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When the Fig Doesn’t Bud
"O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and You will not hear?” ~ Habakkuk 1:2
The book of the prophet Habakkuk contains three chapters. In the first two, Habakkuk complained about his nation. He was discouraged. But the Lord told him to trust — for "the just must live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4).
In the final chapter, Habakkuk responded by composing a hymn. He rejoiced in God’s splendor and glory, and he said that even if the fig didn’t blossom or the fields don't yield food, he would still rejoice in the Lord. He ended by saying, “The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:19)
Like Habakkuk, we sometimes question what God does or what He doesn’t do. Yet we must walk by faith, remembering who He is and how He works. Meditating about God’s character and all the good things He has done can help us remember He has a plan. In all hard situations, ask God to help you take things one step at a time, standing on the firm foundation of His love.
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~ by David Jeremiah (https://www.davidjeremiah.org)
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Made Himself Nothing
~ May we trust God enough to relinquish our will into His loving and capable hands.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5-8
What kind of attitude should characterize a follower of Christ?
If we take our cues from social media, television, or even small talk in the foyers of our churches, we might be tempted to become brash or even argumentative. After all, we have the sword of the Spirit and should be ready to use it, right?
But this is far from the attitude the apostle Paul encourages Christians to adopt. Rather than throw our weight around or loudly demand that our rights be respected, we are called instead to have the same attitude as Jesus Himself.
The remarkable, world-changing news is that God — our God — tempers the power inherent to His being, and He does this through perfect wisdom and love.
Our Savior chose to empty Himself and take on the form of a servant. Jesus could have retained His position, equal to the Father. But instead, He chose to divest Himself of powers, rights, and privileges in order to serve the world. God did this for us. For all humanity and for all creation, “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on the cross” (Philippians 2:8).
Mindful of Christ’s sacrifice, may we seek to emulate Him by serving others selflessly.
_______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/made-himself-nothing
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...i walk up to the mirror on the wall and i stand there and look at the person looking back at me...who do i see? Do i see more or mostly ole Rick Sane...or...do i see more or mostly Jesus? Now of course the visual is me..Rick Sane..but we have to go far beyond..or deeper than that. Ive got to look into my heart...my mind...even into my very existence...my soul...and in doing that...who do i see? When i am home alone...does my life consist of things behind close doors that are pleasing to Jesus...or do i partake in things that Jesus says...really Rick! When im out in public...how do i carry myself...do i act one way around my believer friends and another way around unsaved folks? Maybe the better question is...when other people see me...who do they see? Do they see Rick Sane living life like much of the world...or...do they see me in such a way that they also see Jesus in the way i talk...act..live life on a daily basis...or...do they see me acting just as the unsaved world acts...i guess my point this morning is this...i want to be a person...a believer...that as the saying goes...i dont just talk the talk...i walk the walk...and...when people see me each day i can in some way put a smile on their face and Jesus thru me...put a warmth in their heart. And for those that are not saved...i want them to see me in such a way that i stand out different...that next month...next year they stop and look in the mirror and they say...you know...im tired of looking in here and seeing me...i want what ole Rick Sane has...and he says that is Jesus! Remember folks...people are watching us...who do they see...Jesus now and then...or...Jesus thru us every breath of every day? And above and beyond everything and everyone...What is Jesus seeing as He walks with me each and every day...remember...there is No such thing as a part time christian and Jesus is watching our every step...and...hearing our every word and thought! So...the bottom line....i still have some rough edges...i still find time to sin now and again..but i am a work in progress...i try and let God mold me into the likeness Jesus im sure not as often as He would like...however....im a fer piece from where i use to be and i know im heading in the right direction!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:6
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
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
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Gas in the Car
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” ~ Hebrews 12:1
Experience is the fuel for opportunity. The things that happen to us provide the chance to make our choices. It is like being dealt a hand of cards. You can’t control what you are given but you do get to decide how to play.
We are so scared of imperfection. We are frightened because experience is also the cause of pain. To avoid being hurt, we assume we must avoid experience. But if we avoid experience, we also sacrifice the opportunity to exercise our character and influence the world around us.
In trying to control our circumstances, we kill our opportunities. We have become people of apathy. Complacency is our highest ideal. We long for easy street, comfort, predictability, security.
No matter how much we try, we cannot fully control our circumstances. We cannot keep the pain at bay. We cannot eliminate risk or silence difficulty. What we can do is adopt a different perspective about our experiences.
Circumstances are not the finish line. They arrive and we think they are the finish line. Then, we somehow seem surprised that a new set is waiting in the wings. Circumstances are more like a checkpoint than an ending. They remind us that we are on the journey and have choices to make.
_________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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The Desires of Your Heart
"Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this…” ~ Psalm 37:4-5
We love the promise in verse 4 of today's passage: God will "give you the desires of your heart." Unfortunately, when we focus only on receiving gifts, we overlook the context of the Psalm, namely, that our commitment is needed.
1. Delight in the Lord
The first requirement for receiving the requests of our heart is that we delight in God. (v. 4) His top priority is our relationship with Him. We should delight in fellowship with Him and serve the Lord, and in time we will begin to think like Him.
2. Commit to His Plan For Your Life
The second requirement of this promise is that we commit ourselves to His plan (verse 5). Entrusting our way to God restructures the desires of our hearts until they resemble His. Now, sometimes what God gives us looks different than what we ask for. But He always responds to our pleas according to His infinite knowledge and His great love. He grants the best answer to our prayer, whether or not it was what we asked for.
3. Trust in Him
Remember that God wants to grant our requests, but what He longs for most is to relate to us. Seeing our heart's desires fulfilled is just a byproduct of delighting in Him. The true reward is a relationship with God.
Suggested Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, today I want to thank you for the promise you give us in your Word, but you also ask us to delight in you first before granting us the desires of our hearts. Thank you, Lord, that your Word is clear and concise. Let us see it clearly according to your will. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
_______________
~ by Rosina N. (https://www.actsweb.org)
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The old Hymn..."Every day with Jesus...Is sweeter than the day before...Every day with Jesus...I love Him more and more"...So i ask you on this beautiful God given Thursday morning. Is your relationship with Jesus...your love for Jesus...sweeter today than yesterday...than last week? Do you have that awesome hunger and thirst to spend every moment you can with Jesus be it in thought...talking to Him and reading His word. Do you have a burning desire to know Him more and more? As born-again believers we know...that the God of the universe created all of us for a very personal reason...to love us beyond our understanding...to have a awesome loving relationship with us...and...to spend time with us...right? Thats the entire reason that God created us! Everything else really is secondary. So in each day...of course...there is 24 hours. In each week there are 168 hours. Stop and think...how many hours each day...each week...do you spend in dedicated...loving...intentional praise and worship to and with the very Person...One and only God...that created you? We are told in scripture to "pray without ceasing." We are told to "meditate on Gods word day and night". Now we know that we cant pray all the time nor read the Bible all the time...or...can we. When we get that mindset...that love and passion for Jesus Christ...can we not all throughout our day be in thought to Him...including Him in all circumstances of life...good and not so good...and talking of Him in all our conversation? When we do that...its kinda sorta like we are praying without ceasing...right? What does a personal relationship look like? And when we read the Bible...study the word...memorize scripture...then all thru the day when everything that comes our way we have scripture flow from our heart to deal with the day...is that not like meditating on the word all thru our day? The Holy Spirit lives in us...its not like we have to go looking for Him...so...when we open our hearts and minds completely thru surrender and obedience....all this other stuff comes easily...Right? Remember...God is thinking of us every second of every day....He provides every beat of our heart and every breath in our lungs....how much time do we give Him in return? Think about it!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8
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
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
Mark 12:30
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Every day with Jesus
Is sweeter than the day before
Every day with Jesus
I love Him more and more.
Jesus saves and keeps me
And He's the one I'm waiting for
Every day with Jesus
Is sweeter than the day before
A Childlike Amazement
We are called to grow and mature, but we are never to "grow" such that we are led away from the simple and unchanging truth: God loves us so much that He provided a way to restore a right relationship with Him through faith in His Son. Jesus died so we could live! Does this awesome act of love still amaze us, or have we "matured" to more "important" matters?
"And He [Jesus]said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” ~ Matthew 18:3
When my daughter was four years old, we read the Bible story about young Samuel. While discussing this story, my daughter showed me the excited faith God calls us to maintain. Perhaps her faith could teach us all...
As a young boy, Samuel was ministering with an old priest named Eli. One night God called to Samuel, but Samuel thought it was Eli's voice. Eli said he had not called and told Samuel to go back to bed. After God called a few more times, Samuel realized who was calling and answered: "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). God then gave Samuel a message - but the message was all about Eli.
My daughter asked, "Why did God speak to Samuel if the message was really to Eli?" We talked about how we must be ready and willing to hear God. I said Eli may have had some problems or distractions in his life which kept him from hearing God, so God spoke His message through a child. I said little kids (like her) can sometimes hear God better than older people (like me).
"But, I don't hear God talk to me," she said, with a little disappointment in her voice. I explained how God doesn't usually speak so we can hear Him with our ears; rather, His Spirit speaks to our heart and we hear Him as we listen to our heart. Her little eyes widened, "Like today when I was going to sit on one of the baby toys - Jesus told my heart I was too big and shouldn't do it so I listened to what He said."
I encouraged her that this is exactly how God speaks to us, we just need to learn how to listen and then obey. My daughter thought for a moment and then slowly shook her head in amazement: "Wow! That's sooooo cool!!"
Suggested Prayer:
"Heavenly Father, I pray that Your Word never becomes just an interesting collection of stories. You created us, loved us, and will one day call us Home to be with You for all eternity - and Father, that's sooooo cool!! Help us to come into Your presence with a thankful and loving heart. Strengthen our faith every day and allow us to continually look on You and Your wonders with a "childlike amazement".
Have a Christ Centered Day!
_______________
~ by Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries (http://www.gdwm.org)
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Dangers on The Mountain
“Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
We spend a lot of our time seeking mountaintop experiences. The prevailing view is that life is about chasing circumstances that exhilarate us, that bring us exuberant joy.
But there are dangers on the mountain. For one, these types of experiences are only temporary. They are one of the terrains of life we shuffle through. No matter what we do, we cannot find a life forever on the mountaintops. Adventure junkies chase more and more adrenaline, pushing the edge a little more every time. Addicts obsess unto death. It is never enough.
The way the world is set up is to experience these mountaintops as rare and temporary joys. Believing we can do all of life there is an inaccurate and unhealthy perspective.
The danger of the mountain is that we believe life has to always be this way. That we must feel this exuberance, this high, in order to be okay. We sink into apathy or delusion to protect the unrealistic hope that all things will feel great all the time.
The truth is we can be okay throughout any of the terrains of life. It is our perception that sustains us, not the manipulation of our circumstances. We do not achieve peace by overwhelming ourselves with joy. We find peace by accepting and understanding the value of all circumstances, in any situation.
The mountaintop is not the finish line. It is just like every other kind of circumstance - a checkpoint. A chance to be thankful. A chance to learn. A chance to perceive a fuller truth of the unique journey of life.
_______________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Guy Penrod - Amazing Love/Word Of God Speak
Has that couple of beers or shots of whiskey on the weekend became a nightly thing? You know...just to take the edge off the day. Do you know that nobody wakes up one morning and says i think ill become an alcoholic? Has smoking a joint on the weekend or maybe a couple lines of cocaine turned into several nights a week to help you cope with the craziness, stress and hectic schedule of your life, work and the world? Do you know that nobody wakes up one morning and says i think ill become a addict? Do you read this and say...its cool..i can handle it...theres no way that i could ever be addicted...im just releasing stress and having a good time!...No big deal! Thats what millions of people have said in the beginning and sometimes it can take many years before a person wakes one morning and says...what happened to me? Ok, lets travel another road. Those pain pills the doctor gave you...those nerve pills you have been prescribed...how many are you doing a day and are you doing them now to help with a problem or have they become the problem. You know...your taking them now because they make you feel good...the definition of "feel good" is they give you a buzz. Now before you nail me to a cross...i know there is a time for prescribed medication...however...look at the statics of drug abuse and addiction stemming from prescribed drugs...its right up there with any other drug abuse! Ok...lets look at it in another light. Lets say the light of Jesus! If we say that we have been born-again then the Holy Spirit of God lives in us...so...what are we saying? What are the reasons that we are using alcohol and drugs? Stress, problems, burdens, relax after a hard day? Could it be that Jesus would prefer that we depend on Him for peace and comfort of those things? I mean...the very spirit of God is living in us...Right? And when we are with folks that are unsaved and we are drinking and / or using a little pot and coke...what are those unsaved people saying about us...are they seeing Jesus...or...are they seeing the world in us behaving just like them. What does that do to our witness and testimony? We are told several times in scripture to not be drunk with wine and In Ephesians 5:18 we are told..."And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit". Is not a "buzz" in any form...from any drink, drug and marijuana...all the same thing? And if you are not saved...i can assure you of this. The high you will get from Jesus Christ...if you will give your life to Him...is a high and hope and blessed assurance that alcohol and drugs will and can NEVER give you. One is a band-aide...the other...Jesus...is everlasting! Remember...ive been there and done that..i was a druggy and drunk for 25 years...im pretty sure i know what im talking about!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:18
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
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
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
The Healing Pains
“In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.” ~ 1 Peter 5:10
The paradox of pain is that the best way to be freed from it is to press into it. When we experience life in the valley, we want to make every effort to shortcut or short-circuit the pain. We slap a coat of paint over it. We dismiss it away with platitudes. Anything to silence the agonizing drone of suffering.
This does not solve our pain. It actually prolongs it. When we treat our pain like a beach ball that we try desperately to stuff underwater, one of these days, it is going to pop to the surface in full force.
Pain is not solved by avoidance or denial. It is not actually “solved” at all. Pain is a unique life circumstance that can only be treated with honesty and hope.
Our best strategy is to approach pain with a perspective of truth. To lay our cards on the table, ask the tough questions, and experience it for all it is worth. When we share our pain with others, we are investing in relationships, and allowing God space to work. The One who is our comfort will be with us every step of the way. Pain is an opportunity to experience the valley of life with the Creator of Life.
_________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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How to Respond Well
~ Wise people take the time to verify information before choosing a course of action.
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 10:1-4
Hanun, the king of the Ammonites, reacted to misinformation. His father had just died, so King David sent some servants to offer condolences. But Hanun’s commanders convinced him that the visitors were spies coming to scope out his land. Without checking whether the accusation was true, he abused and mocked David’s servants, which led to a war.
We’ve likely done something similar (though, thankfully, it didn’t lead to battle). Maybe we reacted to a rumor before confirming the information. Or perhaps we failed to ask clarifying questions. And at one point or another, most of us have responded too quickly to a situation — striking back, like a frightened animal, before taking time to consider the godly response. And our reaction probably caused hurt feelings or embarrassment.
Yet wisdom instructs us to respond differently.
There are countless passages of Scripture discussing the value of wisdom and how to acquire it from God. Spend some time this week looking up a few. Take notes on the ones that resonate most and see if you can find any common themes. Then ask God to teach you how to respond to others more slowly, with grace and wisdom (James 1:19-20).
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/how-to-respond-well-2
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New Mercies Every Morning
~ God's faithfulness in caring for us changes everything.
Scripture Reading:
"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” ~ Lamentations 3:22-23
The prophet Jeremiah knew the sorrow of a dark night. He’s often called the weeping prophet because of the tears he cried over the destruction of Jerusalem and the sinfulness of her people. But even in his sorrow, Jeremiah was able to hold on to hope. He remained confident that both God’s people and the city of Jerusalem would be restored, thanks to the Father’s faithfulness and unending mercy.
For Jeremiah, confidence stemmed from trusting in God, and the same can be true for us. No matter what difficulties arise, we have God’s promise that He is faithful to care for us. That promise changes everything — trusting in God’s faithfulness and mercy allows us to cling to unwavering hope for the future.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:30-32 underscore Jeremiah’s heart cry:
“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ …for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
God is fully aware of our needs and will be faithful to meet them. His mercies are available to us every single day. Let’s be deliberate about leaning into those mercies, as Jeremiah was. And we, too, can look forward to experiencing confidence and peace.
_______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/new-mercies-every-morning
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From the Pastor’s Heart – April 2024
~ Just as each body part depends on the others, so we too need each other.
You’ve probably noticed that church life can be comforting and refreshing, or uncomfortable, puzzling, difficult, and all-absorbing — in other words, it’s a lot like a family. A healthy, Bible- believing fellowship is made of life-giving connections. Churches aren’t perfect, but you could call them one of our “essential blessings.”
Dr. Stanley often talked about why. Here are some thought-provoking words he offered on the value of participating in the body of Christ:
________________
I want to talk to you about something that liberated me to finally become the person God wanted me to be. It wasn’t a single amazing experience or miraculous sign.
It was something familiar yet powerful: the local church.
I could not be more grateful for everyone who listens to or watches our broadcast; I pray the time we learn together is beneficial and enjoyable. At the same time, I hope those who are able to be involved in a local church will do that as well.
Why?
Because we’re meant to live in relationship with fellow believers. In fact, it’s essential for spiritual growth. God doesn’t want us to be “lone ranger” Christians. Why else would He put so many “one another” passages in the New Testament?
But this advice isn’t just for those who choose not to attend a church.
Even people who go to church regularly may be spectators rather than participants. The Christian life is more than a weekly appointment. It involves living life with other believers in practical and profound ways.
The Lord made this calling clear in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 when He described the church as one body with different parts. Every member is essential for the proper working of the church. Just as each body part depends on the others, so we too need each other.
All the “one another” commands in the Bible can be fulfilled by loving each other. But how does that work out practically in the church? To help you understand how we are to help and care for each other in the fellowship of believers, I’d like to focus on a few of these commands.
First of all, we are to “encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Fellowship in the church isn’t just greeting each other or sharing potluck meals. It means investing ourselves in people’s lives and helping them grow spiritually. There are a variety of ways this can be done — praying for them, sharing biblical principles that apply to their situations in life, or reminding them of God’s faithfulness and promises.
Later in this chapter, Paul added these instructions: “Admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Second, we should “be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor” (Romans 12:10).
The church is not a place to claim personal rights or seek self advancement. Instead, we serve each other by seeking the other person’s good. Think how many church conflicts would dissolve if we all considered others as more important than ourselves.
Third, we are to treat others “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
Verse 32 adds similar characteristics of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Think about the opposites of these qualities — pride, harshness, impatience, intolerance, rudeness, indifference, and unforgiveness.
We all want the first list to characterize us, not the second. But living in close relationship with other people sometimes reveals qualities we need to develop, doesn’t it? Perhaps that’s why some people no longer attend church. Maybe they’ve been hurt in the past or have developed animosity toward some fellow believers. Yet these conflicts are the very reason we need to stay involved.
God uses these hurts and disagreements to make us more like Christ and produce godly traits in us. If we give up on the church, we lose out on this sanctifying influence.
I’ve always had a group of Christian men with whom I meet regularly. They hold me accountable, stimulate me to pursue godliness, confront me when I’m slow to recognize sin, and encourage me to keep going. That’s what each of us needs, and such friends can be found in church. You may not be able to know everyone in your local fellowship, but you can know a few people intimately.
God has used those relationships to transform me. I know He’ll do the same for you.
________________
Church life, even in healthy congregations, can be challenging.
But Dr. Stanley has reminded us that, at least in part, that’s God’s design. We hope this letter encourages you to take a step toward local fellowship, or bring your current participation to a new level.
Let God surprise you with all He can do through the presence of His people. This moment just might be the start of something new. Till next time,
God bless you.
For His Glory,
Your Friends at In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/from-pastors-heart/april-2024
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For those of us that are born-again believers...i think we know...or we should know...because we often hear it said. When we are unsaved we dont have to get it together...we dont have to make things right in our life...we dont have to fix our self. What we have to do is come before God just as we are and ask for forgiveness and then God through his Son Jesus...and the Holy Spirit...they change us and God fixes us. We are a new creation...we are born again...right? So as a new creation...whats going on in your life today. Is there pain..sorrow..loneliness. Has maybe drugs or alcohol creep into your life and maybe even become a problem. Is it gambling..pornography..gossip or unforgiveness. Whats going on in your life thats messed everything up and maybe youre trying to put it past you. Maybe youre trying to make it better..maybe youre trying to fix things. However...have you have forgotten something about our Lord and Savior. Now listen..those things that are going on in our life..im not making light of it they are very real to us. But we have to remember we dont have to fix our self. As Believers were very good at quoting.."I can do all things through Jesus who gives me strength"..right. But do we really believe that? Read that verse again it says "I can do all things through Jesus who gives me strength"..through Jesus! We dont have to fix ourselves..we dont have to keep sweeping things under the rug. What we got to do is go before the throne and just like that day of salvation turn it all over to God and let him through Jesus...through the Holy Spirit..fix us. Listen to me folks..let me tell you first-hand what God can do. Ole Rick Sane who who lived 25 years of Helter Skelter madness from age 15 to 40 and i was so sick of that lifestyle. Remember the old saying "sick and tired of waking up sick and tired"...i tried to get it together to fix myself who knows how many times and i could not do it because my flesh and satan had such a grip on me. Let me be a Witness...let me use my testimony to tell you...If God could and did fix me..He can fix anybody! Yes i still have a lot of imperfections and rough edges...im still a sinner....but im talking about whatever youre going through today...turn it over to God and let him fix you. I think most of us love the old hymn "I surrender All"...sit there and sing that to yourself and sing it to God...and then with Faith give whatever is going on in your life to Jesus...let Jesus fix you!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2
“Let God have your life; He can do more with it than you can.”
-Dwight L. Moody-
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8
the righteous shall move onward and forward; those with pure hearts shall become stronger and stronger.
Job 17:9
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path.
Proverbs 2:7-9
Secret Prayer
"Night and day we pray earnestly...” ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:10
The author of an old book about prayer, "The Kneeling Christian", said:
“It is not too much to say that all real growth in the spiritual life — all victory over temptation, all confidence and peace in the presence of difficulties and dangers, all repose of spirit in times of great disappointment or loss, all habitual communion with God — depend upon the practice of secret prayer.”
When we think God doesn’t hear our prayers, it’s not because He’s far away. He is nearer than we can imagine. Perhaps He knows our request isn’t really for our good. Or maybe the timing isn’t right. Sometimes we must “wait on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). Perhaps a sinful habit is hindering our prayers.
Remember - God is always very near and working on our behalf. When we see immediate answers to our prayers, we should rejoice. When He doesn’t answer immediately, we should trust. The time we spend in prayer is precious because we are entering into and recognizing the presence of a God for whom nothing is impossible. Give Him time to work!
______________
~ by David Jeremiah (https://www.davidjeremiah.org)
•
Remaining Faithful
~ Those who drift away from God will always find Him ready to forgive.
Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 11:1-6
God gives wisdom when we ask, but we are responsible for applying that wisdom daily. Let’s consider Solomon again. Despite his great understanding, the later part of his life was marked by a turning away from God. Solomon had clear instruction not to marry foreign women, but he chose to reject God’s wisdom and do it anyway. The influence of those wives eventually led Solomon into the worship of idols.
The unfortunate downfall of the wisest man who ever lived is a helpful warning for us. No matter how strong we think we are, we aren’t above making choices that could cause us to turn away from the Lord. Over time, small decisions to ignore God’s principles can have a devastating cumulative effect: Slight compromises in how we live can put us on a path leading away from God and His perfect plan.
• Is there anything in your life that you know shouldn’t be there?
• Have you been justifying it?
If so, ask the Lord for forgiveness and submit that habit, situation, or tendency to Him. He’s waiting with open arms. Choose to apply the gift of God’s wisdom to your everyday decisions, today and throughout the entirety of your life. Let’s stay faithful to walk in wisdom at all times.
_________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/remaining-faithful
•
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
Are you putting your faith and trust in the Lord? Some people seem to trust God with their eternal salvation, but they have trouble trusting Him for their every-day life. God is the same yesterday, today, forever...its us humans that are always changing. We are hot then we are cold in our belief....we have a yes then a no to our thoughts and words....we make up our minds then we change it...we give our burdens to God then we take them back. We humans...we really are a flaky bunch! Look it friends. God never promised this life here on planet earth to be a cake walk or a stroll thru the rose garden. We as believers are going to have sickness and problems just like everyone else. And...just because we know Jesus as Lord...dont mean that He is going to come riding in on a white horse to save the day all the time and make our life easy. God dont operate like that. Yes... God wants the very best for us...but only God knows what that is. Our feeble little minds are pretty much looking in the wrong direction a good deal of the time! So...our loving heavenly Father gives us what we need...when we need it...be it good or not so good. As we look back on our christian lives...we can see quite a bit of sorrow...suffering...as well as blessings and joy. Its all for a reason. A Godly reason. Let us always put our complete faith and trust in God no matter what our circumstances are, Good...bad...happy or sad...sometimes even tragic..In the long run what we obtain from all of our lifes experiences is "sovereign God"...in complete control of everything all the time... molding us into the likeness of Jesus! I mean...that really is what life here on planet earth is about isnt it...allowing God to mold us into the likeness of Jesus in preparation of heaven! Think about it!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long
Psalm 25:5
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
Psalm 18:2
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