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Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
Romans 5:12
From the Pastor’s Heart – June 2024
~ When the storms of life come, our response reveals what and whom we’re trusting.
Here at the year’s halfway point, it’s a good time to pause and assess how things are going.
• What challenges are you facing this year?
• And how are you getting through them?
Dr. Stanley often reminded us of the countless ways God provides for us to grow strong in the Christian life. This month, we’d like to share some of his thoughts on that topic.
We hope they’ll encourage you through the rest of the year and beyond.
_________________
How do you know if you’re a strong person?
I’m not talking about your physical body, but the inner qualities of a vibrant spiritual life. In Matthew 7:24-29, Jesus told a story that vividly demonstrates the source of spiritual strength. He said those who hear and obey God’s Word are building their lives on a rock-solid foundation, while those who hear the Word and don’t obey have a foundation like sand.
What we’ve built our lives on may not be externally obvious. But when the storms of life come, our response reveals what and whom we’re trusting. If it’s not God, we’ll fall apart under the pressure. To help you evaluate whether you’re building well, I want to share a few characteristics of a strong spiritual life.
First, your life must be built on the teachings and application of God’s Word.
The Bible becomes a treasured possession when you recognize that it’s the Lord’s voice speaking directly to you. Obeying its principles should be a constant in your life, not an exception.
When you consistently feed on God’s Word, the Holy Spirit brings passages to your mind to help you respond correctly in every situation. That’s why Jesus said the Spirit will “remind you of all that I said” (John 14:26).
What’s more, as you read the Bible, you are “transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is” (Romans 12:2). The Word transforms you to think biblically about your circumstances. Then you can make good decisions and act rightly in trials.
Second, spending time alone in prayer is a priority.
Prayer is your connecting point with God and an essential means of strengthening your relationship with Him. Through the discipline of prayer, we learn how to communicate with the Lord about anything and everything. When His disciples needed the strength to stand firm, Jesus told them, “Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). A prayerless life is a powerless one.
Third, the spiritually fit see the Lord Jesus as the source of strength in their lives.
We are continually tempted to forget this perspective and think our strength comes from ourselves — the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” approach. Yet when the apostle Paul was suffering with what he called “a thorn in the flesh,” Christ told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:7,9). The path to spiritual strength is humble dependence on God.
Fourth, if your life is characterized by obedience to God’s Word, you’ll be able to view troubles and afflictions as ways to strengthen your faith.
I wouldn’t change the pain, heartache, trials, and disappointments I’ve experienced, because God used each one to grow my faith. Instead of complaining and questioning God’s love in times of hardship, we can seek to understand His purpose and trust Him. The Lord’s goal is not to remove all our trials, but use them to transform us into godly people and equip us for His will (James 1:2-4).
Finally, our spiritual strength increases greatly through involvement in a local church that faithfully teaches the Bible.
Believers grow in church through hearing of the Word, love for one another, corporate worship, selfless service, and encouraging fellowship. That’s why, if possible, you should seek connection with other believers in a church body. We need each other.
Each of us is building our life on something — either God’s firm foundation, or the unstable sands of this world.
• What have you built your life on?
No matter what you’ve done in the past or how old you are, it’s never too late to step away from the sand and start building on rock. It’s the one building project that won’t end until the day the Lord takes you home — stronger and better than you could ever have been on your own.
_________________
We hope you’ve been blessed by Dr. Stanley’s reminders of the many ways to build strength as you walk with the Savior each day. A few pages of God’s Word, read tonight, will not be wasted. A few moments in prayer tomorrow could strengthen you more than you think. And leaning on Jesus will carry you through to eternity.
Till next time, God bless you.
For His Glory,
Your Friends at In Touch Ministries
P.S. This month we recognize Father’s Day, a day on which Dr. Stanley often spoke of his loving heavenly Father, having lost his earthly dad at nine months old. He knew the difficulty of overcoming a gap like this, and the immense value of men who lead others in godliness, righteousness, grace, and wisdom. In Dr. Stanley’s memory, we wish you a happy Father’s Day.
https://www.intouch.org/read/from-pastors-heart/june-2024
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Seeking Justice
“Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.” ~ Micah 6:8
Faith superheroes, just like the heroes in comics and movies, are called to a purpose. They are tasked with upholding justice.
The responsibility of our power brings us to the question of justice and our part to play in upholding truth. Both individually and corporately, we have been given the gift of faith, not solely to feed the internal desires of our own flesh but to pursue the greatest good available to all of us. And to do it together.
Justice is much more than upholding the laws of the land. And it certainly is not about the arbitrary judgment and sentencing many comic book heroes employ.
Justice is harmony. It is each member of the body of Christ doing what it was made to do to the best of its ability. If the arm is acting like the leg or the toenail like the elbow, the body is out of harmony.
We were each created to do our part. With Christ as the head, we are a body designed to uphold the system by participating properly in the Kingdom of God. The justice we seek cries out in our bones. It is the harmony of a chorus all of creation sings together. Placing things in their proper place is the heart of justice.
_________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
•
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
Think youve got your ticket to heaven punched? Think because you prayed a little prayer and maybe felt all warm and fuzzy that you can still do what you want to do and everything will be ok? What does this scripture mean to you? "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come"(2 Corinthians 5:17). Do you act one way around your saved friends and another way around your unsaved friends? Meaning...does your daily life reflect Jesus. When you witness to unsaved family and friends are they thinking...hummm...whats the big deal...you do the same things i do. Is this your life? In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.(Matthew 5:16). You do witness to unsaved family and friends...right? Do you live your life everyday sitting on the fence just going with the flow of the moment as to right and wrong? What does this scripture mean to you? Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.(John 3:36). Do you profess to be a born-again believer but when you really look at your lifestyle on a daily basis you see as much of the world...sin...as you do some sort of righteousness? Do you understand what this verse is saying? “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers!’(Matthew 7:21-23). Are you good at talking the talk but not so good at walking the walk. Do you know there is a big difference in calling yourself a christian and actually being truly born again. Thought for the day...when this body of ours dies...our soul leaves it right then right there and we step foot into eternity. Heaven or hell...for forever...there are no do-overs after we die...where are you headed?
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Any gospel that is not the gospel of grace is not the true gospel. You can’t beg it. You can’t buy it. You can’t borrow it. You can’t steal it. You can’t earn it. It was bought by Christ on the cross. It is the supernatural work of God.
-Adrian Rogers-
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:12-13
The Impact of Deeper Growth
~ A close and personal relationship with God gives us the strength needed to endure whatever life brings.
Scripture Reading:
"Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude.” ~ Colossians 2:6-7
After a hurricane a few years ago, a photographer captured an interesting picture of a tree. It stood tall above the ground on what looked like stilts. Upon closer examination, however, it was easy to see that those “stilts” were actually the exposed root system. The tree had grown deep and wide, and that strength held firm, even as storm-tossed waves washed away the sand and soil around its trunk. The tree survived because of the patient work it had done creating its base.
We, too, can be hardy like this tree, able to withstand life’s many challenges. As we fix our eyes on Jesus and meditate on His Word, the roots of our faith grow and stretch more deeply. When we delve into God’s Word, though the winds blow and the sands shift beneath us, we can focus on His character instead of our worries. Then we’re able to experience His great love and mercy amid our fears (Luke 8:22-25).
When we know the Lord is with us, we can endure all things. So spend a few moments in prayer today, asking God to help you grow like that tree standing tall and strong on its roots, whatever comes.
_________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-impact-of-deeper-growth
•
He Can Heal the Hurt
"Grudge" is one of those words that defines itself. Its very sound betrays its meaning.
Say it slowly: “Grr-uuuud-ge.”
It starts with a growl. “Grr…” Like a bear with bad breath coming out of hibernation or a mangy mongrel defending his bone in an alley. “Grrr…”
Remove a GR from the word grudge and replace it with SL and you have the junk that grudge bearers trudge through. “Sludge". Black, thick, ankle-deep resentment that steals the bounce from the step. No joyful skips through the meadows. No healthy hikes up the mountain. Just day after day of walking into the storm, shoulders bent against the wind, and feet dragging through all the muck life has delivered.
• Is this the way you are coping with your hurts?
• Are you allowing your hurts to turn into hates?
If so, ask yourself: Is it working? Has your hatred done you any good? Has your resentment brought you any relief, any peace? Has it granted you any joy?
Let’s say you get even. Let’s say you get him back. Let’s say she gets what she deserves. Let’s say your fantasy of fury runs its ferocious course and you return all your pain with interest. Imagine yourself standing over the corpse of the one you have hated. Will you now be free?
The writer of the following letter thought she would be. She thought her revenge would bring release. But she learned otherwise.
"I caught my husband with another woman. He swore it would never happen again. He begged me to forgive him, but I could not — would not. I was so bitter and so incapable of swallowing my pride that I could think of nothing but revenge. I was going to make him pay and pay dearly. I’d have my pound of flesh."
"I filed for divorce, even though my children begged me not to. Even after the divorce, my husband tried for two years to win me back. I refused to have anything to do with him. He had struck first; now I was striking back. All I wanted was to make him pay."
"Finally he gave up and married a lovely young widow with a couple of small children. He began rebuilding his life — without me. I see them occasionally, and he looks so happy. They all do. And here I am — a lonely, old, miserable woman who allowed her selfish pride and foolish stubbornness to ruin her life."
• Unfaithfulness is wrong. It is sin! It is devestating!!! It is painful!
• Revenge is bad. But the worst part of all is that, without forgiveness, bitterness is all that is left.
The state of your heart dictates whether you harbor a grudge or give grace, seek self-pity or seek Christ, drink human misery or taste God’s mercy. No wonder, then, the wise man pleads, “Above all else, guard your heart.” (Proverbs 4:23)
David’s prayer should be ours: “Create in me a pure heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:10)
_______________
~ by Max Lucado (https://www.maxlucado.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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Encouraging Letters
I read of a man who was involved in a tragic accident. He lost both legs and his left arm and only a finger and thumb remained on the right hand. There was only enough left of the man that had been, to suffer and remember.
But he still possessed a brilliant mind, enriched with a good education and broadened with world travel. At first he thought there was nothing he could do but remain a helpless sufferer. A thought came to him. It was always nice to receive letters, but why not write them - he could still use his right hand with some difficulty. But whom could he write to?
Was there anyone shut in and incapacitated like he was who could be encouraged by his letters. He thought of men in prison - they did have some hope of release whereas he had none - but it was worth a try.
He wrote to a Christian organization concerned with prison ministry. He was told that his letters could not be answered - it was against prison rules, but he commenced this one sided correspondence.
He wrote twice a week and it taxed his strength to the limit. But into those letters he put his whole soul, all his experience, all his faith, all his wit, and all his Christian optimism. It must have been hard writing those letters, often in pain, and particularly when there was no reply.
Frequently he felt discouraged and was tempted to give it up. But it was his one remaining activity and he resolved to continue as long as he could. At last he got a letter. It was very short, written on prison stationery by the officer whose duty it was to censor the mail. All it said was:
"Please write on the best paper you can afford. Your letters are passed from cell to cell till they literally fall to pieces."
No matter what our personal situation is, we still have God-given gifts and talents, experience, and encouragement that we can share with others.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” ~ Colossians 3:23
"And the King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’" ~ Matthew 25:40
_________________
~ published by: The Daily Encourager
To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager
•
..Ok...i can already hear a few boos and hisses...but so be it. Do we remember back when cell phones were popular enough that a great deal of the population had them...teens and adults alike. And...we had the added advantage of the internet on the cell phone. And as adults..we often sat in wonder...why and how the teenagers could sit and spend so much time on the phone talking and texting and on web sites...especially...social media. And it was to our amazement how these teens...could be in a room full of other teens and basically there would be no real conversation between them as they were texting other people in other places..and actually...texting people in the same room. We could not comprehend what was happening to the young folks with this devise straight from satan! Ok...now lets fast forward to present day...let us look in the mirror as the adults we are...how much time do we now spend on our cell phones? I mean..outside of business..our work. Do we now look like those teenagers we use to shake our heads at? Heres the thing...my point. In todays world...a vast number of humans can be with you..but they just as well be quite far away as the cell phone dominates the time. In the middle of conversation with the person or persons with you...talking on the phone and texting and surfing the web prevents any real person to person...heart to heart time. And as born-again believers...followers of Jesus...Gods servants...should we not be in the present...looking for and talking with...the people that are in our here and now. Looking for people that are hurting...ministering to their needs. Looking for opportunities to share the name of Jesus to everyone we can. This world is full of hurting people that have no hope...because...they dont know Jesus. And in the grand scheme of the universe...all that time that can be spent on the cell phone..how many people could we be ministering to...talking and listening to...praying for...because...wherever you are...whoever you are with...show them the respect they deserve...be with the people that are with you...not the people on the other side of the cell phone. Think about it...what and who is more important...the person in front of you...or the person on the other side of that devise you are holding in your hand? Ask God to teach you to live fully in the present that you may take advantage of every opportunity He gives you to serve Jesus Christ.
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!.....
Rick j Sane
Practical Wisdom
"If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” ~ James 3:13
"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing.” ~ James 1:15
Wisdom is the crossroad of knowledge and action. As we seek wisdom, we are not just looking for the right way to think but also the right way to do.
Like everything else in life, knowledge is a kind of trial. Discretion, even right discretion, can be used improperly. Or it can be idolized. We love to trumpet our “wisdom”, to blast it from the pulpit or across the table to a needy friend. We like having the right answers. We enjoy the knowledge.
And we should. It is a gift. A gift to be celebrated. But when we stop short of acting out the knowledge we have received, we do not use this gift to its fullest ability. We waste it. Knowledge is a benefit. Knowledge accompanied by action is an even greater benefit.
The “humility” of wisdom comes through seeing our knowledge as a resource, an opportunity. A chance to know God, to love others, and to exercise our character in a way pleasing to the Lord. The real heart of humility is seeing things as they are. And wisdom is a two sided coin – knowledge and action. One without the other is incomplete and even dangerous. But together, they hold the key to the path of life. The key to living well.
Wisdom is a great tool and, therefore, a great responsibility. We must model our wisdom. We must live out our action. What we do must match what we say. Our wisdom should manifest in our words and our actions, our internal and external conversations, in what we think and in what we do.
________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net/devotional/practical-wisdom/
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God is love...love is God. Without God there is no love. As we all know..God created Adam and Eve...and...God has created every human sense then and every living thing. And in all that...Gods intention right from the get go was for Him to love us and in return we love Him. Gods unconditional love is so awesome that we humans really cant grasp or understand how full and perfect it is...however...there is coming a day when those of us that go to heaven...we are going to experience Gods vast love for us every moment for forever! So in all of that...let us know with certainly that God didnt create us to just run around and make do for ourselves and do the best we can living life our way. Let us know that in the grand scheme of the universe...so to speak...what God really wants and deserves...is our undivided attention? Do we really know that what God desires is for us to have a personal relationship with Him? Look folks, i know its a busy world we live in, i know most folks are running in two or three different directions trying to work, take care of kids, care for elderly parents, run errands, shop and many other things throughout the day. Then MAYBE get home in time to fix supper and rest a little and watch some TV. Many folks just cant seem to find enough hours in the day to get it all done...and...lets not forget to try and sleep a couple hours! Heres the thing, God knows we have things to do that are important to our survival here on planet earth. However, when all the "stuff" is getting put in front of our relationship with God...theres a problem there...a big problem! We must find time and learn to prioritize our day along with our relationship with God...and i know that seems hard...but think about it. God wants us to put time aside throughout the day to acknowledge him...worship Him...praise Him...talk to Him. We have to find the time to do this no matter what. Nothing is more important than our personal relationship with Jesus...NOTHING!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:36
“God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them.”
- Augustine -
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2:15-17
And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.............
Luke 10:27
"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
- Martyr Jim Elliot -
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
James 4:4
Prosperity knits a man to the World. He feels that is "finding his place in it," while really it is finding its place in him.
- C.S. Lewis -
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
—Galatians 6:2
Really Love Others
~ To impact others with God's love, time and energy are required.
Scripture Reading:
"Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” ~ Romans 12:9-10
Many of us make it a point to show interest when we’re with other people. We’ve learned how important it is to be cordial, make small talk, and express concern at the right moments, all of which are commendable. But take a moment to consider ways that God might want you to go further.
Pleasantries and polite chit chat are a good way to break the ice and begin a friendship. But watch for when God might be calling you to strive for something richer.
Are you available and willing to go beneath the surface?
Loving others well requires sacrifice — an investment of time and heartfelt energy in those relationships. It might involve shifting the calendar to spend time with a friend who needs to talk through a problem. Or it could mean going without an unnecessary purchase in order to bless someone who is hurting financially.
There are times when the Lord wants our relationships to go deeper, even when doing so gets messy. After all, isn’t that exactly what Jesus did with us? He loved us so profoundly that He gave His very life on the cross (Romans 5:8). Let’s follow His example by giving away a little more of our own life as we commit to truly loving the people around us.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/really-love-others
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The Daily Article — May 31, 2024
~ North Korea bombards South Korea with balloons filled with waste.
As I’m sure you know, former President Donald Trump was found guilty yesterday afternoon in his New York City trial. I responded to the verdict with a Daily Article Special Edition you can read here. As more is known over the coming days, I will offer further reflections.
If you go stargazing toward the eastern horizon about twenty minutes before sunrise this Monday morning, you’ll see a rare sight: Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn will stretch before you, in that order, along a roughly straight line.
You will, however, need a telescope or powerful binoculars to see them all. Otherwise, you’ll have to take the word of astronomers that they’re there.
Another story from the skies has been making headlines as well: hundreds of large white balloons drifted from North Korea into South Korea on Wednesday. They were filled with trash and human waste, retribution for balloons from a South Korean activist group that earlier sent antiregime leaflets into North Korea along with USB drives containing boy band music.
Akin to the planets you will not be able to see Monday morning, the North Korean garbage was not visible until the balloons landed or otherwise exploded, but it was nonetheless real (and revolting).
The story reminded me of a time during the Cold War when some people from East Berlin dumped garbage in West Berlin. West Germans responded by stacking canned goods, bread, milk, and other provisions on the East Berlin side with the sign, “Each gives what he has.”
Their wisdom applies not just to nations but to people, including you and me today.
“Bad ideas have victims”:
This week we have been discussing the need for compassionate courage in speaking biblical truth to our broken culture. Let’s take each priority in order.
We will be more compassionate if we remember that many secular Americans have never heard the saving message of Jesus Christ. Like stars we cannot detect and balloons whose contents we cannot see, they don’t know what they don’t know.
I was one of them.
I grew up in Houston, Texas, part of what many would call the “buckle of the Bible belt.” There were churches all around our community, but our family didn’t go to any of them.
Consequently, I had no idea that Jesus died to pay for my sins or that I could ask Him to forgive me and become my Lord. Only when two men knocked on our door and invited my brother and I to ride their bus to church did I hear the gospel and eventually trust in Christ.
In my experience across nearly fifty years of ministry, most people who are not Christians have not rejected a saving relationship with Jesus, but rather a religion about Him. They think we want them to join our church and agree with our social positions.
This is partly because “the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). But it is also because “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
I often quote my friend John Stonestreet: "Ideas have consequences, and bad ideas have victims."
• We will be more compassionate if we remember the spiritual lostness and eternal peril of those who are without Christ.
• And we will be more courageous if we remember the stakes, not just for the people we know but for the country we love.
Scripture warns: “The wicked will go down to the grave. This is the fate of all nations who ignore God” (Psalm 9:17).
Pastor Paul Powell commented on this text: “To forget God is to seal our own doom as a nation.”
As a result, he wrote:
"America needs you to stand courageously before evil. The sin of silence is all about us. Our generation needs to remember that silence is often golden, but at times it may also be yellow. To stand neutral is to stand for nothing."
He added: “The hope of America is in the great uncommitted majority.”
The Revolutionary-era political philosopher Thomas Paine made our point well: “Moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is always a vice.”
Let’s choose the moderation of compassion coupled with the courage of principle.
When the task of impacting our broken culture feels too daunting, let’s remember that we work with an omnipotent God. Pastor and writer Erwin Lutzer was right:
“When you surrender your will to God, you discover the resources to do what God requires.”
To illustrate: Eighteen-year-old Mary Leahy fell off a farm cart and broke her right wrist two days before she was to compete at the Peterborough Music Festival in Canada. Instead of pulling out of the contest, she enlisted the help of Donnell Leahy, one of the best fiddle players in the country and a musician who toured with Shania Twain. He is also her father.
Mary played the chords with her left hand, while her father handled the bow with his right hand. How did it go? You can watch for yourself here.
Their duet makes my point: As we work, God works.
How will you partner with your Father today?
_________________
~ published by: Denison Ministries
https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/north-korea-bombards-south-korea-with-balloons-filled-with-waste/
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Now and Forever
“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[a] being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So, we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
There are two classic mistakes we make as we perceive our circumstances:
The first is we treat the current twist and turn as eternal. "It will always be like this" is our heart’s refrain. We elevate our current situation to God-like status. It is omniscient and omnipotent. We serve the circumstance rather than God because we believe it to be the divine force. Whatever is happening to us is in control rather than God being in control.
The journey of life is an epic adventure. The things we do, have, and experience affect the rest of the journey. Our current reality is a preparation for what is around the corner, so that we aren’t just traversing but progressing along the way.
The second mistake we make is related. We miss the beauty of this moment because we are looking ahead. We want the future to solve our problems and we miss the value of the present. We fail to notice that the choices we make today shape what will happen next.
Like the Kingdom of God, the journey of life is something we are to fully participate in AND hope for a better future. Making the most of our journey includes experiencing the current opportunities for all they are worth, with a view toward what will come. Eternity is not just the future. It is the marriage of the present and the yet-to-be.
Each day, more of our eternal journey is being revealed to us. What choices will we make to make the most of today, both for what it is worth and for what is to come?
_______________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
•
Perceive the Good
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done…” ~ Genesis 50:20
Whether we realize it or not, we always choose a perspective. Choosing a perspective is like knocking over the first domino. It leads to more decisions that follow the effect of the same line of perceiving.
In Genesis 50, Joseph chooses to understand, forgive, and influence his brothers by acknowledging the deep truth of his story. His brothers decided to kill him out of jealousy, then relented and instead sold him into slavery. Joseph recognizes the reality that harm was intended. But Joseph chooses to see that God used this evil to save the family. Joseph chooses grace toward his brothers.
Too often perception is something that just happens to us. We choose a perspective without even knowing. That causes a false reality. We aren’t able to distinguish between emotions and reality. We are quick to blame, to justify our anger, to defend our feeling. What is often lost in the midst is the reality that we are making choices.
If we want to live intentional, purpose-filled lives, we have to be aware of the choices we make concerning our perception of events, our own self, and the world at large. Like Joseph, we can choose a perspective that recognizes the good God intends.
________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!
The Sacrificial Lamb
~ All of our wrongs — past, present, and future — are forgiven when we accept the gift of salvation that Jesus died to give us.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:1-14
God’s grace has no limits. His mercy can reach the darkest part of our heart. Christ not only erased our past, present, and future sin; He also paid for the wrongs of every generation. When the ancient Israelites brought a goat or a lamb to the temple for a sacrifice, they placed their hands on its head and confessed their sins. The priest then killed the animal and sprinkled some of its blood on the altar of atonement. The ritual symbolized a confessor’s payment for sin.
But the lamb could not actually take on the sin and die in place of the Israelite. If an animal’s blood could actually erase a sin debt, then Jesus’ death would have been unnecessary. The ritual of sacrificing a lamb was the Father’s idea, though the act itself was symbolic. God established such offerings as an illustration of the seriousness of sin. The practice also pointed to Christ’s perfect sacrificial death on our behalf and the salvation He brings.
Like the Israelites, we must also look to a lamb — the Lamb of God (John 1:29). When we receive Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, we are forgiven forever.
______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministry
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-sacrificial-lamb
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Lord Jesus! Thank You for Your mercy on us!!! I soooo much understand it lately! And thank You for helping others around me??!!
Your grace surely appreciated!!!
I Love You, Jesus! And, let's keep going?!?!?!?!? :) Thank You!!! http://boxoflove.live/
When we put our cares...burdens...problems...our everything...In Jesus hands...in return He puts His peace in our hearts. And how important is that peace that comes only from Jesus? We have to realize that life is going to be hard sometimes. Life in these human bodies....we are not promised a walk thru the rose garden. As we take each step of our journey here on planet earth we are always going to go from the mountain tops to walking thru the valleys....sometimes even crawling thru the valleys! Yes...we can expect good times...not so good times...even down right bad times during our life here on planet earth...even in our walk with the Lord. Not being negative...just a fact of life...right? However...we must remember...no matter how good or bad things are. Jesus is always with us. When we submit to God thru surrender and obedience...when we humble ourselves before Jesus by truly placing our faith and trust in Him....He is faithful to give us what we need to see us thru each and every circumstance of our lives. Do you know Jesus as Lord? If not this talk probably seems pretty strange to you. Thats because you have only yourself and maybe a few friends and family to help see you thru your times of trouble...and as you might know...there is only so much that other humans can do to give us comfort when we are truly hurting. On the other hand the supernatural power of God lives in us when we are born-again thru the Holy Spirit. Yes...the Holy Spirit living in us...we dont have to wait or look for Him...He is living within us...how cool is that!? I cant sit here and tell you in words what a difference having Jesus in your life will make...however...i can tell you this. There is a difference to everyday and all that life can throw at you when you wake up knowing that Jesus is with you in and thru it all and what He adds to your life will bless you in ways unspeakable!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
Dont matter what the question is...
JESUS is the answer!
Dont matter what the problem is....
JESUS is the answer!
Dont matter what the doctor tells you...
JESUS is the answer!
Dont matter how lost or hopeless you feel....
JESUS is the answer!
Dont matter what the world or satan throws in your path...
JESUS is the answer!
Who are we going to put our faith and trust in?
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
The Greatest Love
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” ~ 1 John 3:16
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” ~ John 15:13
Professor Bruce Riggins of McCormick Theological Seminary met a very dedicated Christian woman working with underprivileged people in London. He asked what it was that inspired her faith and action.
She told him this story:
She was a Jew fleeing the Gestapo in France during World War II. She knew she was close to being caught and wanted to give up. She was hiding in a home in France and a widow came and said it was time to flee. "It's no use," she said, "They'll find me anyway. They are so close." This Christian widow replied, "Yes, they will find someone here, but it's time for you to leave. Go with these people to safety. I will keep your identification and wait here."
She then understood the plan; the Gestapo would find the widow and think she was the fleeing Jew. When she asked why, the widow responded, "It's the least I can do, Christ has already done that and more for me." The widow was caught and imprisoned, allowing the Jewish lady to escape. Within six months she died in a concentration camp. The Jewish lady never forgot. She too became a follower of Jesus Christ and lived her life for others. She said she came to Christ through the greatest love a person can give – self-sacrifice.
This is exactly how Jesus purchased salvation for us. He chose to die in our place so that we could have forgiveness through His blood and a personal relationship with Him. We can never repay what He has done for us, but we can live our lives in a way that honors Him. Jesus selflessly served others in love, so much that He gave His life. Let us, too, serve others faithfully and share the love and mercy we have received.
Suggested Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice and the forgiveness and unconditional love we have received because of it. I pray that I would honor and glorify You through the way I love and serve others. May others come to know You through the example I give. In Your name I pray, Amen.
____________________
~ by Crystal B.
~ To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager
•
Good morning folks...As we celebrate Memorial Day...we pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces who have given their lives serving this great nation of the United States of America. All that we enjoy here in the United States by way of our freedoms...our awesome lifestyle...we owe first of all to God the Father...God the Son...God the Holy Spirit...and...to our fallen heros of the Armed Forces!...Theres an ole saying...Freedom isnt free...we know that by the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross and the sacrifice of the men and women of the Armed Forces.
....Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends....John 15:13
Theres an old hymn that has the title..."Victory in Jesus". I love that old hymn as i do so many of them. Heres the thing. Do we really have "Victory in Jesus". Are we as believers living our lives knowing that we really do have a bright future through Christ!? Do we live our lives knowing that the very spirit of God lives in our lowly bodies? Do we truly believe that God wants the very best for us and that His love surpasses anything that may come our way? Do we trust God knowing that no matter how tragic our life may become ...no matter how bad our circumstances may get....The love and grace and mercy of God will sustain us if we will just turn it all over to Him and thru faith TRUST HIM! And on the other hand. Do we have the "Victory in Jesus" because we have let go of the past? The things we may have done in our past...do they still haunt us? The things from our past that have been such a burden to us...the problems or failures or grief that once plagued us...have we said enough and laid all that down at the feet of Jesus and truly gave them up to Him? Theres a saying.."We cant grab hold of the future as long as we are holding on to the past"! Do we believe that? Look folks..i know sometimes its hard to let go...especially from hurt, sorrow, pain and regret...but that is what Jesus wants for us. To forget the past and look to the glory of the future knowing that Jesus is with us every step of the way! Do you have "Victory in Jesus" in your life today?
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Listening With Humility
~ Wise people pause to consider advice from others; the foolish ignore warnings of danger ahead.
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 25:32-35
Let’s return to yesterday’s scene. When David saw Abigail kneeling in the road, he could have ordered her out of his path. After all, he was powerful. He had been anointed to be the king of Israel and had an entire army behind him. Nothing obligated him to stop and hear what Abigail had to say — but thankfully, he did.
• Have you ever been barreling toward a huge mistake, only to hear someone caution you?
• Did you consider what the person was saying?
• And would you say things turned out better as a result?
Or perhaps the opposite has been the case and you ignored wise advice — if so, it’s highly likely you learned a great deal from that experience!
Abigail’s words were wise and persuasive, and David prudently chose to listen with humility. His decision to heed the woman’s pleas diverted him from a course that would have tainted his future rule.
If you’re facing a decision today, God doesn’t expect you to figure it out on your own. Maybe the Holy Spirit is providing counsel (John 14:26), or it might be that God has sent someone to advise you.
Who is the Abigail in your path?
May you have the wisdom to listen to those God has placed in front of you.
______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministry
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/listening-with-humility
•
Heres a song that was recorded by Johnny Nash back in 1972. And im "guessing" there was no intent in it having anything to do with Jesus....a secular song if you will....But i came across this verson by Brothers of the Heart and while listening if you willl think about your day of salvation and praise Jesus....im pretty sure this will get you motivated and out the door with a smile on your face and in your heart!
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
Isaiah 25:1
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