf and the salvation He brings.
Like the Israelites, we must also look to a lamb — the Lamb of God (John 1:29). When we receive Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, we are forgiven forever.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministry
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-sacrificial-lamb
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Lord Jesus! Thank You for Your mercy on us!!! I soooo much understand it lately! And thank You for helping others around me??!!
Your grace surely appreciated!!!
I Love You, Jesus! And, let's keep going?!?!?!?!? :) Thank You!!! http://boxoflove.live/
When we put our cares...burdens...problems...our everything...In Jesus hands...in return He puts His peace in our hearts. And how important is that peace that comes only from Jesus? We have to realize that life is going to be hard sometimes. Life in these human bodies....we are not promised a walk thru the rose garden. As we take each step of our journey here on planet earth we are always going to go from the mountain tops to walking thru the valleys....sometimes even crawling thru the valleys! Yes...we can expect good times...not so good times...even down right bad times during our life here on planet earth...even in our walk with the Lord. Not being negative...just a fact of life...right? However...we must remember...no matter how good or bad things are. Jesus is always with us. When we submit to God thru surrender and obedience...when we humble ourselves before Jesus by truly placing our faith and trust in Him....He is faithful to give us what we need to see us thru each and every circumstance of our lives. Do you know Jesus as Lord? If not this talk probably seems pretty strange to you. Thats because you have only yourself and maybe a few friends and family to help see you thru your times of trouble...and as you might know...there is only so much that other humans can do to give us comfort when we are truly hurting. On the other hand the supernatural power of God lives in us when we are born-again thru the Holy Spirit. Yes...the Holy Spirit living in us...we dont have to wait or look for Him...He is living within us...how cool is that!? I cant sit here and tell you in words what a difference having Jesus in your life will make...however...i can tell you this. There is a difference to everyday and all that life can throw at you when you wake up knowing that Jesus is with you in and thru it all and what He adds to your life will bless you in ways unspeakable!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
Dont matter what the question is...
JESUS is the answer!
Dont matter what the problem is....
JESUS is the answer!
Dont matter what the doctor tells you...
JESUS is the answer!
Dont matter how lost or hopeless you feel....
JESUS is the answer!
Dont matter what the world or satan throws in your path...
JESUS is the answer!
Who are we going to put our faith and trust in?
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
The Greatest Love
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” ~ 1 John 3:16
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” ~ John 15:13
Professor Bruce Riggins of McCormick Theological Seminary met a very dedicated Christian woman working with underprivileged people in London. He asked what it was that inspired her faith and action.
She told him this story:
She was a Jew fleeing the Gestapo in France during World War II. She knew she was close to being caught and wanted to give up. She was hiding in a home in France and a widow came and said it was time to flee. "It's no use," she said, "They'll find me anyway. They are so close." This Christian widow replied, "Yes, they will find someone here, but it's time for you to leave. Go with these people to safety. I will keep your identification and wait here."
She then understood the plan; the Gestapo would find the widow and think she was the fleeing Jew. When she asked why, the widow responded, "It's the least I can do, Christ has already done that and more for me." The widow was caught and imprisoned, allowing the Jewish lady to escape. Within six months she died in a concentration camp. The Jewish lady never forgot. She too became a follower of Jesus Christ and lived her life for others. She said she came to Christ through the greatest love a person can give – self-sacrifice.
This is exactly how Jesus purchased salvation for us. He chose to die in our place so that we could have forgiveness through His blood and a personal relationship with Him. We can never repay what He has done for us, but we can live our lives in a way that honors Him. Jesus selflessly served others in love, so much that He gave His life. Let us, too, serve others faithfully and share the love and mercy we have received.
Suggested Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice and the forgiveness and unconditional love we have received because of it. I pray that I would honor and glorify You through the way I love and serve others. May others come to know You through the example I give. In Your name I pray, Amen.
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~ by Crystal B.
~ 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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Good morning folks...As we celebrate Memorial Day...we pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces who have given their lives serving this great nation of the United States of America. All that we enjoy here in the United States by way of our freedoms...our awesome lifestyle...we owe first of all to God the Father...God the Son...God the Holy Spirit...and...to our fallen heros of the Armed Forces!...Theres an ole saying...Freedom isnt free...we know that by the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross and the sacrifice of the men and women of the Armed Forces.
....Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends....John 15:13
Theres an old hymn that has the title..."Victory in Jesus". I love that old hymn as i do so many of them. Heres the thing. Do we really have "Victory in Jesus". Are we as believers living our lives knowing that we really do have a bright future through Christ!? Do we live our lives knowing that the very spirit of God lives in our lowly bodies? Do we truly believe that God wants the very best for us and that His love surpasses anything that may come our way? Do we trust God knowing that no matter how tragic our life may become ...no matter how bad our circumstances may get....The love and grace and mercy of God will sustain us if we will just turn it all over to Him and thru faith TRUST HIM! And on the other hand. Do we have the "Victory in Jesus" because we have let go of the past? The things we may have done in our past...do they still haunt us? The things from our past that have been such a burden to us...the problems or failures or grief that once plagued us...have we said enough and laid all that down at the feet of Jesus and truly gave them up to Him? Theres a saying.."We cant grab hold of the future as long as we are holding on to the past"! Do we believe that? Look folks..i know sometimes its hard to let go...especially from hurt, sorrow, pain and regret...but that is what Jesus wants for us. To forget the past and look to the glory of the future knowing that Jesus is with us every step of the way! Do you have "Victory in Jesus" in your life today?
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Listening With Humility
~ Wise people pause to consider advice from others; the foolish ignore warnings of danger ahead.
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 25:32-35
Let’s return to yesterday’s scene. When David saw Abigail kneeling in the road, he could have ordered her out of his path. After all, he was powerful. He had been anointed to be the king of Israel and had an entire army behind him. Nothing obligated him to stop and hear what Abigail had to say — but thankfully, he did.
• Have you ever been barreling toward a huge mistake, only to hear someone caution you?
• Did you consider what the person was saying?
• And would you say things turned out better as a result?
Or perhaps the opposite has been the case and you ignored wise advice — if so, it’s highly likely you learned a great deal from that experience!
Abigail’s words were wise and persuasive, and David prudently chose to listen with humility. His decision to heed the woman’s pleas diverted him from a course that would have tainted his future rule.
If you’re facing a decision today, God doesn’t expect you to figure it out on your own. Maybe the Holy Spirit is providing counsel (John 14:26), or it might be that God has sent someone to advise you.
Who is the Abigail in your path?
May you have the wisdom to listen to those God has placed in front of you.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministry
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/listening-with-humility
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Heres a song that was recorded by Johnny Nash back in 1972. And im "guessing" there was no intent in it having anything to do with Jesus....a secular song if you will....But i came across this verson by Brothers of the Heart and while listening if you willl think about your day of salvation and praise Jesus....im pretty sure this will get you motivated and out the door with a smile on your face and in your heart!
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
Isaiah 25:1
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Psalm 100:4
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:6
"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it"
Psalm 118:24
Called By God
~ Are you willing to follow God wherever He leads?
Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1-6
Three times in today’s passage, the apostle Paul uses the word "called” — once to describe himself as an apostle and twice to describe the believers in the church at Rome. In all three cases, he uses the same Greek term — "klétos" — which means “invited, called, or summoned by God.”
But what does it actually mean to be “called,” and is it something we can expect to happen today? The answer is yes, absolutely! God calls us, His children, in multiple ways and for multiple reasons. For instance, we are …
1. Called to Salvation — Sin created a barrier between us and God, so He reached out to establish a relationship with us by offering salvation through Christ (Ephesians 2:4-9).
2. Called to Sanctification — Once we have accepted Jesus as Savior, He calls us to strive for sanctification (or holiness). Our life’s goal is to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16). What our Father expects is not immediate perfection but that we seek Him daily for guidance.
3. Called to Service — God has chosen to carry out His plans through those who are saved. Our task is to serve Him by walking “in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called” and accomplishing what He’s planned for us (Ephesians 4:1).
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/called-by-god
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I first want to say…as long as what somebody else is doing is not directly affecting me in a negative way… I reckon it is their business… They will be held accountable for themselves…to say and do what they want…within the law of man…and more importantly the law of God. I mean we do live in the United States where we have freedoms unlike any place else on earth…and we have to remember…that God did give all humans a free will…not given them permission to do wrong…just meaning that they have that opportunity of unbelief… to live for satan…to embrace evilness and wickedness…if that's what they want to do…but…judgment day is coming. So my thought this morning…and I'm not trying to impose anything on anybody I'm just saying…its been several years now since Ive watched the news…and i do not read newspapers…for me…im not ignorant to what's going on in the world…i just don't need that daily onslaught through the media of all the craziness and chaos and madness that's going on in the world and in my opinion...the media almost glorifying it in many ways. When I turn my computer on in the mornings my homepage is Yahoo…so I do see about 6 of the major headlines of what's going on in the world…i just DONT click on those things to get the details because I know beyond a shadow of any doubt that sovereign God is in complete and total control and my faith and trust is in Him....Yes...He has gave satan free reign over this earth for the time being but even with that…satan is on what I will call…a short leash…so to speak. All I have to do is open my Bible… And just to call out a couple books... go to the book of Daniel… The book of Revelation… And through study of those two books…and of course there's many other scriptures throughout the Bible that address this. But I know what's going on in the world today is what is supposed to be going on. Much Bible prophecy has come to light and what we are seeing today is more Bible prophecy being fulfilled and there's more Bible prophecy yet to come… And all of it is leading us too… The Rapture… Tribulation… Millennial… End times. Even though I do stand up for things…voice my opinion…about those things of satan…im not sitting in a cave ringing my hands…but in Jesus name I do make it known that people need to repent and turn to Jesus before it's too late. I mean just like since Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit…all the problems of the world past… present… and the future to come… It all boils down to that three letter word… SIN… it's always been bad here on planet earth sense the fall in the garden of Eden… And it's going to continue to get bad here on planet earth until the Rapture happens. Yes...were gonna see it get pretty dad burn bad right here in the USA until God says enough and all born again believers that are living and those already in heaven get their glorified bodies are caught up to by the Rapture…so… I'm not ringing my hands… I'm not getting excited… I know nothing surprises God and nothing slips by God… I think the old hymn goes
His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me … so... I get up every morning…im not trying to change the world. I believe my job is to tell people about Jesus and his saving grace…now as I said… I don't turn a blind eye to all of the wickedness and evil that's going on here in the United States… I know we have more than enough wolves in sheep clothing and false prophet to try to lead us believers astray…however... I know from Romans 13… That God puts all leaders and kings and presidents in office... those that he wants to be in office are elected to fullfill His plan and purpose… And we are to respect and honor them to a point… I've heard John MacArthur say a few times… For believers…when he was preaching on Romans 13… he said… We are to respect and honor our elected officials as hard as that may seem often times… But... if government tells us to do something that God's word tells us not to do… Then we do not do it… He also said… If government tells us not to do… What God tells us to do… We do not honor that… I think that's an awesome way of looking at it… Anyway… I've run this rabbit around the hole long enough… Y'all have a most blessed day!…
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2 Peter 3:9
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
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
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Psalm 138:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Psalm 32:8
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Learning to Pause
~ When anger flares, stop to ask for God's wisdom.
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 25:20-35
• How do you respond when someone mistreats you?
• Are you quick to judge that person, cataloging all the reasons you didn’t deserve to be treated so unfairly?
That was David’s initial response when the fair treatment he expected was denied.
David, while still on the run from Saul, sent men from his army to request provisions from Nabal, a rich man in the area. David felt sure Nabal would look favorably on him and meet the needs of his army. Not only would that have been customary, but David had also earned the favor by protecting Nabal’s flocks. Yet the request, though reasonable, was scornfully rejected.
When we feel spurned, mistreated, or unappreciated, it can cause us to respond in a way that only makes the situation worse. In David’s case, his anger flared and he set out for revenge. But before he and his 400 warriors could make it to their destination, Nabal’s wife Abigail intercepted them, falling on her face to apologize for her husband’s behavior and to reason with David.
In that moment, David had a choice to make. He could either charge right past her, fueled by his own rage and need for justice, or he could pause (James 1:19-20). God gave him the wisdom to make the better choice.
The next time anger erupts in your heart, will you follow David’s example and stop to listen to wisdom?
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/learning-to-pause
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The Daily Article — May 23, 2024
~ Why are people mad about Harrison Butker’s commencement address?
When Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker delivered the commencement address at Benedictine College — a small Catholic school in Atchison, Kansas — on May 11, he understood that his speech would be controversial. In fact, he essentially led off by acknowledging “These are the sorts of things we are told in polite society not to bring up.” However, I doubt even he thought he’d still be making headlines nearly two weeks later.
• So what is it about Butker’s speech that has caused such a stir?
• And is the criticism he’s received warranted, or is it another example of modern society’s penchant toward free speech for me but not for thee?
As you might expect, the answer to both questions is complicated.
Let’s start by looking at what Butker actually said:
The part of his address that has received the greatest amount of attention is when he spoke specifically to the women in the audience:
"For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives. I want to speak directly to you briefly, because I think it is you — the women — who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles that you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world."
While those thoughts would not have been terribly controversial fifty years ago, they understandably caused quite a stir today. The problem, however, is that much of the criticism he’s received has been levied by people who took his words and interpreted them through a lens that did not necessarily fit the context of his speech.
AJ Willingham, for example, claimed “Butker suggested that a woman’s accomplishments in the home are more valuable than any academic or professional goals.” It’s easy to see how Willingham would reach that conclusion, particularly since Butker proceeded to spend the next few minutes of his address thanking his wife for making the choice to stay home with their kids and detailing the joy she feels as a result.
Yet, his statement about women was one example within a larger message encouraging people to find peace and contentment by accepting God’s plans for their lives. If he truly thought that the only path God could have for a woman would be as a wife and mother, he would not have surrounded that statement by congratulating the women graduates for earning their degrees or for the “successful careers in the world” that some of them will surely go on to achieve.
Now, it’s probable that, given the larger worldview he espoused within his speech, he would agree with the idea that the most fulfilling life a woman could lead would be as a mother and wife. And it’s all right to disagree with that assessment.
However, it’s important to note that he did not say — as Sam McDowell surmised — that such a life was “their duty as a husband’s servant.”
Fortunately, there were some — including from some surprising sources — who saw Butker’s comments differently.
“Can’t that just be a choice too?”
On last Friday’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, the host addressed both Butker’s speech and the response it received.
He started by saying, “I can’t express how much this guy is not like me. He’s religious. He loves marriage. He loves kids.” He then went on to state, “I don’t see what the big crime is. I really don’t.” Speaking specifically of Butker’s comments about being a wife and stay-at-home mom, Maher added, “Can’t that just be a choice too?”
And I think that final thought was at the heart of Butker’s address.
• Is motherhood and homemaking the only acceptable vocation for women? Absolutely not.
• Is it God’s calling for some? Yes, and in such cases it is every bit as valuable and worthy of praise as those who are called to pursue a career outside the home.
You see, what ultimately defines the value of a person’s vocation is that it comes from the Lord. Everything else is secondary, and that is true for men and women alike.
Unfortunately, that part of Butker’s message has been largely lost amidst the controversy over his thoughts on the role of women.
The admonition to find our sense of peace and purpose in God’s call for our lives rather than the expectations of the world — or even ourselves — is something our culture desperately needs to hear.
Learn to be content in your calling:
One of the primary sources of the stress and anxiety permeating every facet of the population today is the result of our lives failing to live up to the expectations we’ve placed on them. And when those expectations come from someone or something other than the Lord, we should not be surprised when they prove unsatisfying.
After all, why would God bless a path that differs from the one he has called you to take?
Ultimately, you don’t have to agree with Butker’s views on women, Catholicism, or any number of the other topics he addressed in his speech to see the wisdom in finding contentment within the vocation God has called you to uniquely pursue.
And while, as the Apostle Paul notes, contentment in the Lord is something we have to learn rather than a state that will come naturally to us, it is by far the best way to go through this life and the only way to experience the peace and strength God longs to give.
"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:11–13
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~ published by: Denison Ministries
https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/why-are-people-mad-about-harrison-butkers-commencement-address/
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Lessons from the Redwood Forest
"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His [Jesus] return is drawing near.” ~ Hebrews 10:24-25
Giant Sequoia trees, also known as redwoods, are the biggest living things on Earth. Heights of 300 feet and diameters of 30 feet are not uncommon. They can range in age from 2,000 to 3,000 years — some of which were living when Jesus walked the shores of Galilee. The largest specimen, the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park, is 275 feet tall (84 meters), has a diameter of 36.4 feet (11.1 meters) at the base, and has been estimated to weigh 2500 metric tons. The Pacific coast redwoods in southern Oregon and northern California range in height from 100 to 367 feet (30 to 112 meters) — a size approached only by the eucalyptus of Australia.
What is fascinating about these majestic redwood trees that reach their leafy arms heavenward is that they stand for hundreds of years surviving raging fires, violent storms, and fierce winds. I have also read that they have a comparatively shallow root system which makes their survival even more amazing.
So how do they survive?
They survive because they live in groves with their root systems entangled with numerous other trees. In other words they support each other. They couldn't survive alone.
Neither can we. We need each other. We were never meant to go it alone. We need the support of one another to make it. One of the major purposes of the Christian church is for the very purpose of encouraging and supporting one another. We need to be both an encourager and to be encouraged by being in fellowship of other Christians.
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~ by Dick Innes
~ 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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"Thank You Lord, For Your Blessings On Me"
You know folks...its easy to have a grateful heart and give thanks to God when things are going well in our life. However its often a different story when the circumstances of life take a downward turn all the way to life altering events walking through our front door. Life can be hard and thankfulness to God often takes a back seat because we feel we have little to be thankful for due to our circumstances...our problems and burdens. You see...i believe having a thankful response in all circumstances starts with having a positive perspective on life. Having a good attitude knowing and accepting that as long as we are in these earthly bodies we know we can expect adversity all through our life. I mean...have you ever heard it said..."we are either coming out of adversity...going thru adversity or about to enter into adversity." Im not being negative...it just seems to be a fact of life...Right? Its easy to become narrow in our outlook and forget the big picture. When we become so focused on ourselves and our problems...the problem usually ends up being a lot bigger than it should be. So today… I encourage you to take your eyes off your problems and instead...look to God. Say a prayer of thanks to Him that He has created you and given you life...and look at today as a gift from God to start fresh. Most often we cant change our circumstances...but we can change our response to difficult times. If you allow every trial and tribulation to become an opportunity to thank God He will always show up! When we come into the presence of God and sing praises to Him...He is always there! God loves the praises of His people and it can change your entire perspective on whatever it is you may be facing today. Trust Him and praise Him not only in the good times but also in the bad times. You will be amazed how much better your mental and emotional and especially spiritual life will become!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:27
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22–23
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The In-Between
“Then He [Jesus] returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.” ~ Luke 2:51-52
It is easy for us to forget that Jesus’ ministry begins in earnest when he is well into adulthood. There is the account of his birth. Then the scene with him and his parents at the temple when he is twelve. And then these two little sentences at the end of Luke 2 that account for the majority of Jesus’ life on this planet.
Before the fanfare. Before the miracles and the parables. Before disciples and death and resurrection. Jesus spent most of his life on the plains.
He does not enter the scene at the wedding at Cana out of a Divine vacuum. His ministry begins after years and years of growth. Wisdom. Stature. Faithfulness in the mundane.
Our best moments are the result of years and years of character development, healthy living, and growth. If it is so for Jesus, how much more so for us?
Life is not just the big moments with lots of lag time in between. Life is what happens in the in-between. It is the decisions we make on the plains that determine who we are.
When Jesus’ ministry is marked by His baptism, His Father comments on the thirty years Jesus lived on the plains: “This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). The Father was immensely pleased that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature being faithful at work, home, and in the neighborhood.
Do not overlook the years of everyday life. It is an opportunity to grow in wisdom and stature. An opportunity to live a great life. An opportunity to please God by being faithful in the small things; small things that turn out to be big things.
_________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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A Fork In The Road
“…strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.’” ~ Acts 14:22
One of the effects of pain in our lives is that it interrupts our path. The impact of suffering causes a fork in the road. Our expectations and the reality we face crash together like two tectonic plates and it changes the terrain of our journey.
If our pain is not addressed properly, it can lead to dysfunction. This is one choice in the fork of the road. We can choose to make poor decisions in the wake of pain. We do this for a myriad of reasons. Trying to punish our pain, in rebellion to a life we felt betrayed us, through defensiveness, out of shame or embarrassment, or trying to short-circuit the pain by ignoring it – to name a few. Pain feeds insatiably on blame. And we can choose ourselves down a path of recurring pain, inevitably spiraling into dysfunction.
The other choice, the alternate path, is to learn and grow. Just like in exercise, pain is how character strengthens. We should never go looking for pain, but we need to understand that the earthquake it causes is not meant to destroy us but to develop us. We can’t stay on the path we were on before. A new development has caused a fork. And we must choose.
These choices are not easy. We had a straight path. We could see the horizon. And pain has shifted the journey. It’s not that pain knocks us off course, it just realigns the track. Making the choice to journey toward true perspective is the subtle, yet powerful opportunity of life in the midst of pain.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Great Are You Lord - All Sons and Daughters
Good Monday morning to all y'all!... im happy to report that the good Lord saw fit to open my eyes again this beautiful morning and so far no new aches and pains so i say thank you Jesus! Ive been out on the porch early this morning enjoying my coffee and as always...getting serenaded by an awesome choir of birds that seem to give me some funny looks when i join in? Not sure if they are amazed at my singing...wink...or busy putting their ear plugs in...regardless...we are singing praise to God for yet another day of life here on planet earth! And while im sitting there...im thanking God for allowing me to live in this country where we have freedom like no other. I thank you Lord that i can carry my Bible and worship and pray in public without fear of being put in prison or even killed. I thank you Lord that i always have food to put on my table...that im able to pay my bills...that i can look past my health issues and rejoice in the fact that i am alive again this day and that i have a home in heaven. I thank you Jesus that you love me so much that you died for me and rose victoriously from that tomb to save me from myself the world and satan! Isnt it just an awesome day to be alive! So...im headed back out to my feathered friends and another cup of coffee and enjoy this beautiful sunrise God has givin me and rejoice in knowing that all the time....the SON is shining brightly upon me!....Ive got that joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart!..Down in my heart to stay......Y'all have a fantastic and blessed day!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
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