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His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
2 Peter 1:3
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
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
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
Adjusting to the Lord’s Plan
~ While following God may involve change or, at times, even loss, we can trust Him for a just reward.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:18-22
Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen before they became Jesus’ disciples. Their lives revolved around the details of their occupation — weather conditions, equipment repair, catching fish, and turning a profit. But in today’s passage, when Jesus called them to become fishers of men, they made a dramatic change.
In contrast, the rich young ruler walked away sad when he realized what he’d have to give up to follow Christ (Matthew 19:21-22). An invitation from the Lord usually means modifying our way of living. Whether this involves switching jobs or altering habits, God expects us to adapt to His plan.
At times, the Lord may call for a shift in our relationships. Before being invited to travel in Jesus’ company, James and John had worked in the family business with their father. Saying yes to God meant seeing friends and relatives less frequently. But Christ promises a great return on any sacrifice we make (Matthew 19:29).
Our heavenly Father’s plans are based on His goodness, justice, and mercy. Because of His perfect character, we can trust the direction He gives us. Adjusting to God’s design — accepting His will and making needed changes in our circumstances and relationships — is always the wisest action to take (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/adjusting-to-the-lord-s-plan
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Well Done
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” ~ Matthew 25:21
“Glory” in the Bible is a translation of the Greek word “doxa” and it means “the essence of something being clearly displayed and observed.” Our great privilege is to exhibit God’s truth through the way we live, in a way that it is clearly seen by others. We are promised that if we show God’s true essence through our lives, God will grant us the glory of His approval.
The greatest end of our life will be to sit with Jesus as He reviews our life and continually hear: “This was very well done.” That is a glory that will never fade.
Life is an opportunity where we can display to others the essence of God by the way we live. The choices we make. The perspective we choose.
We participate in glory when we make decisions that manifest the goodness of God.
The whole process is modeled in this parable in Matthew 25. The voice of the master speaks and makes clear the connection between the master and the servant, the joy of approval, and the blessing for continued action.
In all our striving, this is what we truly desire. We all long to hear “well done” from an earthly father. Even more, each of us, is longing for the approval of the Heavenly Father. We want to be counted among His faithful servants. We want to be entrusted with His vision. We want to participate in His kingdom.
Each day begins anew, and is an opportunity to walk in obedience, and hear “well done.”
_______________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net/devotional/well-done/
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The Daily Article — May 17, 2024
~ The Chosen passes Baywatch as the most widely translated show in history!
When "The Chosen" set out in 2017 to crowdfund its way to a first season, their goal of introducing “the authentic Jesus to a billion people” was ambitious, to say the least. And while they still have a ways to go to reach that point, they’ve recently crossed the threshold of 200 million viewers around the world.
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and The Chosen app have contributed greatly to that number. However, their growth has been fueled just as much by the degree to which the show has been translated and dubbed into so many languages around the world.
As Adam MacInnis writes, "The Chosen has partnered with Come and See to dub the show into fifty languages, with the hopes of eventually taking that number beyond six hundred. That number far surpasses the previous record holder — Baywatch — which saw its episodes translated 34 times."
And the extra effort to dub the show rather than just make it available through subtitles is crucial for areas where literacy is lacking.
Making the Gospel Accessible:
MacInnis describes how, in Madagascar for example, the nation’s president — Andry Rajoelina — reached out to Come and See to request that the group make the native Malagasy language a priority, even though it is spoken by a relatively small number of people. When it was made available last year, The Chosen became what is believed to be the first show ever dubbed into the language.
And, as Come and See CEO Stan Jantz describes, the impact has been felt throughout the island nation, with the show taken into remote areas, reaching people with the gospel in ways that were previously impossible.
However, the people at Come and See are quick to note that for such efforts to be effective, it takes a lot more than just typing a script into Google Translate. The intricacies of making sure that the message is conveyed accurately and in a way that makes sense to its audience require the ability to hear it spoken through the ears of native speakers.
That’s why the ministry seeks out pastors, Bible translators, and biblical scholars who speak the language when trying to translate the show. Moreover, they also strive to work with people who share their passion for the project. And the ability to partner with people who are not only capable but share their vision for what God can do through The Chosen is a big reason why the show now has more viewers outside the US than in its American audience.
It should also serve as a powerful reminder for each of us.
“The torture you’re comfortable with”:
Jerry Seinfeld was in the news recently after a group of students walked out of their commencement ceremonies at Duke in protest to the comedian’s support of Israel in its war against Hamas. And that’s too bad, because there was a lot in Seinfeld’s address that they needed to hear, including a thought that is particularly relevant to our conversation today.
While the comedian covered quite a bit of ground in his speech, his thoughts on work were what stood out the most to me.
He encouraged the graduates to “Find something where you love the good parts, and don’t mind the bad parts too much. The torture you’re comfortable with. This is the golden path to victory in life. Work, exercise, relationships, they all have a solid component of pure torture, and they are all 1000 percent worth it.”
I bring that idea up today because, even when we are pursuing God’s calling for our lives and partnering with Him in work that truly matters, there will be days and moments where that work feels like torture, where the bad parts seem to outweigh the good.
And that’s alright.
Even Jesus had those moments (Matthew 26:36–46). And if God-incarnate didn’t always enjoy doing the Father’s will, why should we think it would be any different for us?
How to Discern God’s Calling:
One of the most debilitating mistakes we can make in our relationship with God is confusing times of difficulty for evidence that we aren’t walking in His will. The inevitability of such trials is why it is so important that we make sure we are not only adhering to God’s calling for our lives but also walking that path in His strength rather than our own.
The path to getting The Chosen from an idea to a reality — much less taking it to people around the world — has not always been easy. However, one of the most consistent messages from the show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, is that he and those who work with him on the project feel a genuine calling from the Lord to help people know Jesus through their work. As a result, the difficulties they’ve faced are akin to — in the words of Jerry Seinfeld — “the torture you’re comfortable with,” and it’s helped them persevere.
As you think back on the trials you’ve faced, can you say the same? If not, it’s possible that a change is needed and you’re not living in accordance with God’s will for your life. I feel like for most of us, though, the reason is less that we aren’t living out our calling and more that we’ve forgotten to see our work — at school, home, the office, or in whatever form it might take — as our calling.
To put it another way, we’ve forgotten that work done for the Lord always has a higher purpose and is “1000 percent worth it.”
And if you need help seeing your calling through that lens, know that its Author would love to help you do just that.
Will you take the time to ask Him?
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~ published by: Denison Ministries
Note: One of the keys to discerning God’s calling for your life and how He wants you to live it out is understanding your spiritual gifts. To that end, our ministry provides a free spiritual gifts test. We have also written a book that takes a deeper look into each of the gifts as well as how they are used in Scripture. We hope that these resources can prove helpful in gaining a better understanding of God’s gifts and calling in your life.
https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/the-chosen-passes-baywatch-as-most-translated-show/
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Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?
Ups And Downs
“Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty?” ~ Job 11:7
Life is like a roller coaster. There are ups and downs. Twists and turns. Terror and glee. Although at some times it feels it might last forever, it is truly over in the blink of an eye.
There is no way to fully prepare for what comes next. Part of the design of a roller coaster is the exhilaration of not being in control. Similarly, life is full of mystery and surprise.
The only thing we can do to prepare is to understand the journey we are on. An accurate perspective allows us to adapt to the changes, enjoy the best parts and endure the worst.
One twist leads to another. One dip sets up a rise. The whole of life is a beautiful journey. We did not design the ride. We cannot control its architecture. But we can make choices to control the perspective we will have along the way.
Observation is an avenue for preparation. It informs perception, setting the standard of awareness within us. We might not know exactly where we are or what’s next, but we do know God is in both places, and is the designer of our “ride.”
If we wrap our minds and hearts around the value of the ride, understanding the incredible investment God makes to teach and prepare us for a lasting joy, we are set free from getting lost in every loop.
The terrains of life are opportunities to probe the infinite depths of God.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Traffic Jam
“...in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!” ~ Romans 8:37-39
Perspective is a choice. The decision is hardest when our expectations do not match the reality we are facing. We sometimes feel like these kinds of situations victimize us, stealing our choices away. But they do not. They just provide the context for our choices.
If we find ourselves stuck in traffic, there are two ways to perceive.
One is frustration. We are angered that the world did not meet the expectation of circumstances to which we are entitled. We cannot control our circumstances, so we react in anger. We decide that being mad at other drivers and poor road conditions and the city infrastructure is the proper perspective. In a sad sort of way, we decide that since we can’t control the traffic, we will instead destroy our joy, for that is something we do control.
The other option is to see the traffic jam as a blessing. Take the unforeseen opportunity to pray, to make a phone call to a friend, or just take a deep breath. See the people as comrades, fellow humans, also trying to make their way in this world. Understand that others have plans and that sometimes interruptions are opportunities.
Nothing can be done to change the circumstances – but your perspective can change and your choices can be made.
________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Amen brother. Thank you for sharing the Godly perspective that we all need to be striving for as we traverse this world daily. Have a blessed day!
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Im 68 years young....and from knowing myself a little to well...wink....and from reading and looking into it....and never being medically diagnosed...i have no doubt that i am ADHD. Now i dont let that get to me in any way shape or form im use to being me....i think...but at times...often times....it can be challenaging...but as i said...im use to being me. A couple weeks ago i was talking to one of my doctors and the topic came up...she is a born-again believer....guessing she is mid 30's and a single divorced mom of a 8 year ole girl. She is a awesome doctor....and she told me that she was ADHD...and then she said...but it is my superpower! We didnt go into detail about that statement but i think i get it. Like so much in this life....with the power of the Holy Spirit living in us....is it not a matter of prospective.....David standing before Goliath comes to my mind!
I cant say this with all certainty but im pretty sure each of you have many people in your lives be it family or friends that you love and folks that love you in return. So when we think about the fact that God is love and love is God...im thinking we can say that the main theme of the Bible is Love? And that word Love....is spoken of in different forms. The thing is...there are many people in the USA that dont really know Love. They have people that they may be close to....acquaintances...even family...but they really dont know love from anyone. Think about not having Love in your life...i mean not having real...from the heart...people love in your life....or...just having 1 or 2 or 3 people to share some sort of Love with. Thats beyond sad! Jesus told us the 2nd greatest commandment is to love others as we love ourselves. Are we doing that? Do we make a difference in the world and in other peoples lives everyday...even the folks we dont know...by sharing the Love of Jesus and ourselves with them? If not why is that...and...if so to just what extent and is it truly from our heart? Ive heard it said that "true love is giving the other person what they need the most when they deserve it the least at great sacrifice to ourselves"!...thats what Jesus did for us. Its not just about saying those 3 little words..."i love you"...its about actually showing others our love and at the same time the love of Jesus! So many hurting people in the world...the USA....our home town...our community...what can we do today to show someone our love for them that might otherwise feel no love today and even more importantly how can we also show them the love of Jesus Christ and from that brighten their day and maybe even change their life? I dont know how it is where you live...but here in east tennessee...people are strugglin to pay rent...pay bills...keep food on the table...try and give their children a decent life...you just see so many sad looking folks and i have no doubt that those things along with maybe not knowing the love of Jesus in their lives and maybe not knowing "true heart felt love" from others....it is a tragic existence. So...im not going to sit here and rattle off a list of ways to show folks love...if you are a born-again believer you already know that list...but i will ask...what are you doing to make a difference in someones life...2...3...5 times a week...and yes...that includes strangers! And remember...the sins of omission are just as sinful as the sins of commission!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
True love is giving the other person what they need the most when they deserve it the least at great sacrifice to ourselves....
Love is patient...love is kind. It does not envy...it does not boast...it is not proud. It does not dishonor others...It does not insist on its own way...it is not easily angered...it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects...always trusts...always hopes...always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7-8
One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; 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.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11
WHEN WE DIE: 10 THINGS THAT GOD "WONT" ASK US!
1..... God won't ask what kind of car you drove.
2..... God won't ask the square footage of your house.
3..... God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived.
4..... God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet.
5..... God won't ask what your highest salary was.
6..... God won't ask what your job title was.
7..... God won't ask about your earthly social status.
8..... God won't ask how educated you were.
9..... God won't ask about how much stuff you accumulated.
10....God won't ask you for excuses.
When we draw our last breath and close our eyes for the last time. Thats it! Our eternal destination is set. What lies ahead is judgment day and that means either heaven...or...hell. There are no do overs. Where are you headed?
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
God Remembers Us
~ It is impossible for God to forget us — we are His children and are inscribed upon His hands.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 49:13-18
• Does it ever seem as if God has forgotten about you?
• Do you ever feel overlooked, abandoned, or unimportant?
In seasons of suffering, it’s easy to think He doesn’t see or care about what we’re going through. With Jerusalem destroyed and most of its inhabitants sent into Babylonian captivity, the people of Israel were also tempted to think God had forgotten and abandoned them.
Today’s passage, however, directly challenges the assumption that pain and hardship are indications of His absence. After God acknowledges that He knows all about Israel’s fear of abandonment, He counters by asserting His unconditional love. He is as near, attentive, and giving as a mother with her nursing baby, and it is impossible for Him to forget us. To make this point clear to the apprehensive, weary Israelites, God gave reassurance that He had inscribed them upon the palms of His hands. Does that image sound familiar?
Centuries later, Jesus Christ hung on a cross with nails driven into His hands — proving that God’s words were true and that we are worth more to Him than we could ever imagine. We are God’s unforgettable, beloved children.
How would it change our daily lives and our relationship with our heavenly Father if we lived safe in the knowledge that we are always on His mind?
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/god-remembers-us
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Our Weakness Can Be Our Strength
A 10-year-old boy decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move. "Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?"
"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.
Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.
This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. "No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue."
Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: He dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.
On the way home, the boy and the sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind. "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"
"You won for two reasons," the sensei answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."
The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.
"'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
________________
~ 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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Caring for One Another
~ Ask God to show you how to minister to the people He’s brought into your life.
Scripture Reading: John 19:25-30
The last mother named in Matthew’s messianic lineage is “Mary, by whom Jesus was born” (Matthew 1:16). Mary watched her Son’s ministry, no doubt treasuring all He said and did (Luke 2:51). She likely felt a range of emotions — from motherly pride to worry and fear — despite the fact that she understood He was “about His Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). Then, when Jesus was on the cross, she undoubtedly felt anguish watching Him suffer but also heard Him lovingly entrust her to John’s care (John 19:26).
Even though she had long anticipated a sword through her soul (Luke 2:34-35), that knowledge didn’t lessen her pain. But she didn’t endure it alone. She was surrounded by other believers in the days before and after Jesus’ passion. Following His ascension, she waited with them for the Comforter (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1) and likely lived for years as a member of John’s household and part of the growing Christian community — worshipping, praying, and serving with those Jesus had come to save. And in that early church environment, she would also have been served by them.
• Do you know of friends or acquaintances who are dealing with adversity?
• How can you show them the love of Christ?
Ask the Lord to reveal ways to care for the people He has brought into your life.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/caring-for-one-another
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HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!! :) http://mobilelegacies.com/mothersday/ 💗
As born-again believers there is nothing that can probably get us into trouble in Gods eyes any faster than our mouth which is connected to our heart! And if you are not saved im not talking about our heart that beats and pumps blood...im talking about our biblical spiritual heart...who we are as a person....in our spirit and soul. There is no such thing as idle words or casual conversion when we are talking about other folks be it true or not. Even if we are talking to family...even our spouse...its just not what God wants to hear from us. Gossip...backbiting...slander...bearing false wittiness...no good ever comes from it so why do so many folks do it? The fact of the matter is God has said that it is sin! Plenty of scripture addresses gossip and tells us it is sin and as we know that in Gods eyes...sin is sin...so we cant just try and write it off as no big deal....Theres an old earthly saying...If you cant say something nice about someone...then just dont say nothing at all....and another comes to my mind...if folks would pay more attention to the dirt on their own porch they wouldnt have the time to concern themsleves with the dirt on their neighbors porch. And as my dad use to tell me if a man tells you something...keep it to yourself...if he wants anybody else to know it he will tell him. Why does so many good folks have a problem living by all that? There is NEVER any good that comes from gossip. Ole Apostle James was pretty point blank about the tongue. On the other hand...when folks start to tell us something about someone...why do we stand there and listen? Is that not just as bad when all we have to do is say...i really dont care to hear that! Id sure enough rather make them mad than to participate in their sin of gossip...Think about it!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
Matthew 12:36
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
Proverbs 16:28
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
James 3:5-6
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
Proverbs 20:19
Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.
1 Timothy 5:13
being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
Romans 1:29-32
Comforting Those Who Grieve
~ Those who mourn are all around us; may we offer them the compassion of our Savior.
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 11:26-27
Like Tamar and Rahab, the fourth woman in Matthew’s genealogy has a tarnished reputation — Bathsheba is labeled by some as a temptress. In reality, however, she was a victim. Desired by King David, she was brought to him and soon found herself pregnant and in danger of death for adultery. David tried to cover up his sin by manipulating Bathsheba’s husband Uriah. When that didn’t work, David had him killed at the [battle] front.
Suddenly, Bathsheba was a grieving widow. “She mourned for her husband,” according to 2 Samuel 11:26. Then David made her his wife. When she delivered a son, her joy was short-lived. The child became sick and died, as the prophet Nathan had prophesied (2 Samuel 12:14). Now she was grieving two great losses: a husband and a child.
When it comes to our attention that a parent is grieving, we may feel unsure of the best way to reach out. But we have Jesus as a model of how to offer care. Matthew saw his Master heal the multitudes and remembered the words of Isaiah:
“He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick;” ~ Isaiah 42:3
May we receive such people with gentleness and be a safe place that promotes their healing.
_______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/comforting-those-who-grieve
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"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
Psalm 118:24
Casting Crowns-"Praise You In This Storm"
Let me tell you this morning that it is 100 percent true that God is good and that God is in total control. However...that does not prevent bad things from happening. And i also want you to know..that although its within Gods power to give everyone a perfect life...a perfect existence...that truly would not be in our best interest. Now you may say...what or why...i dont get that...not in my best interest? You see folks...often times it is trials and suffering that drives people...points people to the Father and they become saved. And for those of us who are already His followers...God often times uses harsh circumstances...burdens and tribulations...to mature our faith...build our trust in Him...our dependence in Him...and conform us to the image of His Son...Jesus. Do you think it might just also be possible that even as believers...if we had a walk thru the rose garden everyday...that we in our state of being human might just forget about God? Yes...God will allow disaster and evil and sickness to touch our lives so we can grow from the experience and growth...whether in compassion...trust or knowledge...thats a good thing! If we could peek behind the scenes of our life...look into our future...we would see God in His perfect wisdom...sovereignly working toward His ultimate purpose for us. But it is so important to remember that although we sometimes see immediate positive results from trials. Other times...we must wait months or years...or maybe until we reach heaven...to fully understand what God was doing in those difficult circumstances. Suffering and evil are just part of living in a fallen world. But we have the blessed assurance that God is in control of the universe...even though it may not look like it...God is in control....including the tiny corner that each of us occupies. So remember...when God permits bad things to happen...we can be sure that He will continue to provide comfort and guidance as He shapes us into the people He wants us to be. Molding us into the likeness of Jesus in preparation for heaven...our forever home! Gods love for us surpasses all understanding...His love is so total and complete...and...He does care about our problems...but....i believe that even more than that...His desire is to mold us into the likeness of His Son Jesus as we walk this earthly path....and....think about this....if life was always problem free...could we really appricate the good not knowing the bad times in our life? The good news is for born-again believers...that we are going to spend forever with Jesus in heaven and there on the new earth / heaven....we will have that perfect life in our new glorified bodies and it will never end as we give God the praise for His grace and mercy and saving us from hell thru the sacrifice Jesus made on that old rugged cross!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4
Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100:3
The meaning of life does not consist in what we make of it, but in what God makes of it. Success is not about achievement or what we make of ourselves. It's about placement, or what God makes of us. We take the lesson from the Persecuted Church that it is okay to die quite unaware of our life's meaning. We can rest in trust that God, in His mercy, has used us to help build His eternal kingdom.
-Paul Estabrooks-
Have His Way
“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” ~ Isaiah 55:9
When we approach God solely as The Giver of gifts and the provider of solutions to our problems (as we perceive them), we are trying to turn Him into a Cosmic Vending Machine. We want Him to give us exactly what we ask for.
God does not need more of our perspective. We need more of His. When we aren’t ignoring Him, we spend so much time trying to explain ourselves to God, making a pitch for the longings of our flesh to be fulfilled.
The problem is we do not really know what to ask for. We need to ask Him what we ought to ask for. God does not exist to hear from us and provide resources so we might have our way. He exists so we might hear from Him and be resourced to participate in His Way.
The issue is not that we ask too much of God (or even that we are asking Him for things). The issue is we are asking too little of Him. We are asking for our perspective to be validated through changed circumstances.
But what if God wants to redeem our circumstances through changed perspective?
Scripture is full of pleas for us to die to our false perceptions, to see past our superficial desires, and to discover The Way, The Truth, and The Life.
_______________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Being Super
“As each has received a special gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” ~ 1 Peter 4:10
The weight of responsibility is an integral part of being super. And it becomes very difficult for others to understand how we are stewarding our gifts and passions. We can never please them all. And the slightest hint of rejection is enough to knock us off our perch.
The faith that angels observe with fascination is our strongest power. And it is longing to get out, to make itself known, to serve responsibly. Faith is inside of us. We are filled with potential energy waiting to go kinetic. To be something is only half of the equation of humanity. It is how we steward who we are that determines the depth of richness we will experience in this world.
God is cheering for us, wanting the most good for us. He wants us to be who we truly are, no matter the risks involved or how the world might respond. He wants us to live the extraordinary life prepared for us.
Being super is not about fame and fortune and power. It is more subtle than all that. Being super is about living well. Being who we are. Worshipping God through a life well-lived, a life of joy and of service.
____________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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