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And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Luke 6:31
Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
John 7:24
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12
You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Matthew 7:5
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Romans 15:1-2
Humbly Asking for Help
"And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.” ~ Acts 2:44
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47
As our party approached, my wife and I started planning. With many people coming, should we pay a caterer to cook? If we do the cooking ourselves, should we buy a barbeque? With a small chance of rain on the day, should we buy a tent too? Soon our party was getting expensive, and even a little antisocial. By trying to provide everything ourselves, we were missing an opportunity to receive the help of others.
The Bible’s vision of community is one of both giving and receiving. Even before the fall, Adam needed help (Genesis 2:18), and we’re called to seek others’ advice (Proverbs 15:22) and share our burdens (Galatians 6:2). The early church held “everything in common,” benefiting from each other’s “property and possessions” (Acts 2:44-45). Instead of living independently, they shared, borrowed, gave, and received in beautiful interdependence.
We ended up asking guests to bring a salad or dessert to our party. Our neighbors brought their barbeque, and a friend brought his tent. Asking for help enabled us to forge closer relationships, and the food people made brought variety and delight. In an age like ours, being self-sufficient can be a source of pride. But God gives His grace “to the humble” (James 4:6), including those who humbly ask for help.
~ By Sheridan Voysey
__________________
Reflect & Pray:
• What stops you from asking for help?
• What do you currently need that you could borrow instead of buy?
"Dear God, thank You for making us relational creatures. Please help me to live humbly, sharing both my wealth and needs with others."
__________________
Scripture Insight:
Acts 2:44 pictures the unity and interdependence of the church: “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” This same idea comes into view again in chapter 4: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had” (v. 32). The English words common and shared are translations of the Greek word “koinos", which means “common,” “ordinary,” “belonging to generality.” In addition, it can refer to things that are ceremonially unclean. In Acts 4:32, we also find a word with the opposite meaning, “idios", which is translated “their own”: “No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own.” The early church snapshots in these chapters reveal a dynamic, Spirit-formed unity and humility that led believers to selflessly give and receive.
~ by Arthur Jackson
https://odb.org/2024/09/02/humbly-asking-for-help
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The Lord's Prayer in Aramaic - Abun d'bashmayo
Condolences to you and your family during this season of loss. May the Lord cover you all with His comfort and peace brother.
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💖Well, about 6:30pm 8/31/24, my awesome Mother Helen, heart stopped .... after she transitioned from Mayo Hospital to the hospice unit next door... and just so you know, I have been praying for her an awful lot for her forgiveness and I believe she is with Jesus as we speak! 💝 so beautiful.! Love You Momma!!! 😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇
This pic is from Her, my brother and I having fun in our business K-Display back in the mid nineties,,,,
Wise Caring
"A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” ~ Proverbs 22:3
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 22:1-5
The sight was heartbreaking. A pod of fifty-five pilot whales had stranded themselves on a Scottish beach. Volunteers tried to save them, but ultimately they died. No one knows why mass strandings like this occur, but it could be due to the whales’ strong social bonds. When one gets into trouble, the rest come to help — a caring instinct that can ironically lead to harm.
The Bible clearly calls us to help others, but to also be wise in how we do so. For example, when we help restore someone who’s caught in a sin, we’re to be careful that we’re not dragged into that sin ourselves (Galatians 6:1), and while we’re to love our neighbors, we’re to love ourselves too (Matthew 22:39). Proverbs 27:12 says, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” This is a good reminder when helping others starts harming us.
Some years ago, two very needy people started attending our church. Soon, caring congregants were burning out responding to their cries. The solution wasn’t to turn the couple away but to put boundaries in place so helpers weren’t harmed. Jesus, the ultimate helper, took time for rest, and He ensured His disciples’ needs weren’t displaced by others’ needs (Mark 6:31). Wise caring follows His example.
By tending to our own health, we’ll have more care to give in the long term.
~ By Sheridan Voysey
__________________
Reflect & Pray:
• How do you recognize your need for rest and refuge?
• What helps you to serve others over the long term?
"Holy Spirit, please empower me to serve others in a healthy, sustainable way."
__________________
Scripture Insight:
The prudent person is contrasted with the simple throughout the book of Proverbs: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 27:12). The prudent refers to a shrewd and wise person. The simple person is the opposite, described consistently as one “who had/has no sense” (Proverbs 7:7; 9:4) and is therefore a fool. Proverbs 14:8 and verse 15 describe the simple as one who’s gullible, believes anything, and is easily deceived. In contrast, the prudent person carefully evaluates the situation and guardedly decides how to proceed: “The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence” (Proverbs 14:16). The prudent — in contrast to the simple — avoid the dangers and pitfalls of life.
~ by K. T. Sim
https://odb.org/2024/08/31/wise-caring
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We all know that telling lies...what we sometimes call bald face lies...is wrong...its sin! Yes...scripture tells us many times that lying is sin. So...heres something to think on. We have all heard of and im sure told a good many what we like to call "little white lies". Am i right? Now we can offer good reasons and make excuses for why we do that cause im pretty sure we all know what "little white lies" are and we humans usually think of them in regards to they really dont hurt no one. So again, whats the big deal after all its just a "little white lie"....i just stretched the truth a little so no big deal..right? However...heres the thing...no matter how we try and dress it up and justify those "little white lies"...if we tell something that is not the truth...even half the truth..."a little white lie"...for whatever reason...what have we done...Have we not just told a lie? Now there is much scripture about lying or bearing false witness...but lets look at Proverbs 6:16-19...."There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers"....Hummm...do i see lying in there two times with some other really bad stuff? Oh yeah...lets not forget what number nine of the Ten Commandments says about lying...Dont!....Heres something i have read in the past to think on. "If we tell half the truth, we have really told a whole lie because anything less than the whole truth is a whole lie". Does it bother you to tell a half-truth? When we tell something and we leave out part of the truth to make things or ourselves not seem so bad...to make ourselves and things look better.... we have committed a sin of omission. By omitting part of the truth have we not told a whole lie. And when we tell someone that we are going to do something that we know we are not...what have we just told? So i wonder...in Gods eyes...is there such a thing as a "little white lie"?
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.
Leviticus 19:11
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.
Proverbs 19:9
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
Proverbs 12:22
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Colossians 3:9-10
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:25
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
Proverbs 19:5
Getting in God’s Way
~ Listen for the Lord's voice — even when you are helping others — to be sure you are doing His will.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:21-23
Believers are called to be compassionate (Luke 10:37), but we must show discernment when practicing kindness. At times, stepping into someone’s life can block what God is doing with that person. Let’s look at Peter, who once allowed feelings to cloud his discernment. Attempting to interfere in the divine plan for Jesus Christ was an experience that he likely never forgot.
Though Peter knew exactly who Jesus was — namely, the Messiah and Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16) — he also held common Jewish misconceptions about the Messiah’s mission. Many Israelites awaited a king who’d overthrow the oppressive Roman rule. Consequently, Peter refused to accept Jesus’ warnings of the judgment, mistreatment, and death He anticipated. After trying to convince the Lord that such an end was impossible, the disciple was rebuked for attempting to subvert God’s will (Matthew 16:22-23).
Jesus’ priority was to liberate hearts from sin rather than bodies from tyranny. Peter had a narrow view of the divine plan, and wrong perceptions led him into open rebellion. Do not make his mistake. Since we never want to obstruct God’s unfolding purposes, it’s always wise to seek His will first — even when unpleasant circumstances appear to warrant a compassionate response.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/getting-in-gods-way
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Even as [Jesus] spoke, many put their faith in him.
—John 8:30 💝🤍💌💝🤍💌💝🤍💌💝🤍💌💝🤍💌💝🤍💌💝🤍💌
What’s in Your Hand?
"Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied." ~ Exodus 4:2
Scripture Reading: Exodus 4:1-5
A few years after I received salvation and dedicated my life to God, I felt Him directing me to lay down my journalism career. As I put down my pen and my writing went into hiding, I couldn’t help feeling that one day God would call me to write for His glory. During my years of wandering in my personal wilderness, I was encouraged by the story of Moses and his staff in Exodus 4.
Moses, who was raised in Pharaoh’s palace and had a promising future, fled Egypt and was living in obscurity as a shepherd when God called him. Moses must’ve thought he had nothing to offer God, but he learned that He can use anyone and anything for His glory.
“What is that in your hand?” God asked. “A staff,” Moses replied. God said, “Throw it on the ground” (Exodus 4:2-3). Moses’ ordinary staff became a snake. When he grabbed the snake, God turned it back into the staff. This sign was given so the Israelites would “believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers — the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob — has appeared to you” (Exodus 4:5). As Moses threw down his staff and took it back up again, I laid down my career as a journalist in obedience to God. Later, He guided me to pick up my pen again, and now I’m writing for Him.
We don’t need much to be used by God. We can simply serve Him with the talents He’s given us.
Not sure where to start? What’s in your hand?
~ by Nancy Gavilanes
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Reflect & Pray:
• How can you use your talents to serve God?
• How can you use your resources to bless someone today?
"Father God, please help me to use my life to honor You. In the precious name of Your Son - Jesus Christ. Amen"
_________________
Scripture Insight:
We would think that the staff turning into a snake would be convincing to Pharaoh and his court when Moses and Aaron appeared before them. Note that it was Aaron, not Moses, who threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh (Exodus 7:8-12). However, Pharaoh’s magicians were able to replicate this miracle. How did they do it? Some scholars say it was through trickery and deceit. Others, however, believe it was through the power of the evil one, the devil. Intriguingly, the apostle Paul notes how “Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses” (2 Timothy 3:8). Although these names aren’t recorded in the Old Testament, they were known to Paul, a highly educated man, through other Near Eastern literature and were likely two of Pharaoh’s magicians. Regardless, Aaron’s staff in the form of a snake devoured the snakes produced by those magicians, proving the vast superiority of the one true God.
~ by Tim Gustafson
https://odb.org/2024/08/30/whats-in-your-hand-2
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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
Something for folks to think on this morning.....
We all know that we have a human body...just go and look in the mirror...right. What we also have is a soul and a spirit. They are kinda the same but different. As we know...this body that we just went and looked in the mirror at...you did do that didnt you...wink. This body is going to die one day. That of course is not a secret...we all know that. It is our soul and our spirit that is going to live for forever. Let me say that again in a different way.....we are all going to live for forever. So let me explain something about the soul and spirit for those that dont know. Our soul is who we are...it is our personality...our character...our feelings and emotions and thoughts. Our soul is who we are. Then we have our spirit...our spirit is a little more simple but actually more complex....our spirit is the part of us that connects with God...that has the personal relationship with Him. And for what im about to talk about im just going to keep it simple and use the word soul mostly. When a person dies...in that moment...the soul leaves the body and one of two things are going to happen. Ill talk about those of us that are born-again believers first. In that moment...there will be angels present and they will escort us....into the presence of God in what is the heaven of today. Where all believers that have already died all the way back to the beginning of time here on planet earth are...in spirit form. But trust me...even though we will be in spirit form being in the presence of God and Jesus its going to be unbelievably awesome! And there we will stay until the Rapture takes place and then God will resurrect all the dead bodies from their graves....even the bodies that have totally decomposed to nothinness in bodies of water and fire from all over the earth...decade bodies that will be made new and glorified and our souls...who we are...will enter those bodies and that is who we will be for forever! And after we get those new bodies and during the tribulation we believers will go before the Judgement Seat of Christ to give an account of everything we have done and not done in this life on earth and to receive rewards for the right stuff and to give an account for the bad stuff....not to be judged...Jesus paid our sin debt on the cross! ....Then after the 7 year tribulation takes place...the 1000 year millennium...satan released again for a short time....God destroys the heavens and earth and makes the new earth / heaven and that is where we will be for forever! Do you know how long forever is?
Then....we have those that are not born-again believers...that were never saved and trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior. When they die...their soul will leave their body and in that moment they will be escorted by demons into Hades where they will be in spirit form in torment awaiting all the things i spoke about concerning believers except they will go before the Great White Throne judgement after the
1000 year millennium. The unbelievers will also get a new body that their soul will enter before they are cast into the lake of fire in hell and this body will supernaturally never burn up in the torment of hell for forever....do you know how long forever is?
So...that is just a brief description of what happens at the moment of death and thereafter.
And here is a brief description of the only two options awaiting everyone.
Heaven....a place of total peace and joy and contentment in the presense of God and Jesus. No more pain and sickness...no saddness or depression...we will be with all our loved ones and know them that were born-again believers...we will be with all believers from the past. The beauty of the new earth / heaven...i believe will be just like the garden of eden was before sin entered...but in heaven...sin will never enter and that makes it perfect as God has promised. We will be there for FOREVER!
Hell...a place that is totally dark...cant see your hand in front of your face....But the unsaved...non-believers of Jesus....will be in a lake of fire....thats a supernaturall thing folks...fire and total darkness. The body given to you will never burn up....i cant even imigine what that pain will be consumed in fire constantly. Seperated from the very God that they never believed in so there will be nothing but sadness....deperssion always wishing they could kill themselves and ecape but it cant happen. Hearing billions of people that you cant see crying and screaming...weeping and gnashing of teeth...and all thru eternity...FOREVER...alone by yourself crying out for mercy but no one will hear! Forever and forever and forever!
Be it heaven or hell one billion trillion years is just the start of another one billion trillion years and another one billion trillion years forever to forever for forever!
Do you know Jesus...or more importantly....does Jesus know you!?
Worth the Wait
"Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.” ~ Genesis 21:5
Scripture Reading: Genesis 12:1-4
Talk about a layover. Phil Stringer waited eighteen hours to board a flight that was delayed due to thunderstorms. His patience and perseverance paid off, however. Not only did he get to fly to his destination and make it on time for important business meetings, but he was also the only traveler on the flight! All the other passengers gave up or made other arrangements. Flight attendants gave him whatever food items he desired, and Stringer adds, “I did sit in the front row, of course. Why not when you have the whole plane to yourself?” The outcome was definitely worth the wait.
Abraham also endured what must have felt like a lengthy delay. Way back when he was known as Abram, God told him that He would make him “into a great nation” and that “all peoples on earth [would] be blessed through” him (Genesis 12:2-3). Only one problem for the seventy-five-year-old man: how could he become a great nation without an heir? His waiting was left wanting at times, however. He and wife Sarai tried to “help” God fulfill His promise with some misguided ideas (Genesis 15:2-3; 16:1-2). And when he “was a hundred years old . . . Isaac was born to him” (Genesis 21:5). His faith was later celebrated by the writer of Hebrews (11:8-12).Waiting can be hard. And, like Abraham, we might not do it perfectly. But as we pray and rest in God’s plans, may He help us persevere.
In Him, it’s always worth the wait.
______________
~ by Tom Felten
Reflect & Pray:
• What are you waiting for?
• How can you rest and persevere in God’s strength?
"Dear God, please help me wait and persevere in You. In the name of Jesus Christ - my Lord and Savior - I pray. Amen"
______________
Scripture Insight:
Genesis 12 records God’s call of Abram — later renamed Abraham (Genesis 17:5) — an event central to the biblical story. The chosen nation of Israel would come through Abraham (Isaiah 41:8), and from Israel would come the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would save humanity and the world. But the story begins small, with one man commanded to “Go” (Genesis 12:1) and then promised that “all peoples on earth [would] be blessed through [him]” (v. 3). But he was given no details as to how. Later, Abraham is commanded by God to “take” his beloved son Isaac and offer him “as a burnt offering” (Genesis 22:2). After Abraham demonstrated that he’d obey (though God provided a substitute sacrifice), the promises first given in Genesis 12 were given to him a second time (Genesis 22:15-18). In the New Testament, we’re told that God’s redemption story continues through believers in Jesus, who are included in God’s people and chosen to reveal who He is to the world (1 Peter 2:9-10).
Learn more about God’s promise to Abraham.
______________
~ by Monica La Rose
https://odb.org/2024/08/28/worth-the-wait-3
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The Act of Following
“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:8
• What does it really mean to follow Jesus?
• What are we really supposed to do?
• Does that mean following a set of rules?
• A specific sort of devotional regiment?
• Or something else entirely?
Following begins with listening, hearing and understanding directions on where to go.
God’s Spirit is within us, and is always leading. Learning to hear the Spirit’s voice is the key to being a good follower. We don’t need to wait for a sign to hear the Spirit - the Spirit is always inviting us to follow the Great Shepherd.
Following is full of active choices of obedience, rooted in faith: We can judge how we are doing following the Spirit based on our experience. Love, joy, peace and patience are the fruit of following the Spirit by faith. Strife, envy and wrath the opposite [not following the Spirit].
Following includes what to do and where to go, as well as what not to do and where not to go: The Spirit leads, we should follow. Sins of omission are still sins. When we don’t do what the Spirit leads us to do, that is sin just as much as doing what we know we shouldn’t.
Following Jesus means taking the steps He leads us to, placing ourselves where He guides: Discipleship is not a spectator sport. It requires taking the field, listening to the play call, then executing our individual roles for the good of the entire team.
__________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Forgiveness Is Not An Option
It seems like sooner or later everyone gets mistreated and hurt. Many times the actions against us are unintentional, but other times they can be extremely malicious. Suddenly, this hurt begins to invade every other area of our life. We carry a heavy burden which we know we don't deserve - and which we certainly don't desire to keep - but it's a burden we can't seem to let go.
There is only one true way to relieve the burden of our hurt, and it always begins with forgiveness. True forgiveness can be difficult and require great humility. We want the other person to first ask (maybe even beg) for our forgiveness. We would like them to admit the hurt they caused; and, if we are honest, we probably would prefer them to suffer... just a little. But this is generally not God's plan.
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” ~ Colossians 3:13
If we have come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ, we have first come face to face with our sinful nature. Without an understanding that we are full of sin, we will never reach out for a savior. And if we have experienced the true meaning of God's love, "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8), we will be compelled to reach out and love others. If we truly understand His forgiveness of us, can we really withhold our forgiveness of those who have caused us pain?
Jesus told a parable of a man who failed to forgive a small debt when his master had just forgiven him a much greater debt:
"'Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed" ~ Matthew 18:33-34
Do we really understand how much we have been forgiven, or our inability to repay? Yet our debt has been completely forgiven by grace through faith in Jesus, and we are now commanded to forgive others.
God established the standard for forgiveness. We are not called to forgive because someone deserves or has earned our forgiveness, we are called to forgive simply because God first forgave us. When we forgive, we must strive to make the forgiveness complete; "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12). Though we may carry a healthy level of new caution as the relationship continues, we must never place conditions on maintaining our forgiveness.
There WILL be times when we are burdened with hurt. But let's not seek revenge or try to withdraw and hide our pain. Let's follow the commands of God's Word and be set free! Let's grow closer to our Heavenly Father and see through His eyes. Let's share His love and forgive as He forgave.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
_______________
~ by Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries (http://gdwm.org)
To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager
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Desert Places
"The Lord . . . has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness.” ~ Deuteronomy 2:7
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 2:1-7
When I was a young believer, I thought “mountaintop” experiences were where I would meet Jesus. But those highs rarely lasted or led to growth. Author Lina Abu Jamra says it’s in the desert places where we meet God and grow. In her Bible study "Through the Desert", she writes, “God’s aim is to use the desert places in our lives to make us stronger.” She continues, “God’s goodness is meant to be received in the midst of your pain, not proven by the absence of pain.”
It’s in the hard places of sorrow, loss, and pain that God helps us to grow in our faith and become closer to Him. As Lina learned, “The desert is not an oversight in God’s plan but an integral part of [our] growth process.”
God led many Old Testament patriarchs to the desert. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all had wilderness experiences. It was in the desert that God prepared Moses’ heart and called him to lead His people out of slavery (Exodus 3:1-2, 9-10). And it was in the desert that God “watched over [the Israelites’] journey” for forty years with His help and guidance (Deuteronomy 2:7).
God was with Moses and the Israelites each step of their way through the desert, and He’s with you and me in ours. In the desert, we learn to rely on God. There He meets us — and there we grow.
~ By Alyson Kieda
_____________________
Reflect & Pray:
• When has God met you in a desert place?
• What happened as a result?
"Dear God, thank You for being with me in the difficult desert experiences of my life. You’re faithful and compassionate."
_____________________
Scripture Insight:
Valuable lessons can come from some of the strangest places. For ancient Israel, one of those places was the uninhabited zone known as the wilderness (Deuteronomy 2:1-7). The value that comes from trekking through such unwelcomed territory is described in chapter 8: “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart . . . . He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna . . . to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (vv. 2-3). True safety isn’t determined by our location (lions’ den, fiery furnace, valley of the shadow of death, passing through fire or water). It comes with trust in the One who goes with us regardless of where we are.
~ by Arthur Jackson
https://odb.org/2024/08/26/desert-places-2
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God’s Gift of Forgiveness
~ Showing mercy is God's will for us — is there anyone you need to pardon today?
Scripture Reading:
“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” ~ Colossians 3:12-14
Motivated by love, God provided a way for our sins to be forgiven: He sent Jesus to be our Savior. When we trust in the Lord’s substitutionary sacrifice on our behalf, we receive the gift of forgiveness.
Before placing our faith in Christ, we were dead in our sins and objects of divine wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3). However, our merciful heavenly Father sent His Son to redeem us. At the cross, Jesus took our sins upon Himself and experienced God’s fury for our sake. We are saved by grace — through faith in Christ and what He accomplished (Ephesians. 2:8-9). Our salvation is a free gift from the Father.
God’s will is that we forgive, just as we were forgiven. But the human tendency is to attach conditions when extending mercy. We think, "I will forgive you only if you apologize". Or, "You must make restitution before I will let this go". That’s not what our Savior did. Romans 5:8 tells us: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Depending on how much hurt we’ve experienced, we may require time and healing before we can fully forgive. But we are to remember that showing mercy is God’s will. We’re called to pardon those who have caused us pain.
Through reliance on God’s Spirit, we can become Christlike and forgive.
___________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/gods-gift-of-forgiveness
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So this morning...let me ask you a question. Do you have peace, joy and contentment in your life? Im talking about deep down in your heart and soul...do you truly have those things? Im going to climb out on a limb here and tell y'all something. If you are living life without Jesus...if you have not surrendered and made Jesus your Lord and Savior...you might think you have these things but what you have is a band aid furnished by the world. i can tell you without a shadow of any doubt that these things come only from a personal relationship with Jesus and if you dont have that this morning i want to give you a chance to do so right here right now. If you will repeat this little prayer of repentance and not just say it from your mouth but also and most importantly form your heart. You will be born-again....the Holy Spirit will supernaturally enter your body to live there and you will start a process that will give you true peace, happiness, joy and contentment as you walk toward heaven and for all eternity!....Just repeat these words........
.....Lord Jesus... i know i am a sinner. Right now, i turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. i believe You died for my sins and rose from the grave. i surrender to You as my personal Lord and Savior and repent of my sin and ask You to forgive me. Thank You for saving me Lord Jesus and help me to live my life for you from this day forward...Amen....
.....If you just prayed this prayer and meant it like nothing you ever said before...please send me a private message because id like to give you a phone call and talk to you about the most important decision you have ever made. You have been "born-again" and have a home in heaven!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Do we think its time to get serious about our relationship with Jesus as followers and disciples? That is what we are...right? Do we know that the lost...the unsaved...are most likely not going to step foot in our church so is it time we get out in the streets...everywhere that opportunity knocks... and start sharing Jesus that souls might be saved from hell? Is it time to look people in the eye and say...can i pray with you right here right now? Is it time to do whatever we can to help feed the hungry and find ways to provide for the sick and helpless and by that they see the love of Jesus and surrender their life to Him? Is it time to leave the comfort of our homes and do what we can to help a sick, evil and hurting world and help lead them to Christ no matter their so called earthly social status? Is it time for us to take serious the command that Jesus Himself gave us to go unto the world and preach the Gospel? Do we really love others as we love ourselves? Listen to me friends...the world starts in our very own community...our hometown. Look around...in what direction is Jesus pointing for each of us to be an extension of His hand and love? Are we just talking the talk or are we actually walking the walk? To what degree will we hear..."Well done my good and faithful servant". We know the reality of hell...we know how horrific its going to be and that its going to last for forever for those that dont know Jesus. Does it bother us that someone dies and we know they have gone to hell and we never offered to tell them of the saving grace of Jesus Christ? i can save no one and you can save no one...only Jesus can do that...but guess what...we can help point them in the direction of Jesus that they be saved! Think about it!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
John 17:3
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:7-8
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
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
Walking Anew
"Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” ~ 1 Peter 2:10
Applause rang out as a school’s top students received certificates of excellence for academic achievement. But the program wasn’t over. The next award celebrated students who weren’t the school’s “best,” but instead were most improved. They’d worked hard to raise a failing grade, correct disruptive behavior, or commit to better attendance. Their parents beamed and applauded, acknowledging their children’s turn to a higher path — seeing not their former shortcomings but their walk in a new way.
The heart-lifting scene offers a small picture of how our heavenly Father sees us — not in our old life but now, in Christ, as His children. “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God,” (John 1:12).
What a loving perspective! So Paul reminded new believers that once “you were dead in your transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). But in fact, “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (v. 10).
In this way, Peter wrote, we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light,” and we are now “the people of God” (1 Peter 2:9-10). Through God’s eyes, our old path has no claim on us. Let’s see ourselves as God does — and walk anew.
_________________
~ by Patricia Raybon
Reflect & Pray:
• How does God see you?
• In Him, how should you walk?
"On this new day, dear Father, please inspire me with Your view of me. Amen."
_________________
Scripture Insight:
When Peter uses the language of “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9), he’s encouraging his readers by drawing from the story of Scripture in which God first chose Abraham and then the nation of Israel to reveal His ways to the world (Genesis 12:1-3; 18:19; Isaiah 41:8). The audience of 1 Peter was primarily gentile (non-Jewish), but Peter was assuring them that because of Jesus the story of God’s redemption had expanded to include gentiles: “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God” (1 Peter 2:10). Through Christ, they were now part of the continuing story of God’s redemption of the world. They were part of His family, chosen to reveal who He was to the world. This gave them a new identity that could transform how they lived as they experienced suffering.
~ by Monica La Rose
https://odb.org/
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A Shout Over The Plains
“My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish — ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand.” ~ John 10:27-28
The habits and patterns of our daily lives can weave one of two tales. The first is a life of choices made based on good values, of discipline, peace, and truth – affected but not defined by circumstance. The second is a life spent oscillating between reaction and apathy – blown back and forth by every external wind.
Which tale we are living can be made manifest during the high-pressures of life, the valleys where trails stress and challenge us. But most of life is lived in the routines of the plains. When we are in relative comfort, it is easy to lose track. It can be difficult to know whether we are sailing to a destination or drifting in the current. One of the great benefits of listening to God is that he will tell us to which side we lean. He will show us if life on the plains is about consistency or apathy.
The Spirit is always leading. Even in the plains of life, God is calling us. Asking us not to take them for granted. Inviting us to see them for all they are worth. Alluring us with the opportunity of every day. The opportunity to believe, enjoy, and invest.
How we respond to God’s call will make the difference in what kind of life we live.
__________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Ancient Promises
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” ~ Numbers 6:24-26
In 1979, Dr. Gabriel Barkay and his team discovered two silver scrolls in a burial ground outside the Old City of Jerusalem. In 2004, after twenty-five years of careful research, scholars confirmed that the scrolls were the oldest biblical text in existence, having been buried in 600 BC. What I find particularly moving is what the scrolls contain - the priestly blessing that God wanted spoken over His people: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you" (Numbers 6:24-25).
In giving this benediction, God showed Aaron and his sons (through Moses) how to bless the people on His behalf. The leaders were to memorize the words in the form God gave so they would speak to them just as God desired. Note how these words emphasize that God is the one who blesses, for three times they say, "the Lord." And six times He says, "you" reflecting just how much God wants His people to receive His love and favor.
Ponder for a moment that the oldest existing fragments of the Bible tell of God's desire to bless. What a reminder of God's boundless love and how He wants to be in a relationship with us. If you feel far from God today, hold tightly to the promise in these ancient words: "May the Lord bless you; may the Lord keep you."
_________________
~ by Amy Boucher Pye
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Give God Your Best
Enrico Caruso was an Italian tenor who thrilled audiences in Europe and North and South America about 100 years ago. He was one of the first to embrace the new technology known as the phonograph (or gramophone). One of his recordings was the first sound recording to sell one million copies.
During the days of the first World War, Caruso was asked if he would sing at a concert for the benefit of the soldiers. The chairman of the committee who invited him said, "Of course, Mr. Caruso, as this is a charity affair, we would not expect you to do your best. Your name will draw the crowd. I would suggest that you merely sing some song requiring little strength or skill."
Caruso is said to have drawn himself up to his full height of 5’9”, and with great passion declared, "Caruso never does less than his best."
What a great lesson we followers of Christ should learn from that! Sadly, though, far too many times we are often lackadaisical [listless] in our devotion and service for the One Who Died For Us.
A church I pastored several years ago was facing some major repairs to a very old building. The bottom floor had settled until it was actually below ground level by several inches, and consequently, the entire building was moldy and had a musty, dirty smell. In one of our many meetings about the problem, one of the deacons spoke up and said, “Why can’t we just do enough to get by?”
That apparently was the prevailing attitude. But it was worse than I thought: they eventually did nothing.
My point is that too often followers of Christ do "just enough to get by", rather than giving it all we’ve got. We offer God the leftovers in our time, our talents, and our resources, and we are surprised when the blessings we read about in Scripture are not poured out on us! The Kingdom of God is not built with leftovers.
Today may you be as passionate about the quality of your service to God as Enrico Caruso was about singing opera!
Give God your absolute best!!!
_______________
~ by Rocky Henriques
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If you have came across this board this morning and you are reading a few post out of curiosity because you are searching for something ...maybe you have no ideal what you are looking for...Maybe you have lost all hope....Are you strung out on booze or drugs...Is someone in your life mistreating you...Maybe you have no friends or family...Have you thought about ending your life?
Or...maybe you have everything in this life that a person could want or need when it comes to money and stuff or maybe all that money and stuff just dont seem to tickle that itch like you once thought it did. Maybe you dont have a clue why your are sitting here reading this stuff yet here you are. Whatever the case... as bad off or as well off as you might be as far as earthly things and your life goes...You know there is something missing...you are searching for something...Well let me say to you...you have come to the right place...you are not here by mistake...it is all part of Gods plan for you to find the Joy...Hope...Peace and Contentment that is lacking in your life. If you could only know the earthly hell that i was living just 28 years ago with 25 years of self inflected hell from booze and drugs under my belt until age 40 and all the difference that has been made in my life since i saw the error of my ways and responded to a light that shined on my path. Nothing that i have done myself....I owe everything...including my very life....to the same person that could and can very well change and save you. That person is JESUS.
However i dont want you to just sit there and say a few words or pray a short prayer just for the sake of trying to grasp ahold of something....Yes...salvation is free and JESUS is more than willing to give it to you right now...Yes...right this very minute. But you cant just pray a prayer from your mouth and hope for the best. You have to prayer a prayer from your heart...and mean it like nothing you have ever said to anyone before. JESUS is always there...just waiting for you to ask for forgiveness of your sins and wicked lifestyle....But to receive salvation full and free...you must ask from the bottom of your heart with true repentance....then JESUS will come into your life and heart and soul and make changes in you that you also will not be able to believe....im not saying that all these things will happen all at once...it will take time...and im not saying that all your problems will disappear like right now....But the Peace and Joy and Contentment and Love that will come into your life...you will know it...and as time passes...you will know it more and more....JESUS is Love and He is everything you need to help you find all the things that are lacking in your life at this very moment!
In John 14:6, JESUS said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.”
To reach God and live in heaven after you die, you must accept JESUS as your personal Savior and Lord.
If you feel like you are ready to accept JESUS into your life right now...just pray this simple little prayer from your heart...and he will start you on that narrow road that leads to your heavenly home some day!
Dear God, I know that I’m a sinner and that my sin separates me from You. I realize that I can’t do anything to earn my way into heaven. I believe that JESUS took the punishment for my sins by dying on the cross and coming back to life. I accept You JESUS as my Savior and Lord. And I will try my best to please You all the days of my life. Forgive me of my sins and fill me Holy Spirit to help me and guide me thru the rest of my life here on earth. Thank You for forgiving me and saving me now. In JESUS name i praise You.... Amen.
If you accepted JESUS CHRIST as your Savior, then you can be sure He heard you. The Bible says,
“Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
You have just begun a relationship with God and you will definitely spend eternity in heaven with Him!
If you dont have a church...find a good Bible preaching and teaching church and go.....Talk to the preacher and tell him what you have done....that you are a new born-again believer. As a matter of fact....go and tell everyone!
Send me a PM here at I-hub
If you like ill be more than happy to call you by phone and we can talk about your NEW life in Christ!
JESUS Saves!
"What A Day That Will Be"..by Southern Raised
So...who is this Jesus and what does He mean to me? Jesus is the Son of God...and...He is also God! Jesus is the one that came to this earth as a man and died a horrific death by being beat to within an inch of his life and then nailed to a cross where He died in unbelievable agony! Jesus did that because He knew that some two thousand years later that ole Rick Sane was going to be born and he was going to proceed to do his very best to destroy himself living for satan...the world...and himself. When Jesus hang nailed to that cross...He was thinking of me..a sinner headed to hell...a person that was full of the wickedness of the world and didnt give two hoots about much of nothing...but...Jesus died for me all the same so at the age of 40...wallering in a vipers pit of sin that i had dug for myself with my then good friend satan. He died for me so that some 2000 years later...i could be saved from it all! How awesome is that! And then this Jesus rose from that grave and ascended to heaven where He went to prepare a place for me in total paradise for when i die!....And.... thats just the start of it all. Jesus walks with me everyday. He provides for me...He comforts me...He gives me love...peace...joy...contentment and happiness. Hes always there for me when i need to talk...Hes there for me when i need a answer...he gives me those little rushes through my body when i feel His presence in my daily life. In fact Jesus gives me and sustains my very life every breath of every day! i guess what im saying...Jesus Christ is my everything and im nothing without Him! So for me....thats my short list of who Jesus is to me. Now think about this...He died for you as well...so...who is Jesus to you?
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
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
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29
Red Light, Green Light
“Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up.” ~ Exodus 40:36-37
The Israelites in the wilderness must have had expectations of how the journey to the Promised Land would unfold. They likely would have been in a hurry to experience the joy of having their own land. To be clear of danger and feel secure.
It might have been quite frustrating for them to then have the LORD ask them to sit and wait.
Faith is an incredible calling on our lives. We are called to assess the evidence and make logical decisions. We are called to trust in the God of mystery when logic needs to be transcended. We are called to listen, and to follow.
One challenge of faith is to be asked to wait when we are ready to go, or to have to go when you are ready to wait.
When the gap between God’s leading and expectations widens, faith becomes paramount.
• Whom (or what) do we trust?
• What do we lean on?
• Where do we place our belief, our hope?
The angels know what is at stake. They are like spectators watching a World Cup goal. They know the deep truth that sometimes eludes us: the presence of God is the truest Promised Land. That whether He is calling us to wait or to go, He is with us.
And in this truth is the security we seek.
_____________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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