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God Is Worthy of Devotion
~ Life is never better than when God is fully at the center of our lives, and fully at the center of our hearts.
Throughout Scripture we see a powerful principle exemplified: when God is seen for who He truly is, the natural response of the seer is full and absolute devotion. When God reveals His glory, love, power, holiness, and splendor, the seer responds with absolute commitment and worship. I believe that God would reveal Himself to us today in simple but mighty ways. I believe that He longs for us to see Him as He truly is, and that His chief desire is our devotion. May we see God face-to-face today and be forever changed by a fresh revelation of this God who would give up everything for relationship with us.
Isaiah 6 exemplifies both a vision of God and a response of devotion. Isaiah has an open vision of the majesty of God in heaven. He sees God on His throne and hears angels declaring His holiness and splendor by saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth!” (Isaiah 6:3). And in response to this vision Isaiah 6:8 says, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us? Then I said: Here I am. Send me.’”
Isaiah responds to seeing God with full devotion.
God doesn’t ask for your devotion the way man does. He doesn’t offer you ultimatums or transactionally based benefits if you will love Him.
Devotion to Him is meant to be the natural response of seeing God for who He is, because He is inherently worthy of every bit of devotion we can bring to Him. He is worthy of our allegiance because He is the King of Kings. He is worthy of our obedience because His will is both knowable and perfect. He is worthy of our worship because He is the almighty God to whom all creation offers ceaseless praise. And He is worthy of our heart because He is the God of love and mercy who has created us for relationship with Him.
Too often we mistake God’s mercy and grace as opportunities to go our own way and come back to Him as we please or when we need something. Too often we treat His love as an opiate for our problems rather than the foundation on which we devote our lives in humble submission to Him. God is patient. He is kind. He will never force or manipulate us into loving Him. But His patience, kindness, and gentleness do not change the fact that He is King of kings, Lord of lords, and Creator of all, and that He is worthy and deserving of our ceaseless devotion.
Run to meet your God in the secret place today. Look upon His face and see Him for both the loving and majestic God He is. He longs to reveal His nature to you. He longs for you to search out the depths of Him and be awed by His wonder and mystery. Spend time in prayer, meeting with your loving heavenly Father and responding to His nature with your love, worship, and devotion.
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~ by Craig Denison
May your life be an example of a believer in love with God. May you offer God all the love, obedience, and devotion you can. All God desires is your heart. He longs to have all of you. He is completely relationship focused and completely lovesick for you. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of Yahweh roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His.” God will help you live your life in commitment to Him if you allow Him to.
Receive the strength of the Lord and respond to His love with your devotion today.
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/god-is-worthy-of-devotion/
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Seek the Lord Early
~ Starting each morning with the Lord can change the trajectory of your day.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 63:1-8
Any time of the day is a great time to be with the Lord, but the morning is special because it can affect the remainder of the day. Psalm 63 reveals that David began his day with the Lord, as he described seeking God early. He woke up hungry for His Creator, filled his yearning soul with the fullness of the Lord, and broke out in thanksgiving and praise to Him. And when night eventually came and David was lying in bed, he was still thinking about His heavenly Father.
Just imagine having a day like David’s, filled with joy and gratitude to God. Of course, all time with the Lord is precious. But when we set apart the beginning of our day — to hear God speak through His Word, to talk with Him in prayer, to contemplate who He is and how He works — we have the opportunity to continue that mindset throughout the day and into the night.
Do you find it a struggle to spend time with the Lord? Lifelong habits begin with baby steps, not grand resolutions. Set aside five minutes tomorrow morning, and see how the Lord nourishes your soul and increases your hunger for Him.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/seek-the-lord-early
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To Be Like Christ
"We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world." ~ 1 John 4:16-17
Several years ago, on a trip to San Antonio, Texas, we made a visit to the Alamo. On a wall near the main entrance is a portrait with the following inscription: "James Butler Bonham - no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who died for freedom."
No literal portrait of Jesus exists either. But the likeness of the Son who makes us free can be seen in the lives of His true followers.
When the wife of missionary Adoniram Judson told him that a newspaper article likened him to some of the apostles, Judson replied, "I do not want to be like a Paul... or any mere man. I want to be like Christ... I want to follow Him only, copy His teachings, drink in His Spirit, and place my feet in His footprints... Oh, to be more like Christ!"
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~ by David Langerfeld, 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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Dr. Charles Frazier Stanley: September 25, 1932 – April 18, 2023
~ Celebrating a Life of Obedience.
Life goes by quickly – very quickly!
And many people today who are in heaven or hell intended to live a lot longer than they did.
They didn't make any plans to die. They only had plans to live and enjoy themselves.
So, I want to ask you:
• What are you living for?
• What's your goal in life?
• Do you have any real purpose for living?
God says we ought to be living to worship and to serve Him.
Because that, my friend, is life at its best.
~ Charles F Stanley
https://www.charlesstanley.com/memorial/obituary
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God Exchanges our Burdens for His Peace
~ As a society, we are more continually stressed now than ever. Stress has become our new normal. But in God, we have the opportunity to live with a peace that surpasses our understanding.
Scripture describes a great exchange of our burdens for the peace of God. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” You have a God who loves you so much that He offers to take your burdens off your own shoulders, place them on His, and give you peace in return. Where does your life feel heavy? Where do you feel buried under the burdens of the world? God offers you His peace today if you will take some time to align yourself with Him and “yoke” yourself to the teaching of Jesus.
In Matthew 11, Jesus presents us with an image of two animals sharing the burden of work together. The point Jesus is making here is in reference to coming under His teaching. He asks us, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” He isn’t asking us simply to cast our burdens on Him, but also to humble ourselves and submit to His teaching. If we are willing to come underneath Him as our Teacher, then we no longer carry the burden of figuring out life on our own. And in freedom we are able to live life under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit.
• Do you ever feel alone in what you’re doing?
• Do you ever feel like peace is an unobtainable goal, blocked by layer upon layer of work you need to get through first?
God’s plan is different than the world’s plan. The world says you can only have peace when you’ve completed the job, become the best, or gained the approval of man. God tells you to stop working in your own strength, yoke yourself to His teaching, and rid yourself of all the stress and pressure of the world. 1 Peter 5:7 says “[Cast] all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” You have a God who cares about you. Your God is for you. He knows society tells you to work for and care about certain things, but He offers you the refuge of His peace instead.
You serve a God who doesn’t want you to live even one day burdened. Every day, you can wake up and choose to yoke yourself to your heavenly Father and His Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “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.” Align your mind with what He says about you — casting off every opinion other than His. Align your day with the leading of God’s Spirit, and receive the anointing and power He longs to bring into every situation.
God says, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” If you will choose God today over the way you’ve done things in the past, if you will choose to obey His Word, then “you will find rest for your souls.”
• What area of your life needs rest today?
• In what parts of your heart do you need God’s peace and ease?
He’s waiting right now to meet with you, to offer you His yoke. Let Him take your burdens, fears, and stress. Our fragile frame wasn’t meant to bear such pressure. Come underneath God’s teaching today, align your thinking with His, and let the cares of the world fall off as you live in light of the teaching of Jesus.
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~ by Craig Denison
Yoke yourself to the teaching of Jesus today. Let His Word be your refuge in a world full of opinions. Doing life yoked to God, being obedient to His Word, is the best way to walk the path God lays out for us to abundant life. Every day attacks will come your way. But every day God has provided the truth you need in His Word to fight those attacks. Choose the Word of Jesus today, walk in obedience to it, and experience God’s “rest for your [soul].”
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/god-exchanges-our-burdens-for-his-peace/
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The White Suitcase
"For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish." ~ Jeremiah 31:25
Many years ago our first grader, little white suitcase in hand, was ready to leave in search of a better place. She had been invited to go to her room to think over some behavior, and apparently thought it the perfect time to pack up and get out of Dodge. I watched from the window as she doggedly made her way to the end of the sidewalk. At the street corner she sat down on the little suitcase, pondering her next move.
Have you ever had a day where you are just ready to throw in the towel and say, "Enough's enough!"? A redundant question, as we all have had, or will have. It's just part of life. We never know what kind of curve we might be thrown, as much as we plan things out. Some days you feel like packing up, cashing it all in and running away to a south seas island.
A geographic change doesn't work, though. And as often as we've heard the saying, 'When you get lemons, make lemonade', that doesn't always do the trick either.
I walked outside and walked back home with my daughter; the moment had passed and everything was fine.
God has a great message for us in how to handle times like that. The message is He wants to handle it for you. All you have to do is come to Him. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says:
"Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
Because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we know His Word is true and He makes good on His promises.
The next time you think of packing up and running away, remember... there's Somewhere to go and "Someone" to go to first.
"The Lord is my shepherd... He leads me beside still waters, He refreshes and restores my soul." ~ Psalm 23:1-3
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~ by Sally I. Kennedy, Inspirational Messages (https://www.sallyikennedy.com)
~ 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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Your Father Gives Good Gifts
~ May God empower us to live with open hands and an open heart, ready and willing to receive all that He longs to give.
One of my favorite parts of God’s heart is His desire to give us amazing gifts. James 1:17 says:
“Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.”
Every good gift you receive is because God loves you. His love for you is so great that He looks for every opportunity to give you a gift. He desperately wants you to know that you are loved and valued by Him. He so deeply wants you to know that He is not distant from you but, rather, is working in your midst to lead you to abundant joy, peace and life.
Matthew 7:11 says:
“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.”
I love how God has chosen to be known to us as a Father. And because God has chosen to reveal himself as a Father, we can more tangibly understand the love of God by looking to good earthly parents. God longs to bless you the way a good Father would. And at the same time He loves you more deeply and powerfully than any earthly parent ever could.
Our heavenly Father far outdoes any example an earthly father give us.
• What gift are you longing for today?
• Do you long for friendship?
• Do you need a greater sense of being loved?
• Do you just need to know that He is with you?
God’s gifts may not look like a present you opened for Christmas last year, but they will be exactly what you need when you need it. If you need a friend, ask God for one! He’s promised you His friendship, and He loves to guide His children into community with others. Do you need to know you’re loved? God so longs for you to know the depth of His love that He sent His only Son to die for you! He’d love to pour His love out on you right now. Do you need to know that God is with you? Just ask for His manifest presence. Ask the Spirit to give you eyes to see all the ways He is working in your life. Ask God to reveal to you the ways He was, is and always will be with you. Do you need financial provision? Ask for the leading of the Holy Spirit in your finances! Ask God to provide for you what you need. Whatever gift you need from God today, His Word promises in 1 John 5:15, “if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him.” Your God hears you today. What’s more, He will respond to you perfectly.
God’s gifts are much more life-giving than anything an earthly parent could give. He gives the gift of a beautiful sunrise because He knows you have a longing to gaze upon beauty. He gives the gift of His presence because He knows you need the peace that only He can bring. He gives you the gift of friendship because He knows you aren’t made to do life alone. He provides your finances because He cares about everything you need and desires to use you to bless others. Spend some time today reflecting on the amazing gifts He has given you. Thank Him for His desire to bless you. Worship Him because He is good. And open your heart to receive all the gifts your heavenly Father longs to give you today.
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~ by Craig Denison
Thanking God for what He’s already given us is a powerful way to position our hearts to be receptive to what He will give us in the future. Life is so much better when we acknowledge what God is doing in our midst. Knowing you are loved, liked and cared for is better than any material possession you could receive. You have a heavenly Father who gives amazing gifts. Celebrate His love today. And receive all that He longs to give you.
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/your-father-gives-good-gifts/
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No Better Friend
Revelation 3:20 reveals amazing insight into the relationship God desires with us, His crown of creation. In it Jesus says:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and He with Me.”
Do you know that God wants to be friends with you?
Just as a friend would ask you out to a meal, God longs to spend time with you. Every day God is knocking on the door of your heart. If you are willing to open your heart to Him and listen, you can spend time with God in ways more boundless and satisfying than you could with any other friend.
Where in your life do you need God’s friendship today?
John 15:15 says:
“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”
The story of the gospel is God losing relationship with the crown of His creation, you and Me, and through the death of Jesus gaining restored relationship with us. He has been working tirelessly from the very first sin just to be able to call you and Me friends again. What you desire from friends around you is completely available to you in God and to even greater depths!
If you need a friend to talk to, God is standing at the door of your heart asking to come in and listen — “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” If you need advice, the Holy Spirit who authored Scripture is waiting to reveal to you the wisdom of God — “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13). If you need to laugh, God longs to bring you unfathomable joy — “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad” (Psalm 126:1-3).
You have a best friend in God. He is not distant. What was true for the psalmist in Psalm 73:23-26 is true for us:
“I am continually with you; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Spend time in God’s presence today. Listen to Him knocking on the door of your heart and invite Him to come in and meet with you. Let His friendship heal the broken places of your heart that need His love. He offers Himself freely to you today. He’s gone to unimaginable lengths to be able to simply spend time with you. Lay the table of your heart bare before Him, and let His smile restore to you the joy of your salvation.
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~ by Craig Denison
Friendships aren’t built in a day, but over lifetimes. You have all of eternity to spend getting to know God. After spending consistent time with Him, He truly will become your best friend. He will be the person you run to when you have a problem. He will be the source of your joy, peace, and life. Every day, you have the choice to do life with God or on your own. And you have an enemy working to lead you to choose the latter. The more consistently you spend time with God, the easier that decision will become. Once you know the goodness and reality of God there is no going back. Enjoy God today. Walk in the abundant life of restored relationship with Him. Answer His call whenever He knocks on the door of your heart. There is no better way you could choose to spend your days and no better friend than God.
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/no-better-friend/
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Listen Slowly
"My children, pay attention to my Words; listen closely to my sayings. Don’t lose sight of them; keep them within your heart." ~ Proverbs 4:20-21
Writer Charles Swindoll once found himself with too many commitments in too few days. He got nervous and tense about it. "I was snapping at my wife and our children, choking down my food at mealtimes, and feeling irritated at those unexpected interruptions throughout the day," he recalled in his book Stress Fractures. "Before long, things around our home started reflecting the patter of my hurry-up style. It was becoming unbearable."
"I distinctly remember after supper one evening, the words of our younger daughter, Colleen. She wanted to tell me something important that had happened to her at school that day. She began hurriedly, 'Daddy, I wanna tell you somethin' and I'll tell you really fast.' "Suddenly realizing her frustration, I answered, 'Honey, you can tell me -- and you don't have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly.' "I'll never forget her answer: 'Then listen slowly.'"
How many times do we find ourselves overwhelmed by all of the different commitments we have on a daily basis? Far too often, we allow the busyness of life to consume our time, energy, and attention making us lose sight of people or things that are truly important. This includes the most important thing… spending time with our Heavenly Father.
God longs for a close relationship with His children. He enjoys the time we spend talking to Him through prayer and listening to Him through Scripture. But if we are focused on the busyness, we will easily miss what He is telling us. He speaks to us constantly, not only through His Word, but through His Holy Spirit which is always with us.
The next time you find yourself rushing from here to there, working on deadlines, or just doing what needs to be done, stop and take a moment to listen slowly.
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~ by Crystal B (www.actsweb.org)
~ 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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Pray First, Aim High and Stay Focused
There's an old legend about a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old shotgun and three shells. So, he decided that he would go out hunting and kill something to eat for dinner.
As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit and he shot at the rabbit and missed it. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. As he went further, he saw a wild turkey in the tree and he had only one bullet left, but a voice came to him and said "Pray first, aim high and stay focused."
However, at the same time he saw a deer, which was a better kill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake. Still, the voice said to him, "Pray, aim high and stay focused.'"
So, the man decided to follow the voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey. The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it. And when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond of water.
When he got up to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a dead deer and turkey to eat for his family. The snake was dead simply because the man listened to God: Pray first, Aim High and Stay Focused.
The Moral to the Story: Pray first before you do anything, aim and shoot high in your goals, and stay focused on God and His will for your life and He will meet your needs.
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~ 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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On Guard
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:7
The word “guard” in Philippians 4:7 is the term "phroureo", which is used in 2 Corinthians 11:32 to describe how the governor of Damascus guarded the city gates to keep Paul from escaping. The same word is used in 1 Peter 1:5, which says we “are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time”.
According to Philippians 4, we have the transcendent peace of God protecting our hearts and minds. The Peace that “passes all understanding”. Our part is explained in verse 6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”.
The worries and cares of life can overwhelm us at times, but when we bring our worries to God in prayer, His peace guards our hearts and minds like a soldier guarding a city.
Trust Him to guard your heart and mind today.
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~ 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
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Telling Your Story
~ Our job is to faithfully share the good news and trust the Holy Spirit to change hearts.
Scripture Reading: John 9:1-12
Human beings are designed by God to love stories. That’s why, when we tell others about how God has rescued and changed us, the Holy Spirit begins to work in the hearts of those who have ears to hear:
"Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!" ~ Matthew 11:15
Consider today’s Scripture passage, which relates the story of the man born blind. Many questioned him about how he received his sight, and he simply shared the facts: “The man who is called Jesus made mud, and spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went away and washed, and I received sight” (v. 11).
“Is this not the one who used to sit and beg?” they asked. Some said, “This is he,” but others said, “No, but he is like him” (vv. 8-9, emphasis added). The man’s transformation was so amazing, so impossible by human standards, that observers began to craft their own narrative trying to explain what had happened. The man simply repeated, “I am the one” (v. 9).
Like him, we don’t have to know every answer to every question in order to talk about our Savior; we need only tell what Jesus has done for us. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/telling-your-story
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Join the “Fellowship of the Unashamed”
“He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.” ~ Matthew 28:6
There is no natural explanation for the empty tomb of Christ.
The disciples could not have overpowered the Roman guards, nor could they have convinced more than five hundred eyewitnesses that a dead man was alive (1 Corinthians 15:6). And even if they somehow had, none would have died for a lie.
If the women went to the wrong tomb, the authorities would have corrected their error. If the authorities stole the body, they would have produced it. If Jesus did not die at the cross, that means He survived a spear thrust near His heart and three days in a mummified, air-tight burial shroud.
In His emaciated condition, He would have then had to shove aside the stone, appear through locked doors, and do the greatest high jump in history at the Ascension we see in Acts 1:9.
Easter is the foundation of the Christian faith. Because Jesus rose from the dead as He predicted, He must be divine. If He is divine, His words must be true. If He claimed to be our Savior and Lord, it must be so.
Now the risen King calls you and me to serve in His kingdom.
My favorite confession of faith was written in 1980 by an African Christian before he was martyred for his faith. I have quoted it often and am stirred each time by its words. Let’s celebrate the resurrection of Jesus today by making its commitment our own:
He said….
“I am part of the “Fellowship of the Unashamed.” The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.”
“I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed.”
“I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.”
“I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until heaven returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear.”
So, as we enter into prayer today, may the same be true of us.
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~ by Jim Denison
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/join-the-fellowship-of-the-unashamed/
In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren noted, “God specializes in giving people a fresh start.” This “fresh start” began with Jesus’ first disciples on Easter Sunday. On this day, they learned that their risen Lord would forgive their failures, abandonment, and betrayals leading up to His death.
Their first impulse was to share with others the transforming grace they had received. This is still the best way you and I can celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Secular people are often more open to spiritual truth at Christmas and Easter than at other times of the year. You have a strategic opportunity to explain the reason for your celebration today.
So as you go, pray by name for someone who needs the hope of Easter. Then ask God to help you be an answer to your prayer.
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From the Pastor’s Heart – April 2023
~ Gain a deep appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice.
The incredible wonder of the cross! If I had to choose just one subject in the Bible to understand, I’d choose the crucifixion. It’s the foundation of the Christian faith and the heart of our life in Him.
Today we see crosses everywhere — on buildings, in art, as jewelry, in people’s homes. We sing and speak about it. But sometimes I ask myself — how much do people really understand about the cross of Jesus Christ?
There’s nothing mankind has done that compares with what Jesus accomplished in His death.
All of humankind’s achievements, no matter how impressive, will eventually be destroyed, but the Lord’s work on the cross lasts forever (2 Peter 3:10-13). It’s the single most important and amazing event in history.
The apostle Paul was a man who understood the importance of the cross. When he came to Corinth for the first time, Paul didn’t come with eloquent speech or persuasive words. Instead, he said, “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:1-2).
Everywhere Paul went, this was the message he considered most essential. He never wanted to do anything that would draw attention to himself, but only to the Lord. Because apart from the crucifixion, there’s no hope for the world — no salvation and no eternal glory [in heaven/paradise].
We should all go through life with a deep appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.
So, let’s take a little time together right now to think about this most extraordinary of events.
First of all, the cross was planned and ordained by God before He’d created a single thing.
He knew the human race would fall into sin, so He planned a path of reconciliation. You never have to feel like you’re an afterthought to the Lord. Your salvation was foreseen by Him and achieved by Jesus before you even existed.
God chose us in Christ “before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him” (Ephesians 1:4). And to accomplish this, He planned the crucifixion of His Son before He created anything (1 Peter 1:20).
Every detail was designed by Him beforehand, predicted by the prophets, and carried out by the Jews and the Romans just as the Lord ordained. None of it was outside His control; it all came to pass just as He set forth.
Second, the cross of Christ is the greatest demonstration of God’s love for mankind.
He proved His love for us by sending His Son into the world to be the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins. It was on the cross that the justice and the love of God met. To save humankind through love, sin had to be justly punished so repentant sinners could be forgiven.
As Jesus hung on the cross, He took the world’s sin upon Himself as a choice made in love. He willingly suffered the consequences of our wrongdoing, so that “we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 10:18).
We’re all recipients of His goodness in many ways, but no blessing can compare with His expression of love toward us in laying down His life for our redemption (Acts 2:23). Now all who accept and trust in Christ’s sacrifice, and unite themselves to Him, are reconciled to the heavenly Father.
Jesus’ sacrifice is the only true path to forgiveness.
In this world, you’ll find all sorts of counterfeit ways to find redemption, but none of them are powerful enough to contend with sin and the way it harms us and the world. None of them can bring us through the gates of heaven/paradise.
Finally, the effect of the cross reaches into the past, present, and future.
That can’t be said of any other historical event. Even though the crucifixion happened in a moment of time, it’s an eternal event and as such is not limited by time. Before Jesus came to earth, God in His mercy said, “Let the sins previously committed go unpunished,” since they couldn’t be removed by Christ’s blood until His blood had been shed on the cross (Romans 3:25-26).
The animal sacrifices offered in obedience to God’s law, by the Hebrews and the Israelite nation, were never capable of taking away sins, but only covered them until the perfect Lamb of God came (John 1:29).
Those who, by faith: trusted in God before the cross; walked with Him before the nation of Israel was formed; believed in Jesus at the time of the crucifixion; and all who’ve trusted in Christ as Savior and Lord since then have been saved by His loving sacrifice.
The scope, importance, and transforming power of the crucifixion are beyond every comparison.
I hope that the next time you see a cross, you’ll pause to consider what a wonder it is. Even in heaven, we’ll be singing and praising the Lamb who was slain for us (Revelation 5:12) — Jesus, the victor over sin and death.
Let the cross and the One who willingly subjected Himself to it be the focus of your thoughts, worship, and gratitude in this beautiful season.
Prayerfully yours,
Charles F. Stanley
P.S. I pray you’ll have a blessed Easter as you remember Christ’s death and resurrection. Here at In Touch we want to support you in growing closer to the Lord each day. Sending our free monthly devotional, called In Touch, is one way we strive to help. If you’re not subscribed, I hope you’ll try it. We’re always honored to serve you through God’s Word.
Subscribe to Daily Devotionals, Email Newsletters & Announcements, and/or the Monthly Print Publication that contains the Daily Devotionals - all free - from the following website address:
https://www.intouch.org/read/subscribe
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~ excerpt from: In Touch Ministries monthly publication, “From the Pastor’s Heart”
https://www.intouch.org/read/from-pastors-heart/april-2023
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Have a Blessed Easter!
As a disciple of Jesus Christ - we have available to us:
1. His earthly walk and teachings - as identified in the Scriptures - gives to us a perfect example to strive daily to be like.
2. The ripping of His flesh through the flogging: by His stripes we are healed.
3. By the shedding of His blood we are declared righteous and redeemed.
4. His sacrificial death has released us from the bondage of our sinful nature - we now have the freedom to walk in the goodness of God.
5. By His resurrection will have been given the opportunity to life eternal with Him - our Lord and God.
There is nothing that the world could offer that would ever compare to what the Lord has done for us!
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Good Friday
Scripture Reading: Mark 15:1-47
What is the most difficult thing you’ve been through? Reading today’s passage on the crucifixion is not easy. We know that His sacrifice was out of love for us and was part of His Father’s plan. Although it’s heartbreaking to read this portrayal of suffering and death, we can’t ignore this critical piece of the story because without Jesus’ death there would be no Resurrection Sunday.
It would be nice to have a remote control for life so we could fast forward through the parts we don’t like or find boring and skip ahead to a happy ending. Unfortunately, we don’t have that option in hand.
There are many times in our lives when we can’t bypass suffering – all we can do is endure. During these times, we’re called to stand in faith. And if we take the time to be still and listen, God can highlight things we might otherwise miss.
The gospel of Mark notes a few people who stood out for good in the midst of this brutal story. Although some people chose a mob mentality of accusation or ran away and hid, there were a few others who stood fast.
These people stepped in to do what they could, when they could and include:
• Simon of Cyrene who helped carry the cross (v 21).
• Bystanders who offered Jesus a drink (v 36).
• A centurion who recognized Jesus was the Son of God (v 39).
• The women who followed Jesus and ministered to Him (v 40-41).
• Joseph of Arimathea, who cared for the body of Jesus and placed Him in a tomb (v 43-46).
We can find hope in the crucifixion story knowing this was the means by which Jesus conquered sin, death, and the grave. In the midst of the larger narrative of hope, we can also find comfort in our ability to make a difference and serve with purpose.
We can minister to the Lord in this challenging time, and we can serve with great love, knowing that small acts of kindness matter in a big way. We all have something we can give to God and to others around us!
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~ excerpt from: “Holy Week”, a Bible reading plan
https://my.bible.com/reading-plans/23947-holy-week
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It's Friday... but Sunday's Coming!
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13
Several years ago, an elderly preacher worked his way to the pulpit and said, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming” and then sat down. Two more times, with ever-growing intensity and excitement in his voice, he made his way to the pulpit and proclaimed, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!”.
For the disciples and the women who had faithfully followed Jesus, everything seemed hopeless. It was Friday afternoon and their friend has just died. The one who had been their teacher and comforter was gone. Everything they had been doing for the past three years seemed worthless. They were depressed... they were defeated... they were in despair. It was Friday, and all hope was gone.
But wait! Sunday’s coming!!!
• Sunday would bring Hope.
• Sunday would bring Salvation.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ on that first Easter Sunday would bring indescribable Joy to those broken hearts! No more would death have a strangle-hold on their lives. No more darkness; no more gloom; no more despair.
The hopeless, helpless, defeated feeling of Friday afternoon was replaced with the victorious Joy of Sunday morning. The tomb was empty and “He is Alive”!!!!
Heavenly Father, forgive me when I allow the Friday’s of my life to defeat me and make me feel hopeless and helpless. Help me to remember and to claim ALL of your promises, the one who defeated death and the one who brings hope and Joy when we trust in You.. You went all in for me - I want to go all in for you. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
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~ 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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Sitting at the Feet of God
"Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” ~ Luke 11:28
As we spend time in His presence today, I pray that God will speak clearly as we learn to listen to His voice.
• If God would speak audibly to you right now, what would you like Him to say?
• Are there questions you would like Him to answer?
• Directions you wish He would give?
• Wisdom you need from His omniscience?
These questions seem almost facetious, don’t they? Have you ever heard God speak in an audible voice? I haven’t. Does this mean that God does not speak to us?
Not at all. He just doesn’t always speak in the way we expect. And we also have to make time to listen.
Today is Wednesday of Holy Week. The Bible doesn’t record a single event of this day. But we do know that Jesus was staying with His disciples at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany (a suburb of Jerusalem).
How did He spend the day?
Probably teaching His followers about tomorrow's trials, preparing them for the shock and pain they would soon face. He likely comforted His close friends on the eve of His arrest. And He prepared Himself to go to the cross for us. As Jesus often prayed early in the morning (Mark 1:35) and late at night (Luke 6:12), so He spent this day in communion with His Father.
When last did you spend time listening to your King?
His Spirit speaks to us rationally through the words of Scripture and the use of our minds. He speaks to us practically through circumstances and people. He speaks to us intuitively as He moves in our emotions and attitudes.
The point is: God wants us to hear His voice and know His will even more than we do. We just need to make time to listen.
Mother Teresa said that when she began her religious life, she spent 90 percent of her prayer time talking to God. At the end of her life, she was spending 90 percent of her prayer time listening to God.
Let’s follow her example today.
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~ by Jim Denison
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/sitting-at-the-feet-of-god/
Listening to God is a vital part of knowing God as we love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. But it is also a means to the end of helping other people know Him as well.
When we love Jesus by sitting at His feet and listening to His voice, He will usually show us how we are to love someone else in response. Then they will be drawn to love our Lord, hear His voice, and lead someone else to Him. In this way, God’s kingdom multiplies across our world.
Whom will you tell about your Savior today?
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Beacons in the Dark
~ When we walk by the Spirit, people are drawn to the Light of the World.
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:13-25
Yesterday, we discussed the uncomfortable topic of sin and how, thankfully, Christ came to liberate us. But what impact should that fact have on our everyday life? How should we live in light of the freedom we’ve been given?
The apostle Paul offers a compelling answer in today’s Scripture reading. He says our liberty isn’t intended for us alone but is meant to be shared with the world. We do that by serving others in love, thereby fulfilling what Christ called the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:35-40).
Acting out of love eliminates the inclination to judge those around us — or in Paul’s words, “bite and devour one another” (Galatians 5:15). A harsh, critical attitude doesn’t represent our freedom well. There’s nothing compelling about us if we act just like people who have never experienced the all-surpassing love of Christ.
Instead, we must “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) and exhibit the fruit produced in us when we follow Him faithfully. Our “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23) are like a beacon in the dark, and others will feel drawn to its light.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/beacons-in-the-dark
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You are God’s temple
~ May He guide us to a better understanding and a deeper experience of His promises today.
Do you sometimes feel unworthy to come to God?
Well, there is good news for you today, this first day of Holy Week.
After announcing himself to the crowds as the Messiah on Palm Sunday, Jesus returned to the suburb of Bethany for the night. The very next morning, He and His disciples walked back into the Holy City and into the temple.
When they arrived, Jesus found money changers charging exorbitant rates to convert Roman money into the currency required for the annual temple tax. They were also demanding unfair prices for the only sacrificial animals the priests would accept. In anger, Jesus drove these corrupt merchants from the temple.
Why was He so upset?
He explained in Mark 11:17: “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”
The word “nations” comes from the original Greek word ethnos, which means “all races.” This would include the very Gentiles being taken advantage of by the merchants. See, Jesus was making the point that God intended His temple to be a place where everyone was welcome to meet with Him.
He still does.
Here’s why it matters: because your Savior paid the price for your salvation, “you are God’s temple” since “God’s Spirit dwells in you” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Because of that truth, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
You don’t need to go to Jerusalem to meet with God.
His mercy and grace are available here and now.
All you must do is draw near.
Let us do that together now.
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~ by Jim Denison
https://first15.org/devotionals/you-are-god-s-temple/
Before I became a Christian, I thought I wouldn’t be welcome in church because of my mistakes and failures. If someone from a neighborhood church had not invited me to come, I would never have taken that first step.
So, as you go today, ask the Lord to put someone on your heart who needs the mercy and grace of God. He will answer your prayer. If you invite them to your church or offer to pray for them, you will plant a seed the Spirit can use to draw them to your Savior.
Max Lucado wrote, “God’s mercies are new every morning. Receive them.”
Then share them, to the glory of God.
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Receiving God's Word Through Action
~ My prayer today is that God opens our eyes and ears to discover fresh parts of how He declares His heart to us, and that we’re empowered to take action today in even more meaningful ways.
Faith and action go together. Understanding and works are tethered — joined together at salvation through the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. James 2:14-17 asks us,
“What good is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.”
The poor, orphaned, widowed, and lost don’t just need a word from God. They need us to act on our beliefs and love and serve selflessly with the help of the Holy Spirit. Gathering together as believers to worship is just a part of what God intends for us as His children. If we are to receive all that God has for us, if we are to walk in the abundant life God intends, we must resolve to be doers of the word.
James 1:23-25 gives us a window into the life of a believer who never puts action to His faith. Scripture says,
“Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, they are like someone looking at their own face in a mirror. For the person looks at themself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person they were. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works — this person will be blessed in what they do.”
Your identity as a disciple of Christ undoubtedly comes from relationship with God, but it is meant to be lived out in your deeds. God longs for you to live a life of good works in response to the unconditional love you’ve been given. He longs for you to live in selfless humility sharing with others what He’s done in you.
We’ve separated Christianity from the world. We’ve separated Sunday from Monday, the sacred and secular. Jesus lived in line with God’s love every minute He was here. He broke the rules in healing on the Sabbath. He ministered almost completely outside of the walls of the synagogue. He brought the good news of God’s grace to all who would believe everywhere He went. His life was in no way segregated. Jesus’s turning the water into wine at a party was just as holy and spiritual as His reading of Isaiah in the temple, proclaiming His fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the Messiah. His love was put into perfect action through every word, miracle, step, glance, and prayer.
With Jesus as our perfect example, let’s live in accordance with God’s will. Let’s blur the line of faith and works until the two become one. Let’s regard meals, conversations, rest, family time, and parties as important and holy as worshipping inside the walls of our churches. Let’s live as Jesus did and make love an action instead of just an idea we talk about on Sunday.
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~ by Craig Denison
https://first15.org/devotionals/receiving-god's-word-through-action-2023/
The Spirit has an incredible ability and power to guide a willing heart into action for God. Receiving the knowledge of God’s love for the people around you will open up doors in your own life to better know the fullness of God’s heart. You will be more deeply blessed by serving others than you could ever be blessed in being served. God pours His love and grace out on those who minister in line with the leading of the Spirit. It’s truly an honor to be used by God to further the advance of His kingdom in the earth. You were made to live out the truth of the gospel. So, choose today to act upon the leading of the Spirit. Choose to be a doer of the word.
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Sunday Reflection: True Fellowship
~ Genuine, intimate connection is vital to the believer's walk with God.
Today, communities aren’t limited by geography. We now have access to people around the world who share our passions, and we can connect from anywhere. This kind of community-building innovation is amazing, but God calls Christians to a type of fellowship that transcends our interests.
Jesus knew authentic community was important, so He surrounded Himself with a small group of disciples to minister and serve with Him. The Greek word most often used in Scripture for Christian community is koinonia, which expresses sharing life with such significant depth and intimacy that it’s almost untranslatable.
This is the word John uses when he says, “What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). What might it look like to joyfully encourage this kind of genuine, intimate connection with others in your life — both on this blessed Palm Sunday and every day that follows?
Think About It:
• What does true fellowship look like to you?
• Do you experience it on a regular basis, and if so, where?
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~ by In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/sunday-reflection-true-fellowship
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God Speaks in Solitude
~ May God empower us to quiet ourselves today in His presence.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” ~ Psalm 46:10
Solitude — a time set apart where the rush, noise, and anxiety of the world fall mute on the ears and heart of a child of God completely lost in the peace and presence of the Creator. Solitude is a time to be with your heavenly Father, free from the distractions the world offers us at seemingly every moment. We are made for consistent time spent in solitude.
C.S. Lewis wrote in The Weight of Glory, “We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and private: and therefore, starved for meditation and true friendship.” Most of us have grown accustomed to what truly does amount to being “starved” for solitude. We never fully realize how great our need is to be alone with our Sustainer. Let’s take some time today to recognize our need for solitude and then learn how to best practice solitude on a daily basis.
You can know that you need solitude for one reason — Jesus needed it. All over the New Testament we see examples of Jesus going off on His own to pray. One example, Mark 1:35, tells us that Jesus, “rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark . . . departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed.” Jesus, who practiced perfect communion with His heavenly Father while here on earth still needed to spend time in solitude. Jesus, who loved parties, loved people, and was God and man simultaneously, needed time alone. If He needed it, you and I can be sure we need it. When God incarnate was up against His hardest task, the Crucifixion, He didn’t just toughen up and get through it. He spent time alone in the Garden of Gethsemane in conversation with His heavenly Father. He needed solitude to accomplish His purpose here on earth and so do you and I.
Solitude is life-giving. It’s necessary to the Christian spiritual life. Richard J. Foster said, “Loneliness is inner emptiness. Solitude is inner fulfillment.” Solitude is one of the most important and life-giving spiritual disciplines. If you want to hear God, you must practice solitude. If you want fortitude in your life, a steadfastness that surpasses your circumstances, you must practice solitude. You are designed for time spent in the quiet, simply being with your heavenly Father.
So how can you best practice solitude?
The first step is finding a place where you can spend time with God free from distractions. Find a place where you know you won’t be interrupted. If you live with others, find a time when they will not be around or awake. If you live alone, designate a place and time that you will spend in solitude free from any distractions. Second, give yourself an amount of time to spend with God just being in solitude. It could be ten minutes or an hour. Spend this time free from reading, free from worship or prayer unless solitude leads you to those things. Madeleine L’Engle said, “Deepest communion with God is beyond words, on the other side of silence.” Solitude is a point of deep communion where words aren’t required in light of God’s glorious nearness.
Take some time today to practice the incredible discipline of solitude. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with God. Fill the emptiness of silence with the satisfaction of God’s presence. Your heavenly Father loves just simply spending time with you, enjoying deep communion with His crown of creation. You are His child. Climb into the comforting and sustaining arms of your heavenly Father today as you enter into a time of solitude.
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~ by Craig Denison
https://first15.org/devotionals/god-speaks-in-solitude-2023/
Solitude is a Practice:
The more you do it the better and more fulfilling it will become. Once you connect with God’s heart free of words and just look at Him face to face, His gaze will become one of the most important parts of your life. Knowing experientially that your heavenly Father sees you and loves you is meant to be at the foundation of everything you do. Commit yourself to spend time in solitude with God and learn what it is to be a child simply enjoyed by the Father.
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Amen Brother!
Our Lord Jesus bless all!
Have a great weekend and thanks for your prayers!
Our Lord Jesus bless all! Have a great weekend and thanks for your prayers! I will always pray for you!!! Amen
God Speaks Through His Creation
~ May God reveal His heart today to speak through His Creation. And may our hearts be stirred to listen.
Nature has an ability to bring me peace in a way nothing else does. Sure, I get annoyed by bugs or tired from hiking. But seeing the beauty, creativity, and complexity of what God has made has had a profound effect on my spiritual life. Have you ever just spent some time in God’s creation? Maybe it was hiking, lying on the beach, swimming in an ocean or a lake, fishing, gazing over the Grand Canyon, driving through the mountains, watching a thunderstorm or just playing in the rain. Take a minute to reflect on that time and what you felt. Looking back, do think you might have felt God’s presence? Did the awe and wonder of nature’s splendor bring you peace, or even lead you to thoughts about God?
The more I’ve come to know God the more there has grown in me an adoration and appreciation for His creation. Romans 1:20 states that God’s “invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Nature is meant to declare to us the “invisible attributes” of God. And Scripture is clear that God is at work in His creation — maintaining and facilitating all that happens in the world.
Psalm 147:7-9, 15-18 tells us:
“Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; play the lyre to our God, who covers the sky with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, and causes grass to grow on the hills. He provides the animals with their food, and the young ravens, what they cry for.... He sends His command throughout the earth; His word runs swiftly. He spreads snow like wool; He scatters frost like ashes; He throws His hailstones like crumbs. Who can withstand His cold? He sends His word and melts them; He unleashes His winds, and the waters flow.”
When you see animals eating, you are witnessing God’s provision in the earth and can, as a result, know that He will provide for you. When you see snow fall, ice form, and springtime come to melt away the cold you can know that God is at work around you and in your life. To miss out on all creation speaks to us is to miss an important part of God’s voice.
You see, while God does an incredible job taking care of a world wrought with the effects of sin, He promises to take care of you even more.
Jesus commands us in Matthew 6:26-30…
“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”
Jesus teaches us to look upon creation and listen as it declares to us the nature of God. In fact, He commands us to do so. You can look at the grass of the field and know of God’s unwavering faithfulness for you. You can look at the birds and never wonder if you will get your next meal. Nature declares to us that God has and will provide for us all of our days. Nature tells us not to worry because God is both powerful and near. Nature tells us that God is creative, practical, brilliant, loving, and full of mystery and wonder. Nature tells us that God speaks.
God created the cosmos so that you might have another mysterious yet clear way of hearing His voice. Whether you live in the city or country, look upon God’s creation and listen for His voice. Ask Him what He wants you to know as you see all the wonders of His hands. Let the beauty and mystery of all of God’s creation fill you with a deeper longing to know your heavenly Father. Listen to God today and allow your heart to be stirred as you discover His unwavering desire to speak to you through His creation.
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~ Today’s devotional is written by Craig Denison
https://first15.org/devotionals/god-speaks-through-his-creation-2023/
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Life or Death – the Choice is Ours to Make
Walking in obedience to the Lord is not a requirement of Salvation – but rather the result of Salvation. We’re not saved by what we do, or do not do – it is a freely given gift from God to those that accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Jesus is the only way to life eternal with God in heaven/paradise. Obedience to the Word of God is a natural tendency by those that have been saved by the grace of God. The life of a person that has accepted this gift will be changed.
Think About It:
There is no “middle of the road” walk with the Lord – you are either “all in” or “all out”. God tells us in His Word that we cannot serve two masters – self (sinful nature) or God – that’s the only two choices in this life. By default, “self” is the human choice. By not choosing to go “all in” with the Lord – you are choosing eternal death in the everlasting “lake of fire” as described in the Book of Revelation. Not trying to scare anyone – but this is the truth as spoken by the Spirit of God. This earthly life is as a vapor – and afterwards the judgement.
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Choosing Each Day: God or Self?
“Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and of death.” ~ Romans 8:1-2
As we seek to choose the Lord each day, it’s necessary to remember that we all have a desire to follow our flesh and think or do whatever “feels” right or seems easiest. As Paul argues in Romans 8, for those who are outside of Christ, there is no choice. They are controlled completely by their sin. Believers, Paul says, have the Holy Spirit living within them. By the Spirit we are becoming more and more like Jesus. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome our flesh. As Joshua told the Israelites, we can choose.
How might this choice play itself out, especially first thing in the morning?
It seems that most people usually spend a few minutes gathering their thoughts for the day before they get out of bed in the morning. In these moments it can be a temptation to choose to think first about our day, our schedule, what we need to do, who needs to be where, etc. Before we know it, we can fall prey to the lies of the enemy and begin dreading our day or feeling overwhelmed by it, and then try to tackle it as soon as our feet hit the floor.
What if, instead, we were to choose the Lord?
What if, by God’s grace, we would choose to fight our sinful flesh, put it to death as God’s Word instructs us, and set our minds on His way instead of allowing our thoughts to run amok? Practically, what would this look like?
We would begin by thanking the Lord for the gift of a new day and acknowledge that He alone is sovereign, that He alone is in control — not us. And then by His grace we would put aside our thoughts, our concerns, and our agendas and draw near to God by spending time in His Word and in prayer.
No matter how much we think about our day or our agenda, the reality is that the day belongs to the Lord. If we start each day intentionally acknowledging this and acknowledging who we are in Christ, this practice could easily transform how we think about and live out the rest of the moments in the day.
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~ excerpt from: Choosing Each Day: God or Self?
https://my.bible.com/reading-plans/10791-choosing-each-day-god-or-self
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Remember the Duck
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with, out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back to lunch.
As he was walking back, he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let one fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch that day grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes."
But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today, didn't you Johnny?" And then she whispered to him, "Remember, the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.
Later Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing, and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."
But Sally smiled and said, "Well, that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." And she whispered again, "Remember, the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he killed the duck. She knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. But I was just wondering how long would you let Sally make a slave of you."
I don't know what's in your past. I don't know what one sin the enemy keeps throwing up in your face. But whatever it is, I want you to know something. Jesus Christ was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. But because He loves you, He is ready to forgive you. Perhaps He's wondering how long you'll let satan make a slave out of you. The great thing about God is that He not only forgives, but He forgets.
"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." ~ Hebrews 8:12
______________
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•
Waiting for God to Intervene
~ Release your expectations and trust your heavenly Father to do what's best.
Scripture Reading:
"I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; let your heart be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord." ~ Psalm 27:13-14
Are you currently waiting for the Lord to intervene in your life or the life of a loved one? It can be difficult to understand why our heavenly Father [seemingly] delays matters that are urgent to us. Only He knows the reason. However, there are several adjustments we can make as we wait:
1. Determine your focus.
In the urgency of the moment, it’s easy to center our attention on the need instead of on God. We may start out waiting for the Lord, but before you know it, we’re more interested in what He can do for us than we are interested in Him. Remember, God wants us to delight in who He is, not just what He gives us.
2. Release your expectations.
The Lord is always working on our behalf. Holding onto your own assumptions about how the Lord should intervene is emotionally exhausting. But peace awaits those who trust that He will do what is in our best interest — in every situation we encounter.
While we are waiting, God is working. He sees the entire picture and is active behind the scenes, arranging everything according to His will. But perhaps His most important work is the deepening of our relationship with Him as we learn to love and trust Him in the wait.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/waiting-for-god-to-intervene
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God Is Sovereign Over [perceived] Delays
~ Waiting is difficult but we can relax, knowing that our Lord is active even in the details of our life.
Scripture Reading:
"A person’s heart plans their way, but the Lord determines our steps." ~ Proverbs 16:9
Most people don’t like to wait, but have you ever wondered why? One reason may be that delays reveal we are not in control. Someone or something else is calling the shots.
Although we are often able to identify the immediate cause — like a traffic light or long checkout line — ultimately the One who controls all delays is the Lord. He is sovereign over everything in heaven and on earth, and even our time and schedules are in His hands. You might have thought that the expression “waiting upon the Lord” applies only to seeking guidance from Him or an answer to prayer. But it can mean so much more when you remember that He controls all your day-to-day inconveniences and frustrations.
In the Christian life, patience is vital. Without it, we can’t effectively obey God, pray, or experience the peace of resting in His sovereignty. We must learn to trust His judgment — about not just the big events in our life but also the trivial ones that cause us to become irritated, impatient, or angry.
The next time you face an unexpected or unwanted wait, remember that it comes as no surprise to God. He’s more interested in developing godly character than He is in making sure your schedule runs according to your plans.
_______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/god-is-sovereign-over-delays
•
Amen Brother!
Jesus is still alive, for ETERNITY!
Hey everyone!!! Jesus is still alive, for ETERNITY!!!!!!! :) :) :)
The Weight of the Wait
"Wait for the Lord; let your heart be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord." ~ Psalm 27:14
For biblical heroes, God’s will often unfolded slowly. Think of Abraham and Sarah waiting decades for a child; David waiting to ascend to the throne; Joseph spending his twenties in an Egyptian jail; Paul being imprisoned five years in Jerusalem, Caesarea, and Rome. Think of the man in John 5 who suffered an infirmity 38 years before Jesus healed him.
When God shows us the way forward, we shouldn’t hesitate a moment before proceeding. But when we don’t have the opportunity or inner peace to move forward, we trust in God’s timing. We wait while He works. Waiting time is not wasted time.
The Lord is working in our circumstances to align all the details to His will. He is working on us to develop patience, perseverance, character, and optimism.
God works as we’re waiting, so trust Him in times of little observable progress. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.”
In due time, He will give the victory!
_____________
~ by David Jeremiah (https://www.davidjeremiah.org)
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•
Trench Art
"Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11
During World War I, people would sometimes inspect recent battlefields, looking for shell casings, spent bullets, and bomb fragments. They would assemble them into items for their home. One woman in Washington state has a large collection of these decorative and practical items. Her curio cabinet displays items like salt and pepper shakers, candlesticks, and vases made from leftover fragments of war.
For most of us, our life contains broken pieces. Life is a battlefield. Paul told Timothy to “wage the good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18). None of us escape without incurring some wounds. But God can use these to bring glory to Himself. He takes the fragments of pain, the scraps of sadness, the chunks of disappointment. In His hands, these can become the means by which we learn to trust Him and to comfort others.
Give the broken pieces of your life to the Lord, and let Him create some trench art. He does all things well, and He makes everything beautiful in His time.
Even though you might look at parts of your life as ugly or shameful, God can make all things work together for your good and His glory….The God of hope is making all things beautiful in His time.
________________
~ by Karen Whiting
~ To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager
•
Remain in the Center of God’s Will
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” ~ James 4:8
“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
When we seek to know and do God’s will for our life, and the lives of those that we are accountable and responsible for – then the goodness of God can freely flow into and through us.
“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
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11
“We know that God works together in all things for the ultimate good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28
“But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” ~ James 1:22
Serving the Lord takes a constant effort on our part; not because it’s a heavy burden or load to carry – but because we are going against the sinful culture/nature of the world.
In every choice that we make in life, we need to be asking God – first – if it is in His will. If it is in His will, then all consequences belong to Him – and if we do His will, and not ours – He has promised to work all things for our ultimate good and His glory. In the center of His will is where I daily choose to live my life – and it can be yours as well.
•
The Reality of God's Presence
~ May God open our eyes and hearts to see and sense His nearness in a meaningful way today.
It’s a troubling truth in Christianity today that many believers don’t know about or aren’t experiencing continual encounter with the real, manifest presence of God. The Bible contains story after story of life-changing, world-altering encounters with the reality of God’s presence. From Moses and the tent of meeting to the disciples at Pentecost, we continually read about God supernaturally encountering His people in real, transformative ways. Jesus died so that we might walk in communion with our heavenly Father not only in heaven, but here on this earth. Biblical characters modeled what it was to experience God consistently in both the New and Old Testaments. God, in His desire to have restored relationship with you, has made the reality of His presence fully available to you. Through the death of Christ there is nothing separating you from Him. Before we dive into different stories of God’s manifest presence on the earth, let’s take time to focus on the biblical basis for encountering God. Open your heart and mind to the truth about God’s nearness and allow your faith to be stirred for all the ways your heavenly Father would transform your life through encounter with Him.
Psalm 139:7-8 says, “Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there!”
Acts 17:26-28 says:
“And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet He is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In Him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed His offspring.’”
Scripture is clear that God is omnipresent and His presence can be tangible to us. David describes God’s presence this way: “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
The sons of Korah wrote in Psalm 84:1-2, “How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.” Then in verses 10-12 they declare:
“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You!”
There is no doubt in looking at Scripture that God’s presence is real, good, and available to us. Rest in the truth of that for a moment. You can consistently enter into the tangible presence of your heavenly Father anywhere and anytime. Have faith today that God created you to experience Him. Encountering His presence is made possible entirely by His grace, so it is available apart from any good or bad thing you do. But, know that God will never force His presence on you. He only fills up what is open and ready to receive. He sweetly calls you to meet with Him and waits for you to make space in your life to receive what He longs to give.
There is no more life-giving pursuit you can embark on than the pursuit of God’s presence. Spending time resting in Him is meant to be the satisfaction that lays a foundation for you to live the life of abundance made available to you through Jesus. Your role in encountering God is simply seeking Him. If you will make time to encounter Him, open your heart, and have faith in His word, then you will discover the wellspring of life, joy, love, and transformation that is the presence of our heavenly Father.
Deuteronomy 4:29 says, “You will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Seek and find the presence of the living God today as you meditate on His word and pray.
________________
~ by Craig Denison
https://first15.org/devotionals/the-reality-of-god's-presence-2023/
•
The Baptism of Jesus
The baptism of Jesus lays the foundation on which you and I can return time and time again to experience the abundant life made available to us at salvation. Matthew 3:16-17 says, “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” Through the baptism of Jesus, the Spirit of God powerfully enters into the scene of humanity. The Holy Spirit’s always been moving and working, but through Christ the way was paved for Him to fill us and rest on us. Through the baptism of Jesus, we can all be baptized with the Spirit (John 1:33, John 3:5).
Peter says in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” And Romans 6:4 tells us, “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” At salvation the Spirit descends on us and fills us. He is the promise of God for our eternal life. He is our Helper, Teacher, and Comforter while we are here on earth. And He is the one who leads us into the abundant, new life made available to us through Christ.
You see, just as the Spirit rested on Jesus, through His presence in our lives we have untapped resources of unconditional rest. God desires that we would rest in Him as He rests on us. He desires for His children to find the only consistent source of peace available to us through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Where do you need rest today? What trouble, situation, thought, or person is stealing your peace? The Holy Spirit wants to descend on you today as He did on Jesus. He wants to guide you into the rest of your heavenly Father. Isaiah 40:28-31 says:
"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. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
You have the one who never faints or tires and gives power and might dwelling within you as a follower of Jesus. You have an inexhaustible resource of joy, strength, renewal, and rest readily available to you in the Spirit. All that is required of you is to make space in your life to enter into the rest God longs to provide you. Allow Him to lay a foundation of His presence in your life by spending time simply being with Him, and He will transform you into a person of the Spirit who fellowships and receives from the Spirit constantly. Learn to listen to His voice, follow His guidance, and enjoy His presence today.
Wherever you need rest today the Holy Spirit is waiting to provide it for you.
As you pray, make space in your heart and day to rest in Him as He rests on you.
_______________
~ by Craig Denison
•
Pentecost
Pentecost marks the powerful beginning of a global movement of the power of God’s presence sweeping across the earth. As we read the account of what happened as the Spirit descended with power on God’s people, place yourself in their midst. Imagine what it would look like, sound like, and feel like to witness firsthand such a powerful movement of God’s Spirit:
"When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them." ~ Acts 2:1-4
"Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts), Cretans and Arabs — we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.” They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But some sneered and said, “They’re drunk on new wine.” ~ Acts 2:5-13
The Holy Spirit is our greatest gift. When the disciples received the Spirit they began living as Jesus did. They began speaking to, healing, and transforming a world that had known no restored relationship with their Creator since Adam and Eve. And Scripture makes it clear that our lives are to follow their example. We’ve been given the same Spirit as the disciples, who moved so powerfully in revealing our loving heavenly Father to a world in desperate need of relationship with their Creator. I feel that there are three areas in which the Spirit would anoint us more powerfully today as He did the disciples at Pentecost. Let’s boldly seek out all that the Spirit would do in our hearts and lives today.
The first act of the disciples upon being filled with the Spirit at Pentecost was to speak to all who would listen, explaining all the powerful acts that were going on around them. And with the preaching of Peter three thousand listeners accepted the free gift of salvation. We who are marked by the Spirit’s presence are to be disciples who move in the power of love. Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The Spirit longs to use us to proclaim the goodness of God’s love to this lost and dying world. He longs to fill us with the desire to love this world the way He does. 1 Corinthians 16:14 says, “Let all that you do be done in love.” Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love.” And in Mark 12:31, Jesus says that the second greatest commandment is, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Is your life marked by love for others? Do you live your life in service to your heavenly Father and His children? Seek out a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit today. It’s the Spirit who bears the fruit of love in your life. You cannot love others on your own, for true love comes solely from God. But, the Spirit longs to fill you with a desire and anointing to love others around you that they might better know the love of the heavenly Father.
The coming of the Holy Spirit also brought powerful unity to the disciples. Acts 2:44-47 says,
“And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Only the Spirit can bring unity between broken, competitive, and needy people. Only through the Spirit do we have the ability to love and accept others regardless of our differences and unite toward the common goal of loving God and others wholeheartedly. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:1-3, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Are you a disciple marked by a desire to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace?” Are you a Christian marked by grace-filled love for your fellow believers? We all need to seek out greater anointing and desire from the Spirit toward unity. We cannot be selfless in our own strength. We need the help of the God of perfect love to pursue unity through humility. Seek out a desire and anointing to be a person who works toward the goal of unity instead of division today. Spend time in God’s presence allowing Him to transform your heart to look more like His.
Lastly, Pentecost filled the disciples with the ability to connect directly to God through the avenue of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:10, “These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” Acts 15:28 says, “For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements.” The disciples knew God’s desires, received revelation from Him, and were transformed into the likeness of Christ through fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit. We as disciples are to be marked by direct connection with the Holy Spirit. Paul and Peter had no special human ability to talk to God. Prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit, Paul was killing children of the very God he was trying to serve, and Peter chose his own safety over Jesus, who had shown him such immense love and grace. It was only with the Holy Spirit that these men were able to connect to God so deeply, and we can have that same connection today.
• So, are you a believer marked by direct connection with the Holy Spirit?
• Do you spend time seeking His presence, counsel, and anointing?
Let’s be children of God who pursue deeper connection with our heavenly Father today. Let’s seek the face of God as the early disciples did and be believers marked by relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Spend time during prayer [your daily quiet time with the Lord] pursuing all that the Spirit would do in [and through] you. Open your heart and mind to be transformed by His love. And commit to living your life with direct connection to the God who dwells within you.
______________
~ by Craig Denison
•
Daily Article — March 17, 2023
~ Netflix show for preschoolers features nonbinary character “coming out”.
“My heart says that the way I feel most myself is to go by the name ‘Fred.’ That’s because I’m nonbinary and Fred is the name that fits me best. And I also use ‘they’ and ‘them,’ because calling me a she or a he doesn’t feel right to me.” This is how a character “comes out” on a recent episode of Ridley Jones, a Netflix cartoon for two to four-year-olds.
This is just one way popular culture is normalizing LGBTQ ideology for children. As another example, Marvel is announcing its Pride Month Star Wars comic book covers for this June. And the first annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards honored a “Muppet Babies” episode in which the character Gonzo tries on dresses and uses they/them pronouns to identify as nonbinary. Netflix’s Heartstopper won the most awards; the drama centers on a romantic relationship between two teen boys in England.
Christian school barred from future competition:
The Mid Vermont Christian School girls basketball team refused last month to compete against a transgender student due to concerns that playing a biological male would endanger the team’s female players. Now the school has been barred from competing in any Vermont Principals’ Association-sponsored competitions across all sports.
Meanwhile, members of the Randolph Union High School girls volleyball team in Vermont were banned from using the girls’ locker room after objecting to a transgender student changing there. One student responded, “I feel like for stating my opinion — that I don’t want a biological male changing with me — that I should not have harassment charges or bullying charges. They should all be dropped.”
And several members of Congress wrote a letter this week urging the US ambassador-at-large for religious freedom to turn his attention to the worsening treatment of Christians in the United Kingdom.
Some British Christians have been arrested for praying silently outside abortion clinics; one was cited for displaying an “Unborn Lives Matter” bumper sticker on his car. A chaplain was reported as a terrorist and blacklisted by his diocese for telling students at a Church of England school that they are free to accept or reject LGBT activists’ claims. Another official was formally rebuked by the church’s highest-ranking clerics and reported to the police for opposing the sexualization of children on social media.
The fourfold strategy for cultural transformation:
For years I have been describing the fourfold strategy for cultural transformation: normalize beliefs, legalize actions, stigmatize opposition, then criminalize opponents. However, there are two problems with my analysis.
One is that it might suggest that these “stages” can be completed one before the next. In fact, cultural change requires all four in a constant state of cultural application.
The less “normal” the behavior in question (such as the killing of unborn babies), the more it must continually be “normalized.” As society begins to accept this “new normal,” its behaviors can then progressively be legalized (from same-sex marriage to polygamy, for example). Such “progress” will inevitably spark disagreement, which is why opposition must be stigmatized (such as branding biblical marriage advocates as “homophobes”). To defeat such critics, their opposition must ultimately be criminalized (as we are seeing in the UK today).
The other problem with my analysis is that it might suggest that these “stages” are primarily transacted on political and legal grounds. In fact, we are seeing them much more widely practiced by popular culture and voluntary organizations.
Netflix, for example, can seek to normalize LGBTQ ideology among preschoolers more easily (and perhaps effectively) than advocates could accomplish through school curricula overseen by elected school boards. And local school officials can enforce LGBTQ ideology more easily (and perhaps effectively) than federal mandates might accomplish.
When Oral Roberts made the Sweet Sixteen in last year’s men’s basketball tournament, there were calls for the NCAA to exclude the school due to its alleged homophobic policies. Since the NCAA is a private organization, it can do what it wants in this regard. I predict we will see similar pressure brought to bear against evangelical schools by academic societies and other private organizations.
“I would not be a citizen where Jesus was an alien”
David prayed, “I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers” (Psalm 39:12). Charles Spurgeon commented: “I walk through this sinful world as a pilgrim in a foreign country. Thou art a stranger in Thine own world. Man forgets Thee, dishonors Thee, sets up new laws and alien customs, and knows thee not” (his emphasis).
Spurgeon was right: When Jesus came into the world, “The world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him” (John 1:10). This was true even of his own people: “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him” (John 1:11).
When you are living in a foreign land, you have a binary choice: you can adopt the language, customs, and culture where you live, or you can remain as you are. The pressure to do the former is intense: everyone wants to be liked, to fit in, to be valued by others. For example, being branded an intolerant “homophobe” who engages in a “war on women” is something few of us want. It is far easier to go along to get along.
But if we would follow Jesus, we must refuse and resist the continuing normalization of unbiblical immorality. To do this, let’s pray daily for the ability to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). Let’s seek to join “the mature . . . who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14).
Then let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to lead and empower us as we “fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Let’s remember that “God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). And let’s remember that we are indeed sojourners in this foreign land and that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).
Spurgeon prayed, “Lord, I would not be a citizen where Jesus was an alien.”
Would you make his commitment your prayer today?
_______________
~ published by: The Denison Forum
https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/ridley-jones-nonbinary-coming-out-netflix/
•
Pay Attention
"Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar”. And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord." ~ 2 Chronicles 20:2-4
What does it take for the Lord to get your attention? In times of great crisis, fear, tragedy, or sickness, do your eyes and thoughts lift heavenward to seek God’s help and wisdom?
Those who already have a habit of seeking the Lord’s direction know how to respond when emergencies arise. That’s what we see in King Jehoshaphat’s reign. The Lord was with him because he followed the example of King David by obeying and seeking to honor God. So when a dangerous situation arose, Jehoshaphat’s first response was to fast and pray for His help.
Is seeking the Lord’s will the habit of your life, or does He have to use harsher means to get your attention? Through the Scriptures, He instructs and teaches us the way we should go — as long as we’re paying attention. But if we’re stubborn “like the horse or like the mule” (Psalm 32:8-9), God’s ways of reaching us may be more painful.
The Lord has much to say and wants us to train ourselves to stay attuned to Him. Don’t let the busyness and distractions of life keep you from connecting with Him every day through His Word and prayer.
_______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/pay-attention
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Preparation for the Battle
~ Spiritual warfare is real. Every day an unseen battle rages around us and in us.
To fight victoriously, we need to dress properly and carry the right weapons. Sounds simple enough. In Ephesians 6, the Word of God even tells us what to wear and what to fight with. However, the problem is that all the equipment is spiritual in nature and must be utilized by faith. Here are some suggestions for how to slip into your spiritual uniform. Pray...
"Lord, I choose to put on the helmet of salvation today to guard my thinking. I desire to have godly thoughts, ones that please You and are in keeping with my identity in Christ. Thank You, Father, for the breastplate of righteousness, which helps to protect my heart and emotions from the influence of the Enemy. Enable me to establish godly affections. I want to respond based on my being Your child, not based on my own desires. Thank you also for the girdle of truth. I desire my whole life to be encircled with Your truth — I want to know it, live by it, and share it with others. Help me to set aside time each day to meditate on Scripture. Father, wherever You send me, I want to wear the sandals of peace and be a peacemaker. Use me to bring others into reconciliation with You through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Help me influence Christians to resolve their conflicts and become united in Him."
Our spiritual preparations make it possible for us to stand firm in the Lord. Did you remember to "get dressed" today?
__________________
~ by Dr. Charles Stanley (https://www.intouch.org/)
~ 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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Work Out (Not for) Our Salvation
~ What does it mean to work out salvation with fear and trembling?
In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul writes, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His purpose.”
What does it mean to work out our salvation with fear and trembling? Paul can hardly be encouraging believers to live in a continuous condition of nervousness and anxiety. That would contradict his many other exhortations to peace of mind, courage, and confidence in the God who authors our salvation. The Greek word translated "fear" in this context can equally mean "reverence" or "respect." Paul uses the same phrase in (2 Corinthians 7:15) where he refers to Titus as being encouraged by the Corinthians’ reception of him “with fear and trembling,” that is, with great humility and respect for his position as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul himself came to the Corinthian church in “weakness and fear, and with much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3), mindful of the great and awesome nature of the work in which he was engaged.
The sense in which we are to work out our salvation in fear and trembling is twofold. First, the Greek verb rendered “work out” means "to continually work to bring something to completion or fruition." We do this by actively pursuing obedience in the process of sanctification, which Paul explains further in the next chapter of Philippians. He describes himself as “straining” and “pressing on” toward the goal of Christlikeness (Philippians 3:13-14). The “trembling” he experiences is the attitude Christians are to have in pursuing this goal — a healthy fear of offending God through disobedience and an awe and respect for His majesty and holiness. "Trembling" can also refer to a shaking due to weakness, but this is a weakness of higher purpose, one which brings us to a state of dependency on God. Obedience and submission to the God we revere and respect is our “reasonable service” (Romans 12:1-2) and brings great joy. Psalm 2:11 sums it up perfectly: “Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.” We work out our salvation by going to the very source of our salvation — the Word of God — wherein we renew our hearts and minds (Romans 12:1-2), coming into His presence with a spirit of reverence and awe.
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~ excerpt from: GotQuestions.org — a website dedicated to providing Biblical based responses to common, and not-so common questions.
https://www.gotquestions.org/fear-and-trembling.html
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The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Paul’s heart for the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 12:1 is God’s heart for you and me today. Scripture says, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.” Within the church today are defenders of multiple positions on spiritual gifts, each as staunch as the other. But God’s desire for you and me is that we would be informed directly from Him about the incredible gifts of this loving Holy Spirit who dwells within us. God longs for us to receive all He has to give. He longs to teach us about the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives that we might live with greater purpose and affections for Him and others. Let’s surrender our hearts and minds to God on spiritual gifts. And let’s seek out every last bit of what God has planned for us today.
The first aspect of spiritual gifts to note is that they are indeed a gift. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 says:
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills.”
The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to each of us. He “apportions” them according to His perfect wisdom. Spiritual gifts are never birthed by man and never given for selfish purposes. The Spirit gives us gifts because He loves us and others. All that He does is in perfect love and is for “the common good.” Whether you’ve been given the gift of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, or interpretation of tongues, your purpose in the gift is to be the same as the Holy Spirit’s: love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing” (emphasis added). Spiritual gifts are all about love. Operating in a gift of the Spirit is always to be done in love. Paul is clear that gifts are annoying and worthless if they are not filled with love.
1 Peter 4:10-11 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies — in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Spend time in prayer discovering what gift the Holy Spirit has given you and how He would intend you to use it for the benefit of the “common good.” Choose to align your understanding and belief on spiritual gifts with the Word of God alone. And live today operating in love with the amazing gifts God has given you, whatever they may be.
I pray that God would reveal to you how He’s wired and gifted you in the Spirit today, that you would find joy and deeper relationship with Him in walking out your unique calling on the earth.
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~ Today's devotional was written by Craig Denison.
https://first15.org/devotionals/the-gifts-of-the-holy-spirit-2023/
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A Spirit of Fear Versus Fear of the Lord
~ How many times is Fear mentioned in the Bible? Depending on the translation you search, the NIV Bible tells us — about 350 times — and “fear not” is in almost 175 verses in the KJV Bible. The NKJV encourages us to “fear God” 134 times. We recommend that you find what the Bible says about fear, and read below how, as John Bevere explains, there is a difference between destructive fear and the virtue of fearing God, which helps us become closer to God.
In the summer of 1994, I was asked to minister for a church conference in the Southeastern United States. At the time, I was on a journey to discover holy fear. I strongly sensed the need to lay aside this apprehension and minister on the fear of the Lord in the first evening session.
The next evening after worship the head pastor took the platform for what I assumed would be a routine introduction, but this wasn’t the case. For fifteen minutes he corrected what I had spoken about the previous evening. He confidently stated, “The fear of the Lord only applies to Old Testament times, but as Christians, we’ve not been given ‘a spirit of fear,’” referencing 2 Timothy 1:7.
He continued, “We are told in the New Testament, ‘There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear’ (1 John 4:18 NKJV). So, what John taught last evening is error, and I want to protect you from it.” His elaborate correction of my message continued for several more minutes.
Once he finished, to my surprise, he introduced me to the platform to minister. I still remember walking up and thinking to myself, How can I minister to these people after what he just did? This can’t be happening.
Is There Such a Thing as “Holy Fear”?
The next morning, I prayed earnestly, anticipating God’s correction. With sincerity, I asked, “Lord, have I hurt Your church? Have I taught something untrue? Am I putting Your people in bondage?”
I continued for quite some time, and as I prayed, what I uttered began to change. I didn’t sense God’s dissatisfaction but rather His pleasure in what I had done. He began to bring to my remembrance numerous scriptures in the New Testament regarding the fear of the Lord. In time I found myself no longer befuddled but now crying out in a loud, passionate voice, “Father, I want to know the fear of the Lord, I want to walk in it!”
The New Testament writers did write the words the pastor quoted, but they also penned other statements:
• The apostle Paul writes, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12 NKJV).
• Again, he instructs, “Beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV).
• The writer of Hebrews pens, “Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28 NKJV).
• The apostle Peter writes, “If you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear” (1 Peter 1:17 NKJV).
• The apostle Jude declares, “Save with fear” (Jude v. 23 NKJV).
• And Jesus urges us, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28 NKJV).
I could continue, but I hope you get the point: Holy fear is a New Testament truth. These are but a few of the scriptures the Lord brought to my heart as I prayed.
Contrasting Fears:
I realized that morning the pastor had confused the “spirit of fear” with the “fear of the Lord.” There is a huge difference, and it is illustrated by what took place when Moses led the nation of Israel to Mount Sinai to meet with God.
Once the entire nation arrives, Moses goes up for an initial private meeting. The Almighty reveals the purpose behind His powerful deliverance:
Thus, you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” (Exodus 19:3–4 NKJV)
The chief reason for God’s mighty deliverance was to gather all the people to Himself. He longed for them and desired a meeting so they could know Him as Moses did. However, three days later, when God comes down on the mountain to introduce Himself, the people respond by quickly retreating. In terror they cry out to Moses, “‘You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die’” (Exodus 20:19 NKJV). In an attempt to console them, their leader replies, “‘Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin’” (Exodus 20:20 NKJV).
At first glance it seems Moses contradicts himself: “Do not fear” because God has come “that His fear may be before you.” Is he speaking out of both sides of his mouth? The answer is no. Moses is merely differentiating between being “scared of God” and having “the fear of the Lord.” Again, there is a huge difference.
Someone who’s scared of God has something to hide. Recall, in the garden, once Adam sinned, he and Eve hid from the presence of the Lord. Their reaction wasn’t unique to them; similar behavioral responses exist throughout Scripture in those who venture into darkness.
However, the person who fears God has nothing to hide. He or she is terrified of being away from God. This is illustrated by the fact that while the people drew back, Moses simultaneously drew nearer to God.
Holy fear is not being scared of God and therefore withdrawing from Him. How can we enjoy intimacy with someone we’re afraid of? Pulling away is the opposite of what He desires. In Psalms we read, “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming’” (Psalm 27:8). Do you hear the call to intimacy? He desires for you to come close, to interact, laugh together, share together, and do life together. The psalmist also writes, “The Lord is a friend to those who fear him” (Psalm 25:14). The firm reality is this: God wants to be close and intimate with you. So, rest assured, holy fear does not quench intimacy; it does just the opposite — it enhances our interaction with God.
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~ Adapted from “The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy Fear of God Transforms Your Life”, by John Bevere.
Do you long for an intimate relationship with your Creator, but He seems elusive? Perhaps it is because something utterly essential is missing — the fear of the Lord. Don’t let this frighten you. Fearing God is very different than being afraid of God. It’s the key to everything.
Holy Fear is not a topic you’ll hear much about these days. But if you want to build a faith that stands strong through troubled times, you cannot afford to ignore this book.
In “The Awe of God”, John Bevere invites you to take a fresh look at what it means to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. This healthy, holy, and largely forgotten virtue is the uncommon path to a more fulfilled and fruitful life. In this book you will see why godly fear is the foundation of:
• Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
• Foresight, clarity, and divine direction.
• Maturity and conformity to the image of Jesus Christ.
• Building an eternal legacy.
• Confidence, fearlessness, and security.
• Freedom from the fear of man as all lesser fears are eclipsed.
If you look at the men and women in Scripture, the ones who lived and finish well all have one thing in common: they are marked by "holy fear".
“The Awe of God” was designed to be read slowly and intentionally. At the end of each of the 42 chapters are five tools to help you deepen your understanding and apply what the Spirit of God is teaching you. Experience the intimate relationship with God that you have always longed for by unlocking this countercultural message.
About John Bevere:
John Bevere is a minister known for his bold, uncompromising approach to God’s Word. He is also an international bestselling author who has written more than 20 books that have, collectively, sold millions of copies and been translated into 129 languages. Along with his wife, Lisa, John is the co-founder of Messenger International—a ministry committed to revolutionizing global discipleship. Driven by a passion to develop uncompromising followers of Christ, Messenger has given over 50 million translated resources to leaders across the globe, and to extend these efforts, the MessengerX app was developed, providing translated, digital discipleship resources at no cost to users in 118 languages and counting. MessengerX currently has users in over 19,000 cities and 228 nations. When John is home in Franklin, Tennessee, you’ll find him loving on his g-babies, playing pickleball, or trying to convince Lisa to take up golf.
https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2023/02/a-spirit-of-fear-versus-fear-of-the-lord/
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He is for Us
Who is Jesus? People have debated that question for generations. Some said He was brilliant, and others label Him insane. Some said Jesus was a good teacher, and others call Him a liar. To judge a person’s character, you’ve got to look at their life.
How did Jesus live among us? He was different things to different people. See if you find yourself on this list:
• To the victim, Jesus defended.
• To the rebel, He held out mercy.
• To the brutalized, Jesus comforted with kindness.
• To the questioning, He spoke truth.
• To the fearful, Jesus stood beside.
• To the lonely, He nodded, I’ve been there.
• To the sick, Jesus revitalized.
• To the outliner [outsider], He welcomed in.
• To the forgotten, Jesus remembered in detail.
• To the filthy, He washed clean.
• To the broken, Jesus empathized.
• To the doubting, He listened.
• To the isolated, Jesus joined company.
• To the discouraged, He drew near.
• To the cynic, Jesus answered.
• To the rejected, He restored.
• To the anxious, Jesus calmed.
• To the betrayed, He identified.
• To the betrayer, Jesus forgave.
• To the wounded, He sympathized.
• To the wanderer, Jesus pointed the way.
• To the shattered, He rebuilt dreams.
• To the lost, Jesus led home.
• To the abandoned, He was home.
• To the destitute, Jesus deepened.
• To the single again, He completed.
• To the tempted, Jesus was available.
• To the courageous, He gave purpose.
• To the one in trouble, Jesus led out.
• To the exhausted, He was wholeness.
• To the hurried, Jesus patiently waited.
• To the over-committed, He built margin.
• To the weak, Jesus fortified.
• To the one in debt, He released.
• To the searching, Jesus satisfied.
• To the foolish, He said, turn around.
• To the pure in heart, Jesus blessed.
• To the one who keeps on going, He rewarded.
Whatever you need, Jesus is here for you. He is for us. He gets us.
________________
~ excerpt from: “He Gets Us: #2 Diving Deeper”, a YouVersion/Bible App Reading Plan
https://my.bible.com/reading-plans/30319-he-gets-us-2-diving-deeper
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Daily Article — March 10, 2023
~ Austin ISD to promote LGBTQ Pride Week among students and staff.
You are undoubtedly familiar with Pride Month, described as “a month, typically in June, dedicated to celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) pride.” Now school officials in Austin, Texas, are preparing for “Pride Week” to be held later this month. “Pronoun buttons,” rainbow flags, LGBTQ stickers, and other items will be distributed to students and staff. The event is timed to coincide with "National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week".
I was unaware of either “week,” so I wondered what other LGBTQ “Pride” events are held these days. It turns out the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) website lists more than one hundred and fifty different such events.
Why so many? IGLTA explains: “The LGBTQ+ rights movement has made tremendous strides over the past few decades and much of the progress in visibility is thanks in part to gay pride parades and marches that have taken place in cities around the world.”
Why can we expect more “Pride” events?
“Pride” events began with the Stonewall Riots in 1969. Since that time, there has been a concerted, focused effort for more than fifty years to normalize LGBTQ behavior.
But this strategy exposes its inherent weakness: "Something that must continually be normalized is, by definition, not normal. Otherwise, it would not need to be continually normalized."
For example, no one seeks to normalize sexual relations within heterosexual marriage. This is because such relations are already normal and express God’s design for humans to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) as “a man shall . . . hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
By contrast, same-sex sexual relations are not God’s design: “Men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Romans 1:27).
Likewise, elective abortion is continually being normalized in our culture because it is not normal for a mother — or for society — to end the life of an unborn child. The illogic of abortion is clear: We instinctively know that killing an innocent person is wrong and that an unborn baby is innocent. It is therefore wrong to kill an unborn baby.
How much does religion benefit the US economy?
However, as we noted earlier this week, those who do not like a message are prone to attack the messenger. In this case, when Christians defend biblical marriage and the sanctity of life, our religion is attacked as homophobic and part of a “war on women.”
Consequently, it is important for us to show our secular critics the value of religion to secular society. Here are some examples:
• Research shows that “religious attendance once or more per week leads to an extra seven years of life expectancy.” Religious involvement is also linked to a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, less depression, and less alcohol and drug use.
• Religious participation by kids results in less juvenile delinquency, less drug use, less smoking, better school attendance, and a higher probability of graduating from high school.
• Adults who regularly attend religious services commit fewer crimes and give more money to charity.
• Studies indicate that “higher rates of religious beliefs stimulate [economic] growth because they help to sustain aspects of individual behavior that enhance productivity.”
According to sociology professor Rodney Stark, all of this benefits the American economy in the amount of $2.6 trillion per year, which is about one-sixth of our nation’s total economic output.
“Why do you seek the living among the dead?”
Of course, the greatest benefit the Christian religion offers society is not a religion about God but a relationship with him. I believe if more secular people understood this fact, they would view Christianity very differently.
They see our faith as just another religion with duties, rituals, and obligations. In a sense, they are like those who came to Jesus’ tomb to finish burying his corpse and met angels who asked them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen” (Luke 24:5–6).
We “seek the living among the dead” whenever we treat Jesus as anyone or anything other than our living Lord. When he is an idea, a theology, a model, a movement, or a religion, he is as dead as if he were Muhammad or Buddha. When we seek and encounter Jesus as a living person, we personally experience the fact that he is alive because he is alive in us.
Have you met the risen Christ for yourself? You can today if you will ask Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Savior and Lord. (For more, see my website article, “Why Jesus?”)
If you have, have you met him again today? His word promises, “The L??? is near to all who call on Him” (Psalm 145:18). As a result, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus assures us, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Revelation 3:20).
Tony Evans was right: “God will meet you where you are in order to take you where he wants you to go.”
Will you accept his invitation today?
_______________
~ published by: Denison Forum
https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/austin-isd-to-promote-lgbtq-pride-week-among-students-and-staff/
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What Does It Mean to Be Saved?
~ Available to everyone and freely given, all the benefits of a relationship with God come only through Jesus.
Scripture Reading:
"Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for us." ~ 1 Peter 1:3-4
Christians often talk about salvation, but do we really understand what it requires? Too many of us think that being saved is our own responsibility, but it’s really the work of God. He causes us to be born again. Our part is to respond to the gospel message in faith when His Spirit opens our heart to understand.
The path to redemption begins with the realization that it’s impossible to make ourselves righteous, because we cannot correct our sinful nature. To find favor with the Lord, we must trust in the sacrifice our Savior made on our behalf. His crucifixion was a demonstration of God’s hatred for sin and immense love for mankind. Jesus — the blameless One — bore the penalty for sin so corrupt people like us could be made righteous through faith in Him.
Your good works and righteous acts can never earn God’s forgiveness and favor. The only way you can be forgiven of your sins is through Jesus Christ and His sacrificial, substitutionary atoning death at Calvary. No matter what you’ve done, you can be declared righteous if you’ll turn from your sins and trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/what-does-it-mean-to-be-saved
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