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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Romans 8:26

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Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Jeremiah 33:3

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The Damage of Prayerlessness

~ Discouragement comes when we try to carry our load alone, but help is just a prayer away.

Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:2-6

Jesus often slipped away to spend quiet moments with His Father. If the Son of God needed prayer time, then we surely can’t live well without it. Yesterday we saw that those who “go it alone” become weary from bearing unnecessary burdens. Now let’s see the results of carrying that extra weight throughout life.

When we’re drained spiritually, emotionally, or physically, we become susceptible to discouragement. Loss of confidence is soon followed by doubt. A believer immersed in prayer and Scripture reading will find security in God’s power and presence. Joshua was exhorted to meditate on the Law, because his success was dependent on following God’s will (Joshua 1:8-9). Keeping the Lord at the center of our focus, coupled with regular Bible reading and prayer, builds confidence. But someone who questions His faithfulness will seek refuge everywhere except in those disciplines.

Forsaking prayer causes a downward slide — but the direction can be reversed at any time. It’s simple:

Confess your prayerlessness, and then make a priority of regular quiet time with God. In those moments of communion, He will make burdens light, offer encouragement, and fill you with confidence.
__________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-damage-of-prayerlessness-2






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The Price of Prayerlessness

~ God invites you to bring your burdens to Him every day.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31

God wants us to talk with Him, and Matthew 7:7-8 is an invitation to speak with Him about anything. Jesus said if we have a need, we’re to ask; if we seek answers, we’ll find them; if we want opportunities to open up, He will respond when we knock. Even so, many of us don’t spend as much time in prayer as we should.

Forsaking prayer can be costly. If we don’t spend time with the Lord, we might find ourselves on a slippery slope, sliding through weariness, discouragement, and doubt. Today let’s look at the first of these. Tomorrow we can examine the other two.

Certain situations take an emotional, physical, and/or spiritual toll — we call these burdens. They can wear us out if we attempt to endure them alone. But God doesn’t intend for that weight to fall on our shoulders. In fact, the Bible tells us to cast those loads on the Lord, who sustains us and “daily bears our burden” (Psalm 55:22; Psalm 68:19).

Hauling all our worries and cares around is exhausting because we are not built for such loads. In God’s design, His strength fills the believer to capacity. Picture Jesus’ shoulders just above your own — with Him bearing your problems. The burden may not disappear, but it feels blessedly lighter when you hand it over to the Lord.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-price-of-prayerlessness-2






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The Prestige

“Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the LORD, have spoken!” ~ Jeremiah 45:5

The Latin word of prestige means “to create an illusion”. In other words, to trick someone.

To have people think more highly of us, we create illusions that don’t line up with who we actually are.

When we seek “great things” for ourselves, we are trying to create an illusion. We want people to see our stuff. We are hoping for a misdirection. We want others to look at what we have carefully constructed to distract them from the truths we are afraid of within ourselves.

The calculated care and wisdom of the Lord doesn’t want us to stand propped up on lies. For our best good, He wants to expose the illusion of superficial prestige so that our full calling might be awakened and enacted.

The “great things” we pursue are often idols. They are prestige. We are trying to climb a mountain to show how high we can go. Old as the Tower of Babel (old as the Fall) is humanity’s desire to make themselves great in the eyes of others, rather than be all God made us to be.

God is for us. He has filled us with the power of His Spirit that gives us all we need to pursue the life of a faith superhero. The true manifestation of our good is rooted in the deep relationship of truth and our trust in Him.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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He is with us

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This morning i was sitting and thinking about my life and in that i was thinking about the word..."success". Now im sure we have all heard a couple earthly phrases...“The one who dies with the most toys wins”...and..."You cant take it with you". So this morning i wonder in many peoples hearts what the definition of success is as we watch this brass ring driven world we are living in. So what is success? Having our dreams come true? Getting all we want? Earning enough money so that we never have to work again? Having the best and most of everything? Is that success? Now im not saying that these things are necessarily bad..its all in how you handle it and how much it consumes you and whether or not it has become an idol in ones life. Remember...scripture tells us..."For the love of money is the root of all evil". However...my view of success is this...And I say this without hesitation or regret. Success is the progressive realization of the will of God for ones life. Thats what success is. Its not how much money you have. Its not how famous you are. Its not how healthy you are. Its not how many friends you have or how many toys you have acquired. Success is nothing more...nothing less...than the progressive realization of the will of God for your life. What was Jesus saying when He said we are not to store up treasures on earth but to store them in heaven? Im thinking as born-again believers our treasure is Jesus and when we commit our resources...our money...our time...our talents...to His work in this world...we have obtained success. Jesus said "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly"...and what does that mean...i think it means not more stuff...but something far better...peace...joy and contentment thru Jesus...thats life more abundant! Remember...anything...ANYTHING...that we put above God..im serious...better think about it...is an idol!...and we know what God said about idols....

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

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Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
Matthew 19:21

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“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21

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“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”
Matthew 6:21

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“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2

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“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”
Colossians 3:23–24

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The Gentiles Hear the Good News

"Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel — that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."

“And we apostles are witnesses of all He did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross, but God raised Him to life on the third day. Then God allowed Him to appear, not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all — the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”

The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

"Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God."

"Then Peter asked, “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” So, he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ."

~ Acts 10:34-48






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At the Table

“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

The Lord offers us all the treasure we can carry. He wants us to be rich beyond measure. However, the Lord’s way of defining riches is quite different than the world’s.

The greatest treasure Jesus offers is relationship. The opportunity to mingle with the Creator of the Universe. It begins with hearing His voice and opening the door. For He is always inviting. And His invitation is to share bread together.

When we sit and break bread together, we share in the necessity of life. Hunger reminds us of our dependency on food to survive. Sharing a meal reminds us that we need one another. Intimacy develops around the table. There is something about sharing a meal that leads to personal connection. Fellowship and sharing of lives are inevitable around the dinner table.

This is the true nature of riches in the Kingdom of God. A seat at His table. Listening to His voice. Absorbing His wisdom. Altering our perspective to live in His ways.

Jesus offers us the most valuable thing conceivable. A relationship with God. To sit and share stories. To laugh and cry and be with one another. To hear and receive wisdom and insights - insights that turn into treasure.

There is no greater treasure than Jesus at the table. To glean His perspective. All we need to do is hear His voice. He is calling. He desires to give us the riches of the Kingdom. It begins with opening the door and letting Him pass the bread.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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Jesus’ Enduring Presence

~ The Savior who died for you will stay by you.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:19-20

Life can feel like a complicated puzzle sometimes, with lots of uncertainties and challenges. But here’s the good news: Jesus tells us in today’s passage that He’s always with us, no matter what. His presence is like a reliable compass, guiding us in the right direction as we navigate the twists and turns of life.

Experiencing God’s presence isn’t just about attending church each week or being part of a monthly Bible study group; it’s a daily thing. As we consistently draw close to Him, He draws near to us (James 4:8).

If you’ve ever had a trustworthy friend who was faithful to walk with you in tough times, you know just how invaluable such companionship can be. And Jesus is the greatest and most loving friend we could ever have — guiding, comforting, and giving us strength. In His presence, we can find peace, courage, and the assurance that we’re never alone.

Take the words of Matthew 28:20 to heart. As we go through life, remember that Jesus is always there. Whether things are going well or not, in the everyday and the extraordinary moments, His presence is our constant. He’s with us always, even to the end of the age.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/jesus-enduring-presence






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A rainy Friday morning here in ole east tennessee...i went out and had my usual Friday morning breakfast with some men friends from my church...we did NOT solve any problems facing the world today but we did as we always do have some great conversations concerning the world and our lives and Jesus. Awesome to have those people in ones life that anytime we are together...we can talk about alot of stuff but Jesus is always part of that conversation....i say....it helps keep us grounded...so to speak...as scripture tells us....iron sharpens iron...right!
After we went our seperate ways i stopped in at my church and said a few hellos and came back to the house for my Jesus time and to read a little here and now im about to start my day out walking with Jesus to see where He might lead me on this awesome rainy Friday. So...why am i telling y'all this....simple....i surround myself with those like minded people that follow Jesus...and that...is what helps keep me....most of the time....on the straight and narrow. People to encourage me...lift me up....hold me accountable....and lord knows i need lots of that hold me accountable stuff...wink. So how about you....do have those kinds of people in your life...those brothers and sisters that you can depend on thru thick and thin...part of that body of Christ that is NOT of this world but is looking forward to that day we will spend all eternity in heaven together thanking God for His grace and mercy! If not....you dont know what you are missing...Jesus and the believer family...dont get no better than that! And with that said...im NOT saying that we are better than anyone else...we are all sinners saved by grace...we all fail and stumble in our walk from time to time....we are just regular people that are trusting in Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit sharing the good news to this lost and dying world...planting seeds of salvation that others might be drawn to their day of salvation and get to participate in the same things i just spoke of here....a bad day in the world with Jesus is many times better than a good day in the world without Jesus and having those born-again believer friends in our lives just makes it that much more sweeter!

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

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Are you Straddling the Fence? Meaning...Walking with God and holding hands with the devil. Shame on you! How long will you be caught between two opinions...two lifestyles...two beliefs...two directions...two mindsets...two masters...two desires. You can’t be 50% Christian and 50% worldly. It doesn’t work that way...and...the Bible says it cannot be done. You must take sides. You are either following Jesus or you are following satan. There is no middle ground. Trying to keep one foot in the world and one foot in the church. Ain’t gonna work! The problem is you don’t want to give up your sin. You don’t want to give up your status in the world. Naw...you’re having too much fun. You want your cake and ice cream too. Well you can’t have it! Ain’t no mixing of allegiance to God with other gods! You got to choose! Either God is your daddy or satan! Who’s your daddy? Time to decide! You cannot remain neutral. You cannot straddle the fence and you can’t just give Jesus lip service. Listen...you cannot...and must not...compromise to any of satan’s conditions. Ultimately...everything you have and ever hope to be...must be laid on the altar. Make the transition from declaration to discipleship. That is...declaration to dedication. Don’t let satan deceive you and rob you of the greatest blessing man has ever known...salvation from sin through Jesus Christ our Savior and redeemer. Stop straddling the fence. Liberty is not a license to compromise. You are either with Jesus fully...or you oppose Him. Which is it? The record of choice...life or death...blessings or cursing. God wants wholehearted dedication or nothing! It’s time to make up your mind! Are you ready to serve the Lord? The application could not be clearer...“Choose for yourselves this day Whom you will serve.” There is no room for neutrality. Make your choice. Cast your vote. Choose your God. I pray you will make the right choice. As for me and my house...we will serve the Lord!

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A Consistent Person

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

There are few things in life more difficult than consistency. It might be the most sought after aspect of human identity, the secret key to being oneself.

How do I be who I truly am? Everywhere? Always?

In an effort to find who we are, we adopt the suggestion of our surroundings. And when our surroundings change, so do we — navigating a sea of influences, reacting to a maze of experiences, and exploring a confusing atmosphere of people and relationships. Consistency is difficult and elusive. We can be blown back and forth by the wind.

Life will throw an array of circumstances our way. Some will be the mountaintop, some the valley, and most the plains.

• How do we find that part of us that is truly and deeply us?
• How do we tether our identity into the ground so that our values and our longings determine our identity rather than our circumstances?

The simple answer is that we decide to. In pursuing truth, we bind ourselves to an accurate perspective. A perspective that allows us to see every circumstance for what it is worth, feel every emotion involved, and own the choices we make in response. Perspective is the key to consistency. And truth is the key to perspective.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

Https://yellowballoons.net






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How He Loves Us - Kim Walker-Smith / Jesus Culture

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We get sick and we have prayed and prayed for our awesome loving God to heal us and 6 months have passed and we are still sick. We lose our job and have prayed for another but a year has gone by and still out of work. Unexpected bills hit us and we get behind in our finances and we pray for a way out and with the house close to foreclosure we see no answer to our prayer. A loved one is unsaved and we have been praying for them for years and they still have no interest in the things of Jesus. So many life altering events can walk into our paths at any given time and sometimes we pray and pray and we just dont seem to be hearing from God. We are born-again...we faithfully go to church and serve Jesus. We even tithe our money and help others as best we can and we witness to folks...we seem to be doing as a child of God what He would have us to do as followers of Jesus. So...why does it seem in our minds that the Lord our God is not answering our prayers? Its hard sometimes isnt it? We know that God loves us more than we can truly imagine. We know He is faithful to care for us. We know He will never leave or forsake us. We just dont understand why God sometimes...even though He is not...seems to be ignoring us! Folks...as hard as it is sometimes...we just have to keep in mind that God has a perfect plan...always. God is the only one that sees the big picture and Hes not just looking at today but also many years down the road of our life. We simply are not suppose to understand everything we just have to keep our faith and trust in Jesus and know that whatever is going on...it is going on for a reason...a Godly reason! And most often that reason is to help us grow in our faith...grow in our relationship and to become more like Jesus through our trials and hardships...to draw us closer to God and help us to remember our total dependency on Him! Just remember this. If we are not rewarded for our faithfulness while here on earth...you can believe that we will be rewarded when we get to heaven and thats truly what it is all about...right. Think on this from Isaiah 55:8.....“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
And thank God for that!

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

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6

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Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5

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But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33

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Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
Matthew 6:31-32

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And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8

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And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

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Adversity

“Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Throughout all this Job did not sin in what he said.” ~ Job 2:10

Life is full of adversity. We lose loved ones, get fired from jobs, suffer miscarriages, and experience rejection. The story of Job is famous in part because of the extremity of the main character’s adversity. It is this very thing that makes Job so relatable. And it is Job's response that makes the story inspirational.

Adversities are a constant ingredient of life. We would prefer to have only easy situations, perfect settings, and good circumstances. But the fall of man has made it so that this existence, in some way or another, is going to be like Job’s.

There are times when it feels like we are brimming with adversity. When we “can’t find a win”. Life is tough. Being human is not for the faint of heart.

Just as we relate to Job’s situation, we have an opportunity to replicate his response.

Job “accepts” adversity as an opportunity to trust God. He did not go looking for adversity. But he acknowledges the reality of it and the choice he has in its midst. And he chose to live righteously.

Nothing about adversity is easy. We cannot completely avoid it. Often we cannot make it go away. What we can do is follow the example of Job and not let adversity define us. Not allow it to lead us into sin. We can see it as an opportunity for worship. A chance to trust. An invitation to be an example. A catalyst to know God by faith.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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Joy Stealers

"I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." ~ John 15:11

Why do many Christians fail to experience real joy, which is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22? In his book "Laugh Again", Charles Swindoll suggests three common "joy stealers":

1. Worry
2. Stress
3. Fear

He defines worry as "an inordinate anxiety about something that may or may not occur" (and it usually doesn't).

Stress, says the author, is "intense strain over a situation we can't change or control" (but God can).

And fear, according to Swindoll, is a "dreadful uneasiness over danger, evil, or pain" (and it magnifies our problems).

Swindoll says that to resist these "joy stealers" we must embrace the same confidence that Paul expressed in his letter to the Philippians. After giving thanks for the Philippi believers (Philippians 1:3-5), the apostle assured them "that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (v. 6).

Whatever causes us worry, stress, and fear - cannot ultimately keep God from continuing His work in us. With this confidence we can begin each day knowing that He is in control. We can leave everything in His hands.

Resist those "joy stealers" by renewing your confidence in God each morning. Then relax and rejoice!
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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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Resting in God’s Faithfulness

~ We can depend on the Lord absolutely and always.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

When life seems to fall apart, we often wonder, Where is God? Why hasn’t He answered my prayers? The Bible offers us this encouragement:

“Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands.” ~ Deuteronomy 7:9

Five attributes of God make this possible:

• First, He is omniscient, which means He knows everything, including our every need, thought, and life situation—not just present but also past and future.

• Second, God is omnipotent, so nothing’s too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:17).

• Third, He is omnipresent, so He is never beyond reach.

• Fourth, our heavenly Father can’t lie. Everything that He says is true and reliable.

• Fifth, God is unchanging. Our circumstances and the world may seem to be in a constant state of flux, and God may even modify the way He chooses to interact with us. But His character is always the same.

So when Scripture says God is faithful, we can rest confidently upon that promise.

In situations that seem overwhelming, we can trust that our sovereign Lord knows all, is in control, and lovingly works everything for our good. We can rest confidently, knowing that the unchanging God of all creation is taking care of us.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/resting-in-god-s-faithfulness






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Promises and Expectations

~ Serving God may not always look like what we expect, but we can rest in His love and faithfulness.

Scripture Reading: Judges 13:1-25

In today’s passage, an angel brings good news to Manoah’s infertile wife: She would have a baby who’d be set apart for God’s service and bring deliverance to His people (vv.1-5). After news like that, she probably imagined that her son’s life would be filled with holiness and happily-ever-afters. And in accordance with God’s plan, Manoah and his wife taught Samson to follow the strict guidelines of the Nazirite vow of dedication.

But Samson’s life didn’t turn out the way his parents may have dreamed. Though blessed with a godly upbringing and incredible physical strength, he got involved with women from pagan countries. And he confessed to Delilah, a Philistine woman he loved, the secret of his strength: It was related to the Nazirite vow, which included that “no razor shall pass over his head” (v. 5). Delilah betrayed him by cutting his hair and turning him over to the Philistines. Yet God was at work in all this: In his final moments, Samson regained his strength and fulfilled the promise of deliverance.

The faithfulness of Samson’s parents is a reminder that we can’t predict how events will unfold but must nevertheless hold tightly to God’s promises. Even though our story might not look like what we expect, we can trust that the Lord loves us and is able to work everything for His glory.
_________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/promises-and-expectations






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From the Pastor’s Heart – March 2024

~ Death could not hold Him. And by His grace, it won’t hold us either.

On the last day of this month, we’ll celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ — the wonderful and world-altering event that matters as much today as it did 2,000 years ago.

As the day approaches, we hope you’ll ponder all it means for you as one who belongs to the Savior. We selected these thoughts from Dr. Stanley to help you get started, and pray you’ll be filled with fresh confidence in God’s profound love for you.
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Everyone makes choices in life — how to live, what to believe. There are numerous religions to choose from, each with their own holy books and teachings. Yet followers of Jesus Christ are different from all others in a crucial way: We follow the only resurrected Savior there has ever been.

Jesus is not a dead god, but our living Lord.

In Matthew 28, two grieving women came to the Lord’s tomb to prepare His body for burial. An angel appeared to them with the news that Christ had risen from the dead. In verse 8 we read, “And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.”

They ran with great joy. Why joy? Because the events of the previous days had left the Lord’s followers discouraged and disillusioned. They thought Jesus was the Messiah, yet they saw Him die. Everything they’d hoped for had been dashed to pieces. But now, He was alive, and they had renewed faith and assurance that Jesus was God, just as He’d always said.

Because He rose from the dead, we too have assurance.

That’s the difference between those who believe the gospel of Jesus Christ and those who are dedicated to other ideals and perspectives.

We can have unwavering faith for this life and eternity beyond because of the assurances given in the resurrection of Jesus:

First, Christ’s resurrection assures us that we serve a living God.

If Jesus had not risen from the dead, we would have no more assurance of this than all the other religions in the world. But when He rose, Christ validated everything He taught. So we can believe Him when He says, “The one who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9) and “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). We can learn and know about God through the person of Jesus Christ.

Second, Christ’s resurrection assures us that we have eternal salvation.

Most world religions have a plan of salvation, but they rely on each person’s performance. With our God, salvation is not the result of our works, but a gift from the Father. It is the unconditional love of God shown in the sacrifice of His own Son, Jesus Christ, that makes possible our place in heaven.

Third, Christ’s resurrection assures us of life beyond the grave.

The two women ran with joy because they realized there was more to life than they had ever seen or imagined. The future holds more than any temporary comfort or pleasure we may experience. We can believe with confidence that there’s eternal life because the Lord Jesus Christ paved the way.

Fourth, Christ’s resurrection assures us that we too will be resurrected.

Paul describes the death of the believer as being “absent from the body … home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). And when Christ returns, our bodies, and the bodies of all who died in Christ, will receive resurrection life, as body and soul are reunited in a glorified body.

Fifth, we can be assured that we’ll know our believing loved ones who’ve passed on before us.

In the transfiguration (Matthew 17), Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on the mountain where they are met by Moses and Elijah. How did the disciples know who they were? My friend, it’s because we’re going to know each other in heaven. “Then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Sixth, the resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us that we can face all our tomorrows triumphantly.

Jesus said to Mary and Martha, “The one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies” (John 11:25). Though none of us know the future, we have the blessed promise of His comfort and strength as we face it. Because Jesus rose from the dead and the Holy Spirit is living on the inside of us, we are fully equipped for every challenge.

Our hope lies in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This is where we find our assurance, in the power of the One living inside of me and you. God has designated you as a trophy of the atoning work of Jesus. Rejoice in this hope and live with thankfulness, knowing your eternity with Him has already begun.
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We hope you’ve been encouraged today. Dr. Stanley explained that even the greatest human fear, the loss of life, has been eliminated for us by Jesus.

Death could not hold Him. And by His grace, it won’t hold us either. On Easter morning, we pray you’ll wake with full assurance of all He won for you — and that you’ll be full of the Spirit’s peace.

Till next time, God bless you.

For His Glory,

Your Friends at In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/from-pastors-heart/march-2024






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Turn Your Eyes

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You know folks...its easy to have a grateful heart and give thanks to God when things are going well in our life. However...its often a different story when the circumstances of life take a downward turn all the way to life altering events walking through our front door. Life can be hard at times and thankfulness to God often takes a back seat because we feel we have little to be thankful for due to our circumstances...our problems and burdens. You see...i believe having a thankful response in all circumstances starts with having a positive perspective on life and more importantly...a personal relationship with Jesus! Having a good attitude knowing and accepting that as long as we are in these earthly bodies we know we can expect adversity all through our life in some form...right? Im not being negative folks...it just seems to be a fact of life. Its easy to become narrow minded in our outlook of the future and forget the big picture when we are suffering in some way..i get that! But often times its when we become so focused on ourselves and our problems...the problem usually ends up being a lot bigger than it should be. So today...i encourage you to take your eyes off your problems and instead...look to Jesus. As the saying goes..."tell your mountain how big your God is"!...and...say a prayer of thanks to Him that He has created you and given you life...and look at today as a gift from God to start fresh. Most often we cant change our circumstances...but we can change our response to difficult times. If we allow every trial and tribulation to become an opportunity to thank God He will always show up! When we come into the presence of God and sing praises to Him...He is always there! God loves the praises of His people and it can change our entire perspective on whatever we may be facing today. Please remember...no matter how hard life on planet earth gets nor for how long. When we as born-again believers die...we are going to spend the next million...billion...trillion years...in heaven with God the Father...God the Son...God the Holy Spirit...and every family member and friend that also was saved....and...that life on the new earth....heaven...there is going to be Zero pain...suffering...no tears or sadness for Forever! So...trust Him and praise Him not only in the good times but also in the bad times. You will be amazed how much better your mental and emotional and especially your spiritual life will become!

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

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My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.
Psalm 71:8

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Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
Psalm 115:1

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

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The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

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And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

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And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

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What is Christlike Humility?

~ By Dr. Joel Muddamalle

Let’s look at how the Greek word for humility was used in Paul’s setting. One of the prominent Greek words we translate as “humble” (tapeinophrosyne) could also be translated as “self-abasement” or “lowliness.” In Greek, there are words that are related to each other that convey the concept of humility, and this type of thing is referred to as “word groups.” Markus Barth, a renowned Swiss New Testament scholar that lived during the second half of the 1900s, shared this insight about the humility word group: “The entire word group which belongs with tapeinophrosyne, according to its usage in common Greek, is used in a negative sense and means a low slavish orientation.”

This means the concept of humility would have been something totally shameful. The culture was highly competitive and focused on self-exaltation (sounds familiar, doesn’t it?). So anyone who had a low social status, who was weak or lowly, was considered “humble,” and it almost always had a negative connotation.

The early church father Augustine went so far as to say humility was an unknown virtue in the ancient world. Given this cultural climate, imagine how shocking and disruptive it was when Paul told the church in Rome, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble [tapeinos]. Do not be wise in your own estimation” (Romans 12:16).

There had to have been some jaws on the floor. I can picture people sliding out the door of that house church thinking, “These people have lost their minds. Ain’t nobody got time for that.”

This isn’t the only time Paul said something like this. It was a consistent theme throughout his letters — he taught it to the churches in Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae.

“When we came into Macedonia, we had no rest. Instead, we were troubled in every way: conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast [tapeinos], comforted us by the arrival of Titus.” ~ 2 Corinthians 7:5–6

“I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility [tapeinophrosyne] and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” ~ Ephesians 4:1–3

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility [tapeinophrosyne] consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” ~ Philippians 2:3–4

“As God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility [tapeinophrosyne], gentleness, and patience.” ~ Colossians 3:12

“He will transform the body of our humble [tapeinoseos] condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.” ~ Philippians 3:21

Over and over, Paul reiterated the importance of the humble life for the believer in Jesus.

When the people sitting in these churches first heard these words from Paul, they might have thought, Wait a minute. Did Paul really say the H– [I guess in Greek, the T-] word? He presented it as the identity-forming virtue that should mark Christians. What motivated Paul to make such a countercultural, even offensive, claim?

It’s actually pretty simple. He followed the Messiah, Jesus, who lived a countercultural life that was offensive to both the Romans and the religious elite.

Paul’s most striking use of humility might be in Philippians 2:8–9:

“He [Jesus] humbled [tapeinosen] Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross. For this reason, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name.”

Because we find ourselves “in Christ” (another favorite saying of Paul: Romans 8:1; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 2:16), it makes sense for us to identify ourselves with Him in all things, especially in His humility.

Why?

Because the very thing that was true of Jesus will be true of us. Jesus humbled Himself, and His humility led Him through humiliation — but humiliation was not the end for Him. As we’ve seen, humility was His path of exaltation.

This unity with Him and shared exaltation with Him is exactly what we just saw in Philippians 3:21: “He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body.”

What was true of Jesus will be true of us.
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Adapted from “The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility”, by Joel Muddamalle.

More about the book:

The peace we long for begins with coming to the end of ourselves.

There are inescapable aspects of life we are all marked by. We have less control than we want, more anxiety than we’re comfortable with and just enough insecurity to continually remind us of our shortcomings. To experience these things is to be human. We aren’t superheroes and invincibility isn’t an option.

But humility is.

Whether we’ve incorrectly defined it, or underestimated its relevance to our daily life, humility is the missing piece for the security, strength and confidence we all want. It’s time to stop trying so hard to avoid our limitations or overcompensate for them. God has better for us and it begins with bowing low in humility.

With relatable stories, practical wisdom and biblical theology broken down into digestible takeaways, “The Hidden Peace” by Dr. Joel Muddamalle will help you:

• Walk through hurtful situations in the most God-honoring way by gaining a true understanding of biblical humility.
• Know confidently that you’re living with purpose and being used by God through seven ways to practically live like Him today.
• Be led by the biblical definition of self-awareness so you can experience the unexpected ways it brings safety and security to your life.
• Stop believing the lie that theology is out of touch, or too difficult to comprehend, as Joel shows you how to dig into scripture and study it yourself.

Weakness is not your enemy. Planted in the soil of humility, weakness becomes a means to gaining more strength and more peace.
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https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2024/03/christlike-humility/






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Making Me Angry

“Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” ~ Ephesians 4:26-27

“He’s making me so angry!”

“She made me so mad yesterday.”

We’ve all used this kind of language. We tend to miss that these statements signal we’ve adopted a victim mentality. We shifted the responsibility for our happiness onto others. We see no other way but anger after what they did or what they said. We use anger to regain control, but the reality is we have ceded control of our happiness to others.

In truth, no one can make us angry. People and circumstances do things that trigger a reaction in us. But the choice of how to respond belongs to each of us on our own.

The circumstance does not make us angry. It does not have that control. The circumstance simply provides a prompt. The resulting anger or frustration is a signal that a choice needs to be made. But emotions have no business making choices. Choosing is something we should do based on our purpose and values.

The emotion is an alarm, letting us know our values have been pressed and a choice needs to be made. It’s not the person or the circumstance that actually makes us angry. It is the internal value(s) within us that feel threatened. It is a result of what matters to us, what we’ve experienced, and the purpose we are living toward.

We need a true perspective about our anger. We need to acknowledge our feelings. Then we can make choices based on values rather than emotions. Time is of the essence, “before the sun goes down.” It’s in our prompt and purposeful action that we can avoid our anger leading to sin.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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The Power to Serve

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” ~ Galatians 5:13

Each of us has been granted a unique set of passions and abilities. We can feel it in the recesses of our soul. And we can also sense we are meant to use these gifts for something important. We have a longing for greatness. A capacity to do good. Like the superheroes in the movies, we have talent that’s eager and ready for action.

The temptation is to use this power for selfish gain. As Uncle Ben tells Spiderman, “With great power comes great responsibility”. The only difference between a superhero and a super villain is in where they direct their powers; to promote self or to serve others.

Throughout the Bible, we see the call on humanity to serve one another. Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. Paul talks about the church as the Body of Christ, imploring us to bear one another’s burdens. The message is clear. Our gifts are meant to serve others.

The villains in the movies are the ones who use their powers of intellect, skill, and money to build devices and schemes that serve their own lust for power. They attempt to use their abilities to control others. To make others serve them.

Heroes, on the other hand, see that their power is a responsibility. It is an equipping toward serving others, meant for the edification of the community as a whole.

Our unique passion and ability are vehicles of tremendous power. God has granted us the awesome responsibility to choose how to use them.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net






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Big Daddy Weave - "Redeemed"

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If you have never been saved...born again...never ask Jesus to forgive you your sins...and yet you find yourself here reading....i can assure it is not by mistake...the Holy Spirit could very well be convicting you to pursue a relationship with Jesus....that my friend...in all your years here on planet earth is the most important decision you will ever make....to invite Jesus into your heart. Jesus...is your only way to heaven when you die....so...how do you get saved....become born-again....just talk to God and ask Him to forgive you....somethink like what ive typed here below...and then....talk to us here....find a church and tell someone there....continue to read post here and most importantily....start reading your Bible every day and let the spirit of God start to change you into the likeness of Jesus....

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that You love me and want to save me. Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God, who died on the cross to pay for my sins. I believe God raised You from the dead. I now turn from my sin and, by faith, receive You into my life as my personal Lord and Savior. Come into my heart, forgive my sins, and save me, Lord Jesus. In Your name I pray , Amen.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

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"Rescued"..."Redeemed"..."Restored"....God had a plan for ole Rick Sane but it took me 40 years to figure that out with the last 25 of those years filled with drugs and booze in a helter-skelter self-destruct satan lovin frame of mind that in hind sight...blows my mind! I say it everyday..."i have no regrets about my past..my past is who i am today...Born-Again"...but guess what...if i had not come to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior...i would have more than regrets because i can say without a shadow of any doubt....i surly would be dead in the torment of Hades right now awaiting to be cast into the lake of fire in Hell come judgement day! That thought...though i dont dwell on it...still freaks me out! You see folks...Jesus "Rescued" me from that life and that lifestyle. When i cried out to Jesus from my heart to forgive me and save me...i didnt have to put my name on a list...He was right there waiting like He had been for 40 years. And in that moment i was "Redeemed" by the blood that Jesus shed for me those 2000 years ago on that old rugged cross. I was delivered from the sin sick life that i was living and given freedom from the captivity of satan and filled with the Holy Spirit....those chains of sin and wickedness were broken once and for all and i was adopted into Gods family for forever! And sense that day of salvation i have been "Restored"...little by little...day by day....to be the man that God desires me to be. Now look...i still have some rough edges...i still mess up...and by the way mess up means sin...but guess what.....Im a fer piece from where i was and i gots a ways to go....but all my faith and trust is in Jesus and i know that He walks with me every breath of every day until that day that He calls me home to my heavenly reward in Heaven. Do you have that...have you been "Rescued"..."Redeemed"..."Restored"...if not...why not start today...right now...by asking Jesus into your life...trust me friends...its the best and most important decision you will ever make!

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

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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:3

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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

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The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
Psalm 37:39

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And Peter said to them, “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.
Acts 2:38