ETERNITY

[Ranb2khz]

Encouraging Letters

I read of a man who was involved in a tragic accident. He lost both legs and his left arm and only a finger and thumb remained on the right hand. There was only enough left of the man that had been, to suffer and remember.

But he still possessed a brilliant mind, enriched with a good education and broadened with world travel. At first he thought there was nothing he could do but remain a helpless sufferer. A thought came to him. It was always nice to receive letters, but why not write them - he could still use his right hand with some difficulty. But whom could he write to?

Was there anyone shut in and incapacitated like he was who could be encouraged by his letters. He thought of men in prison - they did have some hope of release whereas he had none - but it was worth a try.

He wrote to a Christian organization concerned with prison ministry. He was told that his letters could not be answered - it was against prison rules, but he commenced this one sided correspondence.

He wrote twice a week and it taxed his strength to the limit. But into those letters he put his whole soul, all his experience, all his faith, all his wit, and all his Christian optimism. It must have been hard writing those letters, often in pain, and particularly when there was no reply.

Frequently he felt discouraged and was tempted to give it up. But it was his one remaining activity and he resolved to continue as long as he could. At last he got a letter. It was very short, written on prison stationery by the officer whose duty it was to censor the mail. All it said was:

"Please write on the best paper you can afford. Your letters are passed from cell to cell till they literally fall to pieces."

No matter what our personal situation is, we still have God-given gifts and talents, experience, and encouragement that we can share with others.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” ~ Colossians 3:23

"And the King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’" ~ Matthew 25:40
_________________

~ published by: The Daily Encourager

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






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[tenac]

..Ok...i can already hear a few boos and hisses...but so be it. Do we remember back when cell phones were popular enough that a great deal of the population had them...teens and adults alike. And...we had the added advantage of the internet on the cell phone. And as adults..we often sat in wonder...why and how the teenagers could sit and spend so much time on the phone talking and texting and on web sites...especially...social media. And it was to our amazement how these teens...could be in a room full of other teens and basically there would be no real conversation between them as they were texting other people in other places..and actually...texting people in the same room. We could not comprehend what was happening to the young folks with this devise straight from satan! Ok...now lets fast forward to present day...let us look in the mirror as the adults we are...how much time do we now spend on our cell phones? I mean..outside of business..our work. Do we now look like those teenagers we use to shake our heads at? Heres the thing...my point. In todays world...a vast number of humans can be with you..but they just as well be quite far away as the cell phone dominates the time. In the middle of conversation with the person or persons with you...talking on the phone and texting and surfing the web prevents any real person to person...heart to heart time. And as born-again believers...followers of Jesus...Gods servants...should we not be in the present...looking for and talking with...the people that are in our here and now. Looking for people that are hurting...ministering to their needs. Looking for opportunities to share the name of Jesus to everyone we can. This world is full of hurting people that have no hope...because...they dont know Jesus. And in the grand scheme of the universe...all that time that can be spent on the cell phone..how many people could we be ministering to...talking and listening to...praying for...because...wherever you are...whoever you are with...show them the respect they deserve...be with the people that are with you...not the people on the other side of the cell phone. Think about it...what and who is more important...the person in front of you...or the person on the other side of that devise you are holding in your hand? Ask God to teach you to live fully in the present that you may take advantage of every opportunity He gives you to serve Jesus Christ.

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

[Ranb2khz]

Practical Wisdom

"If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” ~ James 3:13

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing.” ~ James 1:15

Wisdom is the crossroad of knowledge and action. As we seek wisdom, we are not just looking for the right way to think but also the right way to do.

Like everything else in life, knowledge is a kind of trial. Discretion, even right discretion, can be used improperly. Or it can be idolized. We love to trumpet our “wisdom”, to blast it from the pulpit or across the table to a needy friend. We like having the right answers. We enjoy the knowledge.

And we should. It is a gift. A gift to be celebrated. But when we stop short of acting out the knowledge we have received, we do not use this gift to its fullest ability. We waste it. Knowledge is a benefit. Knowledge accompanied by action is an even greater benefit.

The “humility” of wisdom comes through seeing our knowledge as a resource, an opportunity. A chance to know God, to love others, and to exercise our character in a way pleasing to the Lord. The real heart of humility is seeing things as they are. And wisdom is a two sided coin – knowledge and action. One without the other is incomplete and even dangerous. But together, they hold the key to the path of life. The key to living well.

Wisdom is a great tool and, therefore, a great responsibility. We must model our wisdom. We must live out our action. What we do must match what we say. Our wisdom should manifest in our words and our actions, our internal and external conversations, in what we think and in what we do.
________________

~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net/devotional/practical-wisdom/






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[tenac]

David Crowder Band - How He Loves Us

[tenac]

God is love...love is God. Without God there is no love. As we all know..God created Adam and Eve...and...God has created every human sense then and every living thing. And in all that...Gods intention right from the get go was for Him to love us and in return we love Him. Gods unconditional love is so awesome that we humans really cant grasp or understand how full and perfect it is...however...there is coming a day when those of us that go to heaven...we are going to experience Gods vast love for us every moment for forever! So in all of that...let us know with certainly that God didnt create us to just run around and make do for ourselves and do the best we can living life our way. Let us know that in the grand scheme of the universe...so to speak...what God really wants and deserves...is our undivided attention? Do we really know that what God desires is for us to have a personal relationship with Him? Look folks, i know its a busy world we live in, i know most folks are running in two or three different directions trying to work, take care of kids, care for elderly parents, run errands, shop and many other things throughout the day. Then MAYBE get home in time to fix supper and rest a little and watch some TV. Many folks just cant seem to find enough hours in the day to get it all done...and...lets not forget to try and sleep a couple hours! Heres the thing, God knows we have things to do that are important to our survival here on planet earth. However, when all the "stuff" is getting put in front of our relationship with God...theres a problem there...a big problem! We must find time and learn to prioritize our day along with our relationship with God...and i know that seems hard...but think about it. God wants us to put time aside throughout the day to acknowledge him...worship Him...praise Him...talk to Him. We have to find the time to do this no matter what. Nothing is more important than our personal relationship with Jesus...NOTHING!

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

[tenac]

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:36

[tenac]

“God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them.”
- Augustine -

[tenac]

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2:15-17

[tenac]

And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.............
Luke 10:27

[tenac]

"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
- Martyr Jim Elliot -

[tenac]

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
James 4:4

[tenac]

Prosperity knits a man to the World. He feels that is "finding his place in it," while really it is finding its place in him.
- C.S. Lewis -

[Bigfootbud]

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
—Galatians 6:2

[Ranb2khz]

Really Love Others

~ To impact others with God's love, time and energy are required.

Scripture Reading:

"Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” ~ Romans 12:9-10

Many of us make it a point to show interest when we’re with other people. We’ve learned how important it is to be cordial, make small talk, and express concern at the right moments, all of which are commendable. But take a moment to consider ways that God might want you to go further.

Pleasantries and polite chit chat are a good way to break the ice and begin a friendship. But watch for when God might be calling you to strive for something richer.

Are you available and willing to go beneath the surface?

Loving others well requires sacrifice — an investment of time and heartfelt energy in those relationships. It might involve shifting the calendar to spend time with a friend who needs to talk through a problem. Or it could mean going without an unnecessary purchase in order to bless someone who is hurting financially.

There are times when the Lord wants our relationships to go deeper, even when doing so gets messy. After all, isn’t that exactly what Jesus did with us? He loved us so profoundly that He gave His very life on the cross (Romans 5:8). Let’s follow His example by giving away a little more of our own life as we commit to truly loving the people around us.
________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/really-love-others






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[Ranb2khz]

The Daily Article — May 31, 2024

~ North Korea bombards South Korea with balloons filled with waste.

As I’m sure you know, former President Donald Trump was found guilty yesterday afternoon in his New York City trial. I responded to the verdict with a Daily Article Special Edition you can read here. As more is known over the coming days, I will offer further reflections.

If you go stargazing toward the eastern horizon about twenty minutes before sunrise this Monday morning, you’ll see a rare sight: Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn will stretch before you, in that order, along a roughly straight line.

You will, however, need a telescope or powerful binoculars to see them all. Otherwise, you’ll have to take the word of astronomers that they’re there.

Another story from the skies has been making headlines as well: hundreds of large white balloons drifted from North Korea into South Korea on Wednesday. They were filled with trash and human waste, retribution for balloons from a South Korean activist group that earlier sent antiregime leaflets into North Korea along with USB drives containing boy band music.

Akin to the planets you will not be able to see Monday morning, the North Korean garbage was not visible until the balloons landed or otherwise exploded, but it was nonetheless real (and revolting).

The story reminded me of a time during the Cold War when some people from East Berlin dumped garbage in West Berlin. West Germans responded by stacking canned goods, bread, milk, and other provisions on the East Berlin side with the sign, “Each gives what he has.”

Their wisdom applies not just to nations but to people, including you and me today.

“Bad ideas have victims”:

This week we have been discussing the need for compassionate courage in speaking biblical truth to our broken culture. Let’s take each priority in order.

We will be more compassionate if we remember that many secular Americans have never heard the saving message of Jesus Christ. Like stars we cannot detect and balloons whose contents we cannot see, they don’t know what they don’t know.

I was one of them.

I grew up in Houston, Texas, part of what many would call the “buckle of the Bible belt.” There were churches all around our community, but our family didn’t go to any of them.

Consequently, I had no idea that Jesus died to pay for my sins or that I could ask Him to forgive me and become my Lord. Only when two men knocked on our door and invited my brother and I to ride their bus to church did I hear the gospel and eventually trust in Christ.

In my experience across nearly fifty years of ministry, most people who are not Christians have not rejected a saving relationship with Jesus, but rather a religion about Him. They think we want them to join our church and agree with our social positions.

This is partly because “the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). But it is also because “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

I often quote my friend John Stonestreet: "Ideas have consequences, and bad ideas have victims."

• We will be more compassionate if we remember the spiritual lostness and eternal peril of those who are without Christ.
• And we will be more courageous if we remember the stakes, not just for the people we know but for the country we love.

Scripture warns: “The wicked will go down to the grave. This is the fate of all nations who ignore God” (Psalm 9:17).

Pastor Paul Powell commented on this text: “To forget God is to seal our own doom as a nation.”

As a result, he wrote:

"America needs you to stand courageously before evil. The sin of silence is all about us. Our generation needs to remember that silence is often golden, but at times it may also be yellow. To stand neutral is to stand for nothing."

He added: “The hope of America is in the great uncommitted majority.”

The Revolutionary-era political philosopher Thomas Paine made our point well: “Moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is always a vice.”

Let’s choose the moderation of compassion coupled with the courage of principle.

When the task of impacting our broken culture feels too daunting, let’s remember that we work with an omnipotent God. Pastor and writer Erwin Lutzer was right:

“When you surrender your will to God, you discover the resources to do what God requires.”

To illustrate: Eighteen-year-old Mary Leahy fell off a farm cart and broke her right wrist two days before she was to compete at the Peterborough Music Festival in Canada. Instead of pulling out of the contest, she enlisted the help of Donnell Leahy, one of the best fiddle players in the country and a musician who toured with Shania Twain. He is also her father.

Mary played the chords with her left hand, while her father handled the bow with his right hand. How did it go? You can watch for yourself here.

Their duet makes my point: As we work, God works.

How will you partner with your Father today?
_________________

~ published by: Denison Ministries

https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/north-korea-bombards-south-korea-with-balloons-filled-with-waste/






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[Ranb2khz]

Now and Forever

“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[a] being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So, we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

There are two classic mistakes we make as we perceive our circumstances:

The first is we treat the current twist and turn as eternal. "It will always be like this" is our heart’s refrain. We elevate our current situation to God-like status. It is omniscient and omnipotent. We serve the circumstance rather than God because we believe it to be the divine force. Whatever is happening to us is in control rather than God being in control.

The journey of life is an epic adventure. The things we do, have, and experience affect the rest of the journey. Our current reality is a preparation for what is around the corner, so that we aren’t just traversing but progressing along the way.

The second mistake we make is related. We miss the beauty of this moment because we are looking ahead. We want the future to solve our problems and we miss the value of the present. We fail to notice that the choices we make today shape what will happen next.

Like the Kingdom of God, the journey of life is something we are to fully participate in AND hope for a better future. Making the most of our journey includes experiencing the current opportunities for all they are worth, with a view toward what will come. Eternity is not just the future. It is the marriage of the present and the yet-to-be.

Each day, more of our eternal journey is being revealed to us. What choices will we make to make the most of today, both for what it is worth and for what is to come?
_______________

~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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[Ranb2khz]

Perceive the Good

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done…” ~ Genesis 50:20

Whether we realize it or not, we always choose a perspective. Choosing a perspective is like knocking over the first domino. It leads to more decisions that follow the effect of the same line of perceiving.

In Genesis 50, Joseph chooses to understand, forgive, and influence his brothers by acknowledging the deep truth of his story. His brothers decided to kill him out of jealousy, then relented and instead sold him into slavery. Joseph recognizes the reality that harm was intended. But Joseph chooses to see that God used this evil to save the family. Joseph chooses grace toward his brothers.

Too often perception is something that just happens to us. We choose a perspective without even knowing. That causes a false reality. We aren’t able to distinguish between emotions and reality. We are quick to blame, to justify our anger, to defend our feeling. What is often lost in the midst is the reality that we are making choices.

If we want to live intentional, purpose-filled lives, we have to be aware of the choices we make concerning our perception of events, our own self, and the world at large. Like Joseph, we can choose a perspective that recognizes the good God intends.
________________

~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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[Bigfootbud]

Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

[Ranb2khz]

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.
______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministry

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-sacrificial-lamb






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[Bigfootbud]

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/

[tenac]

Phil Wickham - This Is Amazing Grace

[tenac]

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

[tenac]

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

[tenac]

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

[tenac]

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

[tenac]

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

[tenac]

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

[Ranb2khz]

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.
____________________

~ 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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[tenac]

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

[tenac]

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

[tenac]

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

[tenac]

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57

[tenac]

“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

[tenac]

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

[Ranb2khz]

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.
______________

~ published by: In Touch Ministry

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/listening-with-humility






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[tenac]

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!

[tenac]

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

[tenac]

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

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Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Psalm 100:4

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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

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Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:6

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"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it"
Psalm 118:24

[Ranb2khz]

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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Guy Penrod - Revelation Song

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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

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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

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

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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

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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

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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