Got Disunity? Get Into God's Word

There’s a simple solution to all our disunity, and it’s a truth found in the absolute truth of God’s Word. We can return to the Almighty and understand how He’s created us to be unified under His message. What is that message? That all of us are created in the image of God, and so He loves us all without distinction.

Jesus came preaching the unifying love of God. But He didn’t just preach it. He embodied it. He spent time with men and women, rich and poor, sick and healthy, and Jews and Gentiles. He asked a Roman employee — Matthew the tax collector — to become His disciple. He also asked a Jewish zealot who would have hated that Roman tax collector — Peter — to follow along. He touched the lepers (Matthew 8:2–3). He spent time with the hated Samaritans, including a second-class, outcast, divorced-five-times-over Samaritan woman (John 4:1–42). Jesus came, and He showed no favoritism, only love for all.

The good news of the gospel is that it frees us from the lies (and possession) of the enemy. It can bring ultimate unity, if only we believe it. The gospel turns conservative redneck duck hunters and hate-filled rehab patients into family. It brings together folks of every ethnicity, nationality, economic class, and gender. It heals the division in our country.

We have the Word of Truth (Bible). . . . It’s the tool that might make a family of us again. So, let’s get back to it. When we gather on Sunday mornings, let’s model a love for our neighbors that shows no favoritism based upon class, color, or nationality. But let’s not stop there. Let’s be examples to the rest of the world. Let’s carry the truth of Christ’s unity out into the workplace, into public schools, into the rehab centers. Let’s carry it into the political process, into the voter booth. Let’s share it with those who are possessed by their father, the evil one, and let’s watch deliverance happen.
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~ excerpt from: "The Theft of America’s Soul:", by Phil Robertson

https://www.amazon.com/Theft-Americas-Soul-Blowing-Destroying/dp/1400210046/






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The Chief and the Thief

I heard the touching story of an Indian chief who had a reputation for being a really great leader. In fact, it was said that he was always just, but he was also always loving.

There had been some theft in his tribe and he needed to get to the bottom of it. So, he set a trap with some goods that were left out, and he hoped that those would trap the thief. He only told two braves, and then those two braves waited. At dawn, they came to the chief's teepee. One brave entered, and said, "We have caught the thief." The chief said, "Good! We will sentence him to 20 lashes with the whip. Bring him in."

To the shock and horror of the chief, when the braves brought in the thief, they brought in the chief's mother! Word spread very quickly through the tribe, because there was to be a punishment of 20 lashes with the whip. And the people began to say, "Well, now we'll find out which is greater, his justice or his love."

At noon his mother was tied to a stake in the middle of the encampment, her garment was loosened to expose her back, and a warrior drew back his arm with the whip. And suddenly there was an order that came from the chief, "Stop!"

The people began to talk to each other and say, "Well, he's setting aside his justice for his love, isn't he? His love is greater than his justice." And that's when something happened that no one there would ever forget. The chief took off his robe, so that his back was exposed, placed his body between his mother and the whip and gave a two-word order, "The whip!" And that day, the punishment fell - 20 lashes, not on the one who deserved it, but on one who loved her enough to take the punishment that she deserved. That is what God's one and only Son did for you and for me.

1 Peter 2:24 says, "He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed."

We've all broken God's laws; we've all broken God's heart by ruining the life He gave us to live for Him. There's a death penalty for that. I deserve the whip of God and so do you. But He said, "Take Me instead." When Jesus went to the cross, the punishment of God fell not on the one who deserved it (that's me and you), but on the one who loved you and loved me enough to take the punishment we deserved. God's love sent His one and only Son to die in your place.

John 3:16 says, "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

• Have you ever done that?
• Have you ever believed - in the sense of like grabbing Jesus consciously like a drowning person would grab a lifeguard?

If you're not sure you've done that with Jesus, make sure today. Tell Him, "Lord, I believe some of those sins You died for were mine. I'm putting all my trust in You today."

The Son of God has stood between you and the punishment of God. Now He stands in front of you with outstretched, nail-pierced hands. He's waiting for you to respond to His love. Please don't wait another day.

"But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" ~ John 1:12
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~ by Ron Hutchcraft - "A Word With You" (www.hutchcraft.com)

To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager






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Nobody Remembered

"There was a small city with few people in it. A great king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege works against it. Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he delivered the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man." ~ Ecclesiastes 9:14-15

Disaster was averted and lives were spared. .... "But nobody remembered that poor man."

Wise words of counsel were given and heeded and lives were blessed innumerably. .... "But nobody remembered that poor man."

Could sadder words be spoken? I think not. .... "But nobody remembered that poor man."

This time of year, we naturally think of giving more so than we do in any other season. But the best thing you can give this season - or any season - isn't for sale. It comes freely, but it only comes deliberately - and because you can't touch it, it can never wear out. It's called "appreciation."

This season, as you give, give your heart. As you share presents of possessions, also share presents of your heart to encourage the spirit of others - tell them of your appreciation for them.

Remember that poor man - and all the people like him. All the people God has sent your way and steered you away from destruction, time and again, all your life. Bless them today by remembering them. Those you know well and those whose names you know not. Give those you know what they need - your appreciation. Give those who have blessed you and you never knew it, what they need - your kindness, and so, your appreciation.

Your appreciation of the lives of others may very well be the very best gift you can ever give. So give it often. For it costs you little and those who receive it will be wealthy indeed.

"How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence." ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:9
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~ published by: The Daily Encourager

~ To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager






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God Deserves Our Thanks... Always!

"When Daniel learned that the document had been signed [by King Darius], he went into his house. The windows in its upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before." ~ Daniel 6:10

Daniel is one of my favorite characters in the Bible. Since his youth, he was an example of devotion and obedience to God amidst his circumstances. Even when faced with threats of death, he remained faithful and gave thanks to God.

During king Darius' reign, Daniel was placed as one of three high officials that were placed throughout the kingdom. Some folks became jealous of Daniel and tried to find fault in him to accuse him before the king. When they were unable to find error in him, they decided to try and attack his faith. They tricked the king into establishing a law where petitions could not be made to any god or man besides the king. The jealous officials did this because they knew of Daniel's close relationship with God and his faithfulness to Him. When Daniel heard of this, he could have become angry of accused God of injustice, but instead he went home and did what he always did… he prayed and gave thanks to God.

It would be interesting to know what Daniel thanked God for that day. Was it for His constant provision? His faithfulness in every circumstance? His friendship and the fact that he was never alone? Every bit of this was true even if God had chosen not to rescue Daniel from the lion's den after having chosen to obey God over the king's decree. Daniel chose to express gratitude and remain faithful regardless of what happened to him, and God protected him.

The God of Daniel is the same God we worship and serve today! His faithfulness, goodness, protection, provision, and friendship has not changed. Choose to put God above all else, express your gratitude to God daily for who He is, and remain faithful to His calling in your life.

Suggested Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for who You are and all You have done. You are my God, my protector, my provider, and my friend. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.
__________________

~ by Crystal B (https://www.actsweb.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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Jesus, Our Rock

~ Our compassionate Savior offers spiritual, physical, and emotional refuge for the hurting.

Scripture Reading:

"I am Yahweh - the Lord, and I do not change." ~ Malachi 3:6

God’s character never changes — Jesus Christ always remains the same. What a comfort for believers! And the better we know Him, the easier it will be to turn to Him for refuge. So today, let’s learn more about His nature:

Jesus ...

• Forgave others. He showed mercy, not judgment, to those who recognized their sin.

• Comforted the hurting. He visited Mary and Martha, who were mourning the loss of their brother Lazarus (John 11:1-45).

• Provided for needs. After spending three days healing, He was concerned that the large crowd hadn’t eaten. He could have sent all 4,000 away to find their own food, but He provided more than enough to satisfy their hunger (Mark 8:1-9).

• Interceded for His disciples. Just before He was crucified, Jesus asked the Father to protect and sanctify His followers, including you and me (John 17:15-20).

• Strengthened believers, and gave them power to do God’s work. In Acts 1:8, the Lord sent His disciples out to share the gospel, assuring them, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”

Jesus still forgives, still comforts, still provides, still intercedes, and still empowers. What a blessing that we can find refuge in our amazing Lord!
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/jesus-our-rock






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You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:11 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

The Treasure of Faith

~ Spiritual legacies begin with God’s faithful ones — will others learn of Christ through you?

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 1:5-14

Where does faith come from?

It’s a gift of God, ultimately, but the Bible repeatedly points to the value of a faithful life. One example is the apostle Paul’s disciple, Timothy, whose mother and grandmother were strong role models of faith.

We know nothing of Lois or Eunice beyond the mention of them in 2 Timothy 1:5. They are probably the reason the young minister had known “the sacred writings” of Scripture all his life — from these devout women, in other words, he had received “the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).

But what about those of us without a legacy like Timothy’s?

Paul spoke to that as well, saying that God “saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9).

Like Timothy, those of us with godly parents enjoy the fruit of their faithfulness. But if you’re the first believer in your family, then you’re creating the legacy of faithfulness for future generations. That’s what Paul charges Timothy to protect and “entrust … to faithful people” (2 Timothy 2:2). And it’s our charge, too. If we guard and pass down this treasure, our loved ones will, by God’s grace, continue the tradition of faith.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-treasure-of-faith






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A Foundation of Affection

~ God is such a good, loving Father that He wants us to live with a foundational understanding of His affection toward us.

One of the most wonderful results of knowing the heart of God is living with a foundation of affection. Often, we spend too much of our daily time and energy working for the affections of others. From trying to earn the respect and admiration of friends and family to vying for approval from a complete stranger, we are in constant need of affection.

But as believers we’ve been given a wellspring of love and affection in communion with our heavenly Father. There’s nothing we have to do or could ever do to earn the love of God. His love is the beginning. His affection is meant to be the catalyst for our emotions, thoughts, and actions rather than the result. It’s for this reason God calls us to be rooted and grounded in His love.

Ephesians 3:17-19 says, "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith — that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

When we seek a fresh revelation of God’s unconditional love, we naturally become secure and unshakable. When we discover the unfathomable depths of God’s affection for us, we naturally stop vying for love from others. And as we daily access the heart of God we become filled with all His fullness, richly satisfied with a love far greater than we could ever earn.

1 John 4:16 says, “Whoever abides in love abides in God.” Take time to abide in the love of your heavenly Father. Let Him surround you with His transcendent peace. Let Him reveal His vast and overwhelming affection for you. And live today in light of God’s glorious grace that you might devote your time and energy to responding to love rather than earning it. May God’s affection be your foundation today.

Ephesians 5:2 says, “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Live today as an act of worship to a God who’s loved you to greater depths than you could ever repay. Seek to love God in all you do, think, feel, and say. Whether interacting with a stranger, eating a meal with a friend, working, walking, or breathing, do it all for the glory of your loving Father. Allow God’s affection to be the foundation for your own. May your life satisfy the heart of God and stir up others around you to greater levels of devotion to our worthy King.
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~ published by: First 15

https://www.first15.org/devotionals/a-foundation-of-affection-2023/






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Excellent post.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Thanksgiving Day is about uniting all of the American people in the same day annually - to stop what we are doing - and to give the Lord God praise and thanks for all that He has done for us. Secular society would have us believe that it is about the early pilgrims having a feast with the Native American peoples - but that is merely a distraction to attempt to turn our focus away from God, and His gracious mercy upon us as a nation and people.

Although the first President of the United States - George Washington - had the first Day of Thanksgiving, it was not established as an annual Day of Thanksgiving until the sixteenth President - Abraham Lincoln - proclaimed it as a national event. The following is President Lincoln's proclamation:

"It is the duty of nations as well as of men to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scripture and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord."

"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us."

"It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."

It is worth noting that President Lincoln established the Day of Thanksgiving during the worst period (to date) of the United States of America - the Civil War in 1863. Let this also be a reminder to us - that no matter how dark or bleak our current situation would seem - we are to give God thanks for all that He has brought us through, and to trust Him to bring us through this day, and all future days that are ahead of us.






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If You Say So

The year was 1997. I'd just finished my homework and downed a peanut butter sandwich made with Eggo waffles, and the burning desire for milk kicked in. I hopped over the back of my sofa at the commercial break of Saved by the Bell, flung open the fridge and began gulping down cold milk straight out of the carton. I was satisfied for about 0.3 seconds until I realized...this milk had turned, this milk was not my friend. It wasn’t a day or two old, it was over a week old. Needless to say, I puked so hard I dislodged gum that had been in my small intestine since the second grade, and I learned on that day what Matthew speaks of in Matthew 15:10. The gospel of Matthew tells us that there is something more dangerous than taking in something bad, and that is speaking out something that is bad.

When God hears you speak about your meeting as terrible, your car as crappy, your kids as ungrateful, your husband as lazy, your town as small, your house as cramped...His response is: If you say so. You will feel how you speak and find what you seek.

Likewise, there is power in speaking out something that is good.

At creation, God spoke the world to life. At the incarnation, God spoke Jesus into our world. That tells you something about the weight of words. And it should humble you to know that God has given you the same power of speech. That is part of the terrible privilege of being made in His image. You have great power in your speech that can unleash a forceful fury that can create, tear down, build, heal, or hurt.

One of my favorite stories in Scripture shows what I am trying to communicate. It is from Matthew 8, when a centurion came to Jesus for help because his servant was seriously ill. In response to this man’s plea, Jesus immediately agrees to come to the man’s home and treat the boy. This is where it gets really interesting. The centurion protests that there is no need for Jesus to enter his home. For one, it would be inconvenient for Jesus to have to travel, and secondly, if He entered the house of a Gentile He would be ceremonially defiled and have to go through a cleansing ritual before His daily life could continue. Translation: He would get Gentile cooties. He didn’t want Jesus to be put out while doing him a favor. When Jesus heard this He marveled, because the centurion’s faith was noteworthy. Jesus then turned and spoke 3 incredible words of wisdom that were original to Him long before they were sung by Paul McCartney and John Lennon: Let it be. Matthew 8:13 “as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” This is actually where we get our word AMEN. Amen translated directly into our language means “let it be.” When we say amen we are saying, “may what I have prayed come to pass.” But in light of the response of what happened in this interaction between the centurion and Jesus, our goal should be to pray such a gutsy prayer that with raised eyebrows God would say to you: Amen, let it be.

It is up to you whether the self-fulfilling prophecies you articulate become a delight or a dungeon. God’s response to the way you speak is: If you say so.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. How do I speak to myself and others?
2. In what way is my speech positive?
3. In what ways do I have a hard time controlling my tongue?

Think of an area of your life you tend to complain about or speak negatively of. Challenge yourself this week, every time you are tempted to complain, to find a way to thank God instead.
_____________________

~ by Levi Lusko

https://my.bible.com/reading-plans/15075-i-declare-war-4-keys-to-winning-the-battle-with






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The Hand

"Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast." ~ Psalms 139:10

Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment — to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.

Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were.

But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery — frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.

Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.

His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went - until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.

When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was. The little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher."

She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand. Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.

The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the “Douglases” of the world. They might not always say thanks; but they will remember the hand that reaches out.

"I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand." ~ Psalms 73:23
_________________

~ 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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Everything That Has Breath Shall Praise the Lord

~ Make it your daily habit to look for the good things God gives and does.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 150:1-6

The desire to give praise is hardwired in the human spirit — it’s an impulse we can’t ignore. And as Christians, we’re called to direct that tendency to the One who made us. The apostle Peter says it like this:

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” ~ 1 Peter 2:9

It’s a beautiful truth that we are God’s own people — created, chosen, and called by Him to live a life of praise; both on our own and with other believers. In Psalm 34, David says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). However, he’s not content to be a solo act. He exhorts other believers to join him: “Exalt the Lord with me, and let’s exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:3).

So let’s praise Him at church on Sunday morning and on our front porches at sunset — when we start the workday and each evening as we lie down to rest. Also, let’s remember to praise Him not only for what He has done — but also for the excellency of His character. God truly is worthy of our adoration!
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/everything-that-has-breath-shall-praise






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Thank you for sharing those wonderful dreams! What a day it will be when we finally hear our Lord and Saviour speak the words, "Well done, My good and faithful servant." God bless you my friend!






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Here is a couple dreams I had back in the mid to late 1980s as a fairly new Christian! 😇
I woke up and wrote them down...
And earlier this year I actually gave the paper copies to that special Beautiful Princess that I got to know!!!
She will have them long after I go to be with Jesus!! ❤️ She is 30, and I am 59!! :)
The Beautiful Princess

Page 1


Pages 2 and 3


Pages 4 and 5


Page 6



And another one!

The Word

“This Book of Instruction [Bible] must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.” ~ Joshua 1:8

“How happy are those who do not follow [walk in] the advice of the wicked or take [stand in] the path of sinners or join a group [sit in the seat] of mockers [active opposers of God’s Word]! Instead, their delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and they meditate on it day and night.” ~ Psalm 1:1-2






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Acquiring Discernment

~ When we view God's insight as a precious treasure, He reveals all we need to know.

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 2:1-11

Discernment is the ability to make sound judgments by perceiving what is not readily obvious, and it is critical to our life in God. For example, what should you do when you want to follow the Lord but have multiple choices that appear promising and good? How can you know if you’re hearing from God or simply listening to your own desires?

All we have to do is ask.

Proverbs 2 says, “If you cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding … then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (vv. 3-6). Those verses are a clear promise from God that when we ask for insight, He will answer.

Though discernment doesn’t appear overnight, it does develop when we “search for her as for hidden treasures” (v. 4). So don’t wait until you’re facing a critical decision — start asking the Lord for His wisdom today. We need time to practice this kind of humility so we’ll learn to hear His voice among the noises of life. And in the meantime, rest assured that no matter what decision you make, God will be with you (Psalm 139:7-12).
_________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/acquiring-discernment






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The Word

~ May we begin to turn to the Bible as our source of truth and direction first and foremost, rather than the world around us.

Scripture is one of the best indications we have of God’s intense longing to be known by His people. Every time we open up the Bible, we are looking at a miracle. God has revealed Himself to us in a way that is beyond dispute and beyond anything we could ask or imagine. Within the pages of Scripture, we see countless examples of God’s grace, love, presence, power, and unfathomable desire to have a restored relationship with us.

Oftentimes I take for granted how amazing it is to have the Bible. Because I grew up knowing Scripture to be God’s Word, it was always normal to me. Never before had I looked at it and realized what a powerful declaration it was of God’s desire to be known by me. And our Father didn’t just leave us with some words He spoke thousands of years ago, but gave us the Holy Spirit to help us understand and receive revelation from the Word.

In reading Scripture with the Holy Spirit, we can come to a real, transformative understanding of God’s heart. There is no refuting what God says in the Bible. There is no questioning whether the words we’re reading are true, important, or applicable.

Hebrews 4:12 says:

“For the Word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says:

“All Scripture is inspired by God [breathed out by God] and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man, and woman, of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

And Romans 15:4 says:

“For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.”

If you’re longing to know the heart of God today, search His Word. God has preserved the Bible you have today for the purpose of revealing Himself. When you seek Him out through the reading of Scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit, you will find Him. May your time of prayer be filled with revelation and transformation as God’s heart is revealed.



Reading Scripture with the Holy Spirit brings God’s Word to life. The Bible isn’t just a book of rules. It’s not just a list of do’s and don’ts. It’s meant to be read with the understanding that its words were inspired by the One who dwells within you. May your heart be stirred to meditate on God’s Word that it might produce peace and joy in your life today.
_________________

~ published by: First 15

https://www.first15.org/devotionals/the-word-2023/






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Playing God

"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." ~ Psalm 121:8

One of my church members told about the time she was trying to put her three-year-old son to bed for a nap.

When she was unsuccessful, she put him in her bed and laid down with him to encourage him to rest. She fell asleep, but he didn't. When she woke up, she saw him sitting on a chair at the end of the bed, and asked, "Luke, what are you doing?"

"I'm playing God," he replied.

"Playing God?" she asked.

"Yes," he said. "I'm watching over you while you sleep."

Children understand more than we do sometimes. God IS watching over us. Jesus gave that promise here in talking about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Not only will God watch over us but through the presence and reminder of the Holy Spirit, we will be reminded of what it means to "Love Jesus and keep His commands." And God will help us to create the environment of love, grace, faith and security that we need for our homes today.

Our challenge is to listen to the Holy Spirit and to trust Christ.
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~ by Billy D. Strayhorn, "If You Love Me...."

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Sermon on the Mount Part Seven: The Golden Rule

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the Law and the Prophets [Old Testament]." ~ Matthew 7:12

As Jesus begins to close the Sermon on The Mount, He sums up His teaching (and indeed “all the Law and The Prophets”) by setting forth what has come to be known as The Golden Rule.

Jesus assumes (rightly, of course) everyone wants to be treated with fairness, kindness, and mercy. Since righteousness is social harmony, it makes sense that the key to achieving it is to treat others as you desire to be treated. It is quite practical. Any group that expends all its resources on activities that create mutual benefit is going to be amazingly successful.

Jesus acknowledges the reality that we as humans pursue self-interest. That is presumed in His admonition. But also presumed is the reality that we often mis-perceive our own self-interest. Selfishness is self-destructive. Righteousness is about serving God in community, treating other humans as we would like to be treated, no matter their station.

Jesus concludes The Sermon on the Mount with a warning: don’t let false teachers distract you from God’s Kingdom. Follow the voice of the True Master. Seek His Kingdom. Pursue righteousness. Love and serve one another as co-laborers in Christ. And unite under Jesus who has spoken all of these things from His Own Authority. The false teachers are out to distract you, to feed the dangerously insatiable desires of the flesh. To be self-focused rather than others-focused.

The sum of the entire Bible is to treat others as we desire to be treated. Nested within this advice for living is the key to finding true success. Jesus called choosing this perspective a narrow gate, a path that is sometimes hard to see. It requires effort to see but guarantees success if followed. Not success we can demand, but success we can trust will be ours in due time.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net/devotional/part-seven-the-golden-rule/






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Sermon on the Mount Part Six: Side Streets

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” ~ Matthew 6:33

It is difficult to fathom, but the divine Jesus was actually human. So, He can identify with the daily difficulties of His followers. He knows the disciples to whom He addresses the Sermon on the Mount have dally concerns – getting clothed, fed and housed. And He knows those things tend to create worry. Anxiety. Angst.

Jesus makes a provocative statement: “Seek God’s kingdom first, and all the other things you are concerned about will be added”.

Since Kingdom righteousness is a condition of the heart, it really begins with gaining a proper perspective. God made us and has our best interest at heart. He gave us the gift of making choices, the power and knowledge to make good decisions. He gave us a “narrow gate” through which we can find the fulfillment for which our heart yearns.

If we seek, we will find. If we knock, the door of opportunity will be opened to us. God is our good Father and He desires what is best for us. Keeping our focus on Him is the only way to righteousness.

One aspect seems apparent, if we seek Jesus’ kingdom and His righteousness as our first priority, it will most certainly affect our perspective on life’s daily necessities. Worry about what we do not have can be replaced with gratitude for what we do have.

Kingdom living is a more productive way of living. Living in integrity, serving others, setting aside addictions to pleasure and fame all naturally lead to having more capacity to meet our daily needs.

The Sermon on the Mount is much more than a spiritual guide. It is an imminently practical means to meet our deepest longings. But the route to get there will not be as broad, obvious, and instantly-gratifying as sin, which is why not many find it.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons

https://yellowballoons.net/devotional/part-six-side-streets/






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