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Grace For Days
“Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness” ~ John 1:16
If we step into the pursuit of truth, we will find some things that make us uncomfortable. This can cause some of us to bail on the quest. Self-awareness leads to the inevitable truth that we are broken and wretched, miserable, blind, and in need.
Yet, a continued pursuit of truth allows us to find that we are also okay, accepted, loved, and adored.
• How is this so?
• How can these two realities live side by side?
The answer is one word: grace.
We are okay not because we decide we are okay or because we choose to ignore the reality of our brokenness. We are okay because Jesus makes us okay in the sight of God. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He mends the brokenness. The fullness of Jesus fills in our gaps.
As heirs, sons and daughters of His family, we are now freed and empowered to pursue the experience of grace. Grace is not only the water in the desert for dying, imperfect beings. It is the fuel in the car. Once we are rescued, it is the thing that enables us to drive forward, to excel, to act according to the grace given us.
_________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Have Faith - He Hears You
On any given day, I might pray...
I feel lost. Show me the way. He does.
I feel empty and alone. Fill me with Your Spirit, Your love, and Your wisdom. He does.
I feel broken. Put me back together so I can serve you. He does.
I feel sinful. Cleanse me. Forgive me. Restore me. He does.
I feel weak and powerless. Remind me that You are my strength. He does.
I feel useless. Show me what I can do to live my purpose. He does.
When I pray, the response isn't always what I want or when I want it. But I know He does hear me. He cares, and He will always respond.
________________
~ 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
•
If God’s People Rest
~ We will be blessed if we listen when God instructs us to stop striving and wait.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 30:15-21
In the season of upheaval described in today’s reading, God clearly specified how the people of Israel could be saved from their enemy. They were under threat from Assyria, and God said to wait on His ultimate deliverance instead of trying quick fixes like running to Egypt for protection. Repentance, rest, quietness, and trust were His gracious prescriptions for those awaiting restoration.
Tragically, the Israelites “would have none of it”. Some fled on horses only to meet with disaster — a stark reminder that relying on our own efforts can easily fail us. So how can we learn to accept God’s invitation to trust and rest when we’re tempted to take matters into our own hands?
This is our hope: No matter how bleak our circumstances seem, God is our constant source of security — our “very ready help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
It is our confidence in His character and constancy that enables us to experience peace, even when chaos surrounds us. We serve a gracious and just God who longs to pour out compassion and deliver us.
Our choice to rest is a profound act of trust. Indeed, “blessed are those who wait for Him” (Isaiah 30:18).
__________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/if-god-s-people-rest
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Don't Tread On Me
"Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk — not as unwise people but as wise — making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” ~ Ephesians 5:15-16
In December, 1775, an American colonist (believed by many scholars to be Benjamin Franklin), noticed the increasing use of a symbol throughout the colonies, stamped onto barrels and other items, depicting a coiled rattlesnake with the words "Don't Tread On Me" written below the snake. He wondered about how the symbol of a rattlesnake could be a symbol of the American desire for freedom?
He wrote the following words:
"The Rattle-Snake is found in no other quarter of the world besides America. She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, never surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. She never wounds 'till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her."
I've been hiking in the mountains and heard the warning sign of a rattler and was extremely thankful for that. In the Bible, Satan is depicted as a serpent — a serpent who not only doesn't warn about his lethal bite, but appears in alluring disguises promising great rewards of pleasure ready and waiting to devour his every victim.
How different from God (although I don't want to compare Him to a rattler) but over and over He warns us in His Word, the Bible, to avoid sin at all costs for it will destroy us. He, too, has generously given notice even to His enemies to "flee from the wrath to come" and to turn to Christ — the Savior of the world.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to be careful where I walk (how I live) and avoid the ways of Satan at all costs. Thank you that there is salvation from the evil one when I turn to you. Help me so to do. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
________________
~ 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
•
Wisdom and Glory
“Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed for our glory before time began.” ~ 1 Corinthians 2:6-7
Wisdom is the wealth of the Kingdom of God. It is the currency of glory.
Throughout time, wisdom has been hidden in God. When Jesus, the Lord of Glory, came to the Earth, the wisdom of God made its way to center stage. The glory that was in existence before time began made itself known to us and invited us in for a meal.
The world’s wisdom takes many forms. Earthly fame, riches, and power. These are juvenile [temporal] benefits that fade away. But the wisdom of heaven is a mature wisdom. A prize of eternal value. It does not fade as the world does; it saturates us with the glory of eternity.
Jesus is the wisdom of eternity, the Good News of the gospel. And He beckons us into Himself. He invites us to take more of His wisdom, to feast on the joys of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Abundant life is not found in superficial trinkets but in the wealth of heaven, the wisdom of the ages, the glory of eternity. Jesus came, died, and resurrected. He made Himself known to humanity. He revealed the wisdom of glory. God reveals truth to us through His Spirit, that we might know the things freely given to us by God.
_________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Have you ever been lost....i mean really lost. Maybe you were out walking in the countryside...hiking in the mountains...and suddenly you realized you had no idea where you were...in what direction to turn to get back to where you came from. Maybe you have been in your automobile going on a trip...or in a new town going to a doctors appointment and you make a wrong turn and again not only do you have that sense of being lost...but you have trouble trying to figure out which left or right will get you back on track. Ok...lets dig a little deeper. As a born-again believer...have you ever because of sin in your life after a period of time thought...this aint good...what have i done...where am i headed...that saying maybe comes to your mind....“Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” However...even as a believer...and even though you want to get back on that path of righteousness...that sin in your life...you just cant seem to let go. And last but not least...there is the person that is unsaved. They have never ask Jesus into their heart and life. And this my friends...is the most tragic of all...because in this lostness they are headed straight to hell! So whats my point...well...i guess my thinking and its nothing necessarily specular. The first two things i talked about...we can in time figure out on our own and take care of finding our way ourselves. However....the last two things there is only one Hope...and His name is Jesus, Just like the man in the picture...four ways to turn...Three ways are wrong and one way is right...and that one way is always Jesus!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
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
"God — His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him."
2 Samuel 22:31
By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
2 Peter 1:4
Equipping by Example
~ If you want to lead well, follow Jesus.
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:21-24
There’s an adage about parenting that says more things are caught than taught. In other words, our children will pick up more from what we do than what we say. To lead those in our care well, two things are required: right teaching and a right attitude. While the principles we work to instill in our children are vital, the attitude with which we approach those lessons (and all of life, in fact) is key. For the best example of the right attitude to have, we need look no further than Jesus.
Parents are called to lead those in their home, modeling Jesus’ love and sacrifice for the people entrusted to their care. Our kids need to see us spending time with God, turning to Scripture when making decisions, being generous with our resources, and showing love to the people around us. Children learn to walk with God as they watch us apply His principles in daily life. Our right example will build their confidence and trust in His ways.
Even if you aren’t a parent, it’s likely you’re leading others in your circle of influence. Remember that Jesus is the perfect model for us to emulate as we share God’s truth with those around us (Mark 10:42-45). Lean into His example of servant leadership as you teach, train, and love others well. And ask Him to help you grow in godliness each and every day.
_______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/equipping-by-example
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Persecuted
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” ~ 2 Timothy 3:12
One of the marks of a faithful disciple is perseverance. We may try to shortcut the process of success and side step troubles. But difficulties arising from living faithfully are not reasons to step away from a godly life; they are the very evidence of a life of faithfulness.
Cinderella found herself in the most troubling of circumstances. She was taken advantage of, discarded, ignored, and devalued. She was pushed aside. Yet she remained kind and compassionate, caring and humble. She refused to become what she despised. She behaved in a royal manner while living among the cinders.
It turns out Cinderella was made for royalty. And, amazingly, so are we. But we currently sit among the cinders of the world. And the world does not recognize our calling. The world will abuse us. It will attempt to beat us down, silence us, and strangle our potential into its own mold. It will not stop unless we join it, and become fellow abusers.
Like Cinderella, we were made for more. And, like Cinderella, we can refuse to succumb. We can choose a “godly life,” a life fit for family members of the King of all creation. Persecution is an expected part of living in a Christ-like manner. The world will not understand the faith of the disciple. But this world is not the disciple’s fate. Our true citizenship is in heaven.
________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Accountable to the Father
~ Because God is perfect in love and wisdom, we can fully trust that His boundaries are for our good.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:1-3
Those of us who are parents have a great responsibility to teach and train our children in the way they should go. We have been given authority over them for their protection and benefit. We make sure they brush their teeth, eat their vegetables, do their homework, and say their prayers. We teach them to be respectful, patient, and kind. We train them to know and do the right thing in difficult situations (Proverbs 22:6). While all of this is important, there’s one principle we must teach that surpasses all the rest: They are ultimately accountable not to us but to the living God — His authority in their life is higher than ours will ever be.
One day, our children won’t have to answer to us anymore. So it’s essential that they learn God loves them more than we ever could — and that they’re accountable to Him for everything they do (including behavior, words, and choice of friends). Then our kids will be more likely to continue following Him and His ways even when no longer under our watchful eyes. Their obedience to the Lord will be borne out of their relationship with Him, not based on our expectations. And they’ll recognize He’s always with them, wherever they go (Matthew 28:20).
A true understanding of God’s deep love and their accountability to Him will shape our children’s relationship with Him and the ultimate direction of their life.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/accountable-to-the-father
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Amen brother - good word!
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Theres and old saying..."The older you get the faster time seems to go"...and im sure all of you can vouch to that truth. We have a birthday and before we know it its birthday time again. Christmas rolls around and we blink a few times and there it is again. We hear something on the radio and they say that it happened ten, twenty years ago and we think...No Way!...its not been that long...has it? Yes, in the grand scheme of the universe...our time on this earth...even if we make it to 100 years really is just a drop in the ocean as compared to eternity. So as we live this life here on planet earth for whatever amount of time that God has allotted for each of us...What are we doing with our days, weeks, years in relationship to how we are living? Do we have a close personal relationship with Jesus and from that we draw upon His hope, happiness, contentment and joy?...Or...are we just sorta kinda struggling through this short life of ours dreading each new day...worrying about this and that...trying to live life our way and trying to fix everything ourselves in place of surrendering our lives to Jesus and drawing upon His strength to sustain and provide for us? The Bible is filled with Gods promises of caring and helping and providing for us. And all of those promises are just as true today as the day He spoke them! Have we embraced those promises and live by them daily...or...have we fallen into a rut trying to clear our own path? Think about it.
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2
Grant me, O Lord, to know what is worth knowing, to love what is worth loving, to praise what delights you most, to value what is precious in your sight, to hate what is offensive to you. Do not let me judge by what I see, nor pass sentence according to what I hear, but to judge rightly between things that differ, and above all to search out and to do what pleases you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
-Thomas Kempis-
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
He’s Always There
"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
Toddlers love to launch out on walks by themselves. They walk ahead of their parent without looking back — except when they do look back. Without fail a toddler will glance backward or even stop and turn around as if to say, “Are you still with me?” Once assured of the parent’s presence, they forge ahead.
We are like toddlers in that we need to be assured of God’s presence, especially during difficult times. We can’t turn around and see Him, but we can read the promises of His presence in Scripture. When the Israelites were about to invade the Promised Land, Moses assured them that God would be with them (Deuteronomy 31:6).
The psalmist David wrote that God was with him even in “the valley of the shadow of death” where “goodness and mercy” were always following him (Psalm 23:4, 6). And Jesus said, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
You are never alone if you belong to Christ. He is there to share your burdens and guide your steps.
"I would rather walk with God in the dark than go alone in the light.” ~ Mary G. Brainard
_________________
~ by David Jeremiah (https://www.davidjeremiah.org)
To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager
•
For anyone that knows me....you know that theres nothing negative or pessimistic about me...im a very positive and optimistic person...my glass is not half empty...my glass is not half full ...my glass is full to the rim...my saucer runneth over! I can truly say that i have such joy...peace...contentment in my life and from that the by-product of happiness runs thru my heart...mind and soul daily. I dont stress about things nor do i worry...i truly can say that im "living the dream"...and i often do say that...and by that im not talking financially or materialistically...im talking about being filled from the tips of my toes to the top of my head by the awesome love of God. Now...i know it might sound like im bragging a little...but hey...so be it...im a child of the living God....King Jesus... and He just happens to love me that much! And how much does He love me...so much that He is living in me thru the Holy Spirit! So i never have to wait for Him...look for Him...He walks every step of every day with me! You ask me how i know He lives...He lives within my heart! So im outside this morning...listening to the many birds rejoicing...singing praise to God for this another beautiful day that He has given us...so...ive got to ask you....Where is your heart...mind and soul this morning? Embrace the light of the Son and give Him the praise He deserves! We are nothing without Him!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
“In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.”
John 1:4
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing."
2 Timothy 4:6-8
"Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so through Christ our comfort also overflows."
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
Discovering God’s Path
~ The Lord wants to show you His will — do you want to know what it is?
Scripture Reading:
"Make Your ways known to me, Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I wait for You all day long.” ~ Psalm 25:4-5
• Perhaps you have wondered, Does God have a specific plan for my life?
• And if He does, is it possible to know what the plan is?
These are questions many Christians have grappled with at some point. And there’s good news — the answer to both is a resounding yes! God has a plan for each believer’s life. Moreover, He wants us to know and walk the path He has for us.
Sometimes we make the idea of finding the Lord’s will more complicated than it needs to be. He’s not playing hide and seek with His will.
There are three simple things we can do to discover His best path for our life:
1. We must have a sincere desire for God’s guidance, trusting that He will direct us in His perfect timing.
“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears [from God, the Father]. He will also declare to you what is to come.” ~ John 16:13
2. We should seek the Lord through His Word. After all, the Bible is one of the primary tools He uses to make His will and His ways apparent to us.
“All Scripture is inspired by God [breathed out] and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man and woman of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17
3. We are to pray continually, fully expecting that our Father has something to say to us, His beloved children.
“Pray constantly.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17
As we seek the Lord in these ways, we’ll be able to perceive His direction for our life. Then, we can live with the confident hope that we are walking in His will.
_________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/discovering-god-s-path
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A Prayer For the Enemy
The first statement Jesus made from the cross was, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). Maybe we would have understood it more if He had said, "Father, condemn them," or "Father, judge them." But the first thing Jesus said from the cross was a prayer for His enemies: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Jesus was practicing what He preached. Remember, in the Sermon on the Mount He said, "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
And Jesus also was fulfilling a Messianic prophesy. Isaiah 53, written hundreds of years before Christ died, said that the Messiah would make intercession for the transgressors. And that is exactly what Jesus was doing. He was interceding for all the people who played a role in His death.
Pilate himself knew Jesus was innocent. He said, "I find no fault in this Man" (Luke 23:4). But because he was so concerned about his career and position, he would not pardon Jesus and let Him go. The religious rulers knew that no legitimate charge could be brought against Christ. Even the Roman centurion at the cross said, "Truly this Man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39). Judas Iscariot knew he had done wrong, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4).
So Jesus was essentially saying, "Father, forgive them. They don't realize how bad this is. Forgive them, because they need forgiveness so desperately. Forgive them, for they have committed a sin that is beyond all comprehension. Forgive them, for they have done something that is beyond bad. Father, forgive them."
When was the last time you prayed for your enemies?
_________________
~ by Greg Laurie
To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager
•
In the Interest of Others
~ When we put the welfare of others before our own, we are loving like Jesus.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:3-4
We live in a world where taking care of yourself first is often top priority. But in his letter to the Philippians, Paul suggested that Christians are to operate differently. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,” he wrote, “but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves” (2:3).
Today, it might be easy to miss how radical this statement was in the first century. Let’s look at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount for a moment (Matthew 5:1-48). In order to get to the gospel’s higher standard for humility, the Lord pushed beyond what His followers might have expected. Treating others as well as you treat yourself is a start, but go further and you will see how radical Jesus’ humility was (Philippians 2:5-8).
Cultivating this kind of humility requires more than simply acting humble. That’s what Paul means when he says we should “do nothing from … empty conceit” (Philippians 2:3). Anyone can feign humility if it suits or benefits them. As believers, our call is to truly consider others first and to look out for their interests before our own.
Imagine how our communities would be transformed if everyone put others before themselves.
What’s one step you can take to make that happen?
_______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/in-the-interest-of-others
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Father in Heaven!? Please continue to bless with peace and abundance for Your glory, anyone that reads this board??? 💖 Thank You! In Jesus name. Amen
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
Remember...this is coming from a person...me...that lived a life of addiction for 25 years...so...not only have i been there done that...ive pretty much seen it all! So with that said...has that couple of beers or shots of whiskey on the weekend became a nightly thing? You know...just to take the edge off the day. Do you know that nobody wakes up one morning and says i think ill become an alcoholic? Has smoking a joint on the weekend or maybe a couple lines of cocaine turned into several nights a week to help you cope with the craziness, stress and hectic schedule of your life, work and the world? Do you know that nobody wakes up one morning and says i think ill become a drug addict? Do you read this and say...its cool..i can handle it...theres no way that i could ever be addicted...im just releasing stress and having a good time!...No big deal! Thats what millions of people have said in the beginning and sometimes it can take many years before a person wakes one morning and says...what happened to me? Ok, lets travel another road. Those pain pills the doctor gave you...those nerve pills you have been prescribed...how many are you doing a day and are you doing them now to help with a problem or have they become the problem. You know...your taking them now because they make you feel good...the definition of "feel good" is they give you a buzz. Now before you nail me to a cross...i know there is a time for prescribed medication...however...look at the statistics of drug abuse and addiction stemming from prescribed drugs...its right up there with any other drug abuse! Ok...lets look at it in another light. Lets say the light of Jesus! If we say that we have been born-again then the Holy Spirit of God lives in us...so...what are we saying? What are the reasons that we are using alcohol and drugs? Stress, problems, burdens, relax after a hard day? Could it be that Jesus would prefer that we depend on Him for peace and comfort of those things? I mean...the very spirit of God is living in us...Right? And when we are with folks that are unsaved and we are drinking and / or using a little pot and coke...what are those unsaved people saying about us...are they seeing Jesus...or...are they seeing the world in us behaving just like them. What does that do to our witness and testimony? We are told several times in scripture to not be drunk with wine and In Ephesians 5:18 we are told..."And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit". Is not a "buzz" in any form...from any drink, drug and marijuana...all the same thing? And if you are not saved...i can assure you of this. The high you will get from Jesus Christ...if you will give your life to Him...is a high and hope and blessed assurance that alcohol and drugs will and can NEVER give you. One is a band-aide...the other...Jesus...is everlasting! Think about it!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Isaiah 41:13
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2
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 12:2
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Psalm 34:19
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Isaiah 40:28-29
Hallelujah! The Lord is my Shepherd
Issues Of Trust
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.” ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13
Choice is the great power and the great responsibility of each person. The most vital choice we make is about where we place our faith: the landing pad for our trust. There are a thousand choices we make every day that inform and reflect that vital decision.
When we choose to trust God, it is like knocking over the first domino. We can then move through the world, one foot in front of the other, one decision at a time, with effective purpose.
When, instead, we choose to trust our circumstances, it is like wrapping ourselves in a straitjacket. We are forfeiting our ability to choose. The circumstances choose for us. We cast ourselves as the victim and can’t seem to get the dominoes to line up right.
God is trustworthy. He remains faithful. He invented faithfulness. His patience guides and directs us, catching us when we fall. He protects us from being tempted beyond our ability.
Trusting in God prevents our hearts from drifting into oblivion. It frees us from the shackles of bondage, most often self-imposed. It gives us confidence to face whatever lies ahead.
Trust is a decision. And it allows us to decide.
The only way to break free of the straitjacket of trusting circumstances is to perceive God for who He is, put our trust in Him, and perceive our circumstances for what they are worth – the arena for continued choices.
_______________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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The Daily Article — June 13, 2024
~ Yahya Sinwar’s “brutal calculation”: Civilian bloodshed in Gaza helps Hamas.
When a group gathered in New York City this week to honor those slain by Hamas at the Nova Music Festival on October 7, anti-Israel protesters descended on the event. One of them shouted, “I wish Hitler was still here, he would’ve wiped all you out.”
Imagine a scenario where terrorists massacre any other group in the world and the world sides with the terrorists. But that is what is happening to the Jews:
• There has been a “steep” jump in antisemitic attacks following October 7.
• Online antisemitism has increased five-fold since the invasion.
• Antisemitism has “skyrocketed” in the US.
• Antisemitic incidents on college campuses have increased 700 percent.
• Antisemitic attacks in the UK are at an all-time high.
Much of this is fueled by outrage over Palestinian casualties resulting from the IDF’s attempts to eradicate Hamas in Gaza to keep the terrorists from staging another attack on Israeli civilians, something the group promises to do if it can.
• But here’s what those who hate Israel don’t understand: Hamas’s leader wants Palestinians to die.
Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s military leader in Gaza, told Hamas officials recently, “We have the Israelis right where we want them.” He calls civilian deaths “necessary sacrifices.” He has said of such deaths, “We make the headlines only with blood,” adding, “No blood, no news.”
Intelligence analysts believe Sinwar is primarily motivated by a desire to take revenge on Israel and to weaken it. The well-being of the Palestinian people or the establishment of a Palestinian state is secondary.
In his strategy, Palestinian casualties will mobilize the global community against Israel, pressuring them to stop the war without eradicating Hamas. According to the Wall Street Journal, “his ultimate goal appears to be to win a permanent cease-fire that allows Hamas to declare a historic victory by outlasting Israel and claim leadership of the Palestinian national cause.” The article calls this strategy Sinwar’s “brutal calculation.”
I would never suggest that Israel, a nation and army comprised of fallible humans, has made no mistakes in this war. And I would hasten to add that every Palestinian casualty resulting from this conflict is a tragedy to God and should be to us.
Nonetheless, Jewish people the world over are facing this tragic and contradictory scenario:
• Israel is doing all it can to minimize Palestinian casualties, both because it recognizes the calculus we’re discussing today and because its worldview emphasizes the sanctity of every life.
• Yahya Sinwar is doing all he can to maximize such casualties for his personal advancement and that of Hamas.
The world blames the former for the sins of the latter.
_______________
Now let’s take this discussion up a spiritual level.
According to Jesus, Satan “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Consequently, when we see stealing and killing and destroying, we know that our spiritual enemy is at work.
Here’s a subtle and often-overlooked part of his nefarious strategy: leading us to blame ourselves for his work in our lives and world.
In this sense, Yahya Sinwar is doing what those who serve Satan’s purposes have done for millennia. Just as Satan has convinced Sinwar that the deaths of innocent Palestinians serve the cause of Palestine, so he convinced the religious authorities of Jesus’ day that executing Him was in the best interest of the Jewish nation they purportedly served (John 11:50–52). He likewise convinced the Judaizers who opposed the conversion of Gentiles that they were protecting the purity of God’s people (Acts 15:1–5).
How is Satan similarly seeking to deceive Christians today?
He tempts us to sin and then wants us to blame ourselves for being tempted. He temps us to pride so that if we resist him, we’ll be proud of our humility. He brings persecution against us, hoping that we will then consider ourselves morally superior to those who persecute us rather than loving and praying for them as Jesus taught us (Matthew 5:44–47).
I have found this strategy to be especially problematic: Satan seeks to convince Christians living in our transactional, materialistic culture that our worth to God is based on our works for Him. In this way, we focus not on the Source of our worth and works but on the works themselves. Then, when we inevitably fail, we focus on our failures rather than our Lord and distance ourselves even further from His empowering love and transforming grace.
_______________
Today would have been my father’s one-hundredth birthday. He died at the age of fifty-five when I was a senior in college. Like most sons, I wanted most to please him. His opinion of me mattered on a more powerful and visceral level than that of any other.
Over the years, however, I have begun to learn that I already have the blessing that matters even more — that of my [heavenly] Father. Henri Nouwen wrote in “Adam: God’s Beloved”:
“Each one of us is unique, known by name, and loved by the One who fashioned us.”
He added:
“Unfortunately, there is a very loud, consistent, and powerful message coming to us from our world that leads us to believe that we must prove our belovedness by how we look, what we have, and what we can accomplish. We become preoccupied with “making it” in this life, and we are very slow to grasp the liberating truth of our origins and our finality. We need to hear the message announced and see the message embodied, over and over again. Only then do we find the courage to claim it and live from it.”
Will you find such “courage” today?
_______________
~ published by: Denison Ministries
https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/yahya-sinwars-brutal-calculation/
•
A Godly Example for Father's Day
Summer was here. For Craig, that meant he'd be going on an annual camping trip with his Grandpa and his cousin Scottie. Craig loved spending the summers at his grandparents' farm. But the annual campout was the highlight of his year. He was all packed - couldn't wait to go.
Craig sat anxiously on the porch swing, waiting for Grandpa to pull up in his beat-up jeep. He noticed a few clouds in the darkening sky. "Looks like rain," he muttered, hoping the clouds would blow over. Then, just as Grandpa pulled into the driveway, it began to pour.
"Looks like this trip is going to be ruined." Craig whined, as he threw his gear into the back of the jeep.
"Well, I don't know about that." replied Grandpa with a wink. "By the time we get to the lake, it's likely this rain will have cleared up. Besides, the best fishin' comes right after a change in the weather."
Craig hopped into the jeep and after a quick stop to pick up Scottie, they were on their way.
As they arrived at the lake, the rain had slowed to a slight drizzle. Setting up the tent was a messy job. Though he had mud splattered everywhere, Grandpa never complained. He was grateful that God had sent a little water to make driving the stakes into the ground a little easier.
Once the tent was set up, it was the boys' job to gather firewood. "This wood's all wet, Grandpa." yelled Craig. But wet wood wasn't enough to discourage Grandpa, either. As Grandpa carefully arranged the wood for a campfire, he told the boys a story from the Bible about Elijah calling down fire from heaven to consume not only wet wood, but an altar also.
After Grandpa got the fire going, the boys had a wiener roast. The mixed smells of the wood burning and the hot dogs roasting just above the flickering flame had the boys mouths watering with hunger. The hot dogs were delicious. Both boys ate heartily. Then Grandpa pulled out a big bag of marshmallows and they roasted them, too.
Scottie's first marshmallow burst into flames so Grandpa showed the boys how to slowly and steadily toast them just above the fire. By this time, it was getting rather late. The boys sat close to Grandpa and watched the stars come out after the clouds had blown away. After a brief lesson in astronomy, the boys gazed into the heavens while listening to the sounds of nature.
"What was that?" asked Craig, hearing an old owl hooting in the nearby woods. "It's just an owl." replied Grandpa, who found himself identifying a number of other sounds to the boys. Together they learned to recognize the sounds of frogs croaking, crickets chirping and even a cougar's scream.
"Grandpa, how'd you get so smart?" Scottie questioned.
"Oh, Scottie, I'm not all that smart." Grandpa replied. "I just happen to know the One who has all the answers."
"Me too, Grandpa." Craig shot back. "And do you know why we say our prayers every night before we go to bed?"
"Why's that, Craig?"
"Because we know God's home when we see His lights come on." came Craig's reply.
And then with a chuckle, Grandpa explained to the boys that God is omniscient. "Now I know that's a mighty big word for you boys to understand, but let me put it this way. God is all knowing. He knows your thoughts before you ever put your prayers into words."
"Wow!" came Scottie's reply. "That's awesome." said Craig.
"Awesome," replied Grandpa. "I can't think of a better word to describe Him."
"And Grandpa," Scottie piped up. "We wouldn't know much about Him, if it hadn't been for you."
The Bible says, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children..." (Proverbs 13:22).
The most important thing you can give your children or grandchildren is a godly example of a life well-lived for Jesus!
_______________
~ 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
•
Here in the United States i think i can safely say that we are a nation that has freedoms like no other place on earth. When we stop and think about life here in the United States and the freedoms we have as opposed to what is going on in much of the world around us...we actually have it pretty dad burn cushy...right? Now dont get me wrong...here in the USA it is far from perfect with the daily goings on and at times even here in the USA it can seem pretty chaotic. The thing that we need to remember is this. All the problems and even sometimes madness here in the USA and around the world comes from a little three letter word called "SIN"...and i hate to be the bearer of bad news in case you dont already know...its not going to get any better. Now...why would i say such a thing? My Bible tells me in pretty plain words that this earth and everything on it is going to be destroyed by God one day along with everything in the universe. And at that time every human is either going to spend eternity / forever...in heaven or hell. So you see...all the chaos and calamity happening here on the earth from humans embracing "SIN" and all the natural disasters that are taking place and getting worse...is simply Bible prophecy being fulfilled leading us to the Rapture, Tribulation, Millennium, End Times. Its that plain and simple. Ive heard it said many times that only 10% of the 7.6 billion people that live here on planet earth are followers of Jesus...saved...born-again. So that means that 90% are following satan. Now let me clarify something...if you dont have a personal relationship with Jesus then you are a follower of satan...there is NO middle ground. So...with that thought in mind...does it really surprise us that the world and the USA is in the shape its in...Its called "SIN"!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Mark 7:20-23
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