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At the Table
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” ~ Revelation 3:20
The Lord offers us all the treasure we can carry. He wants us to be rich beyond measure. However, the Lord’s way of defining riches is quite different than the world’s.
The greatest treasure Jesus offers is relationship. The opportunity to mingle with the Creator of the Universe. It begins with hearing His voice and opening the door. For He is always inviting. And His invitation is to share bread together.
When we sit and break bread together, we share in the necessity of life. Hunger reminds us of our dependency on food to survive. Sharing a meal reminds us that we need one another. Intimacy develops around the table. There is something about sharing a meal that leads to personal connection. Fellowship and sharing of lives are inevitable around the dinner table.
This is the true nature of riches in the Kingdom of God. A seat at His table. Listening to His voice. Absorbing His wisdom. Altering our perspective to live in His ways.
Jesus offers us the most valuable thing conceivable. A relationship with God. To sit and share stories. To laugh and cry and be with one another. To hear and receive wisdom and insights - insights that turn into treasure.
There is no greater treasure than Jesus at the table. To glean His perspective. All we need to do is hear His voice. He is calling. He desires to give us the riches of the Kingdom. It begins with opening the door and letting Him pass the bread.
________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Bridge to God’s Promises
~ Faith is the pathway to abundant life in the Lord.
Scripture Reading: Romans 10:14-17
Northern California is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, a famous landmark and marvel of human engineering. Stretching across the strait between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, it connects two shores that were once separated and provides safe passage across the expanse.
In our spiritual life, faith can also be seen as a type of bridge — one that links us, who were once far from God, to His promises (Isaiah 59:2). This span is foundational to our relationship with the Lord, offering hope on our journey. And the more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and absorb His principles, the stronger this bridge of faith becomes. We can depend on it to provide safety as we navigate life’s trials.
As believers, we can find comfort knowing we’re connected to God’s love, grace, and redemption. Through faith, we can walk boldly on the path Jesus has laid out for us, safely traversing chasms of danger and doubt.
Whenever you see a bridge, let it serve as a symbol of how faith unites us with the living God and guides us to abundant life in Him. And keep in mind that a regular intake of Scripture reinforces our “bridge,” adding to its strength and stability.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/bridge-to-god-s-promises
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The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm 23:
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely Your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2023&version=ESV,KJV
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Jesus’ Enduring Presence
~ The Savior who died for you will stay by you.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:19-20
Life can feel like a complicated puzzle sometimes, with lots of uncertainties and challenges. But here’s the good news: Jesus tells us in today’s passage that He’s always with us, no matter what. His presence is like a reliable compass, guiding us in the right direction as we navigate the twists and turns of life.
Experiencing God’s presence isn’t just about attending church each week or being part of a monthly Bible study group; it’s a daily thing. As we consistently draw close to Him, He draws near to us (James 4:8).
If you’ve ever had a trustworthy friend who was faithful to walk with you in tough times, you know just how invaluable such companionship can be. And Jesus is the greatest and most loving friend we could ever have — guiding, comforting, and giving us strength. In His presence, we can find peace, courage, and the assurance that we’re never alone.
Take the words of Matthew 28:20 to heart. As we go through life, remember that Jesus is always there. Whether things are going well or not, in the everyday and the extraordinary moments, His presence is our constant. He’s with us always, even to the end of the age.
_______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/jesus-enduring-presence
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Lord, Show Me My Choices
“Get up, for this matter is your responsibility, and we support you. Be strong and take action!” ~ Ezra 10:4
Even in the most frightening of circumstances, there are still choices available to us.
• What will I say?
• What will I do?
• How will I respond to this tragedy?
Terrible circumstances limit our choices but nothing can completely silence them.
Perhaps we should start praying that God would show us our choices. Pray He would empower our ability to see Him, to choose a perspective in alignment with His, and own the journey He has entrusted us to.
It is tempting to run from our choices. To feel as though the circumstances are so stacked against us that we no longer have any choices.
God calls us to participate in His Kingdom. Seeing the world, our circumstances, our daily tasks, and our relationships by the light of His Son is an option available to us daily.
We are looking for shortcuts, easy answers, for someone to just do the thing for us. Secretly, we like the idea of having no choices; it lets us off the hook.
Our choices are powerful and they matter in the Kingdom of God. The Lord will bless you with circumstances and manifestations of His Goodness. He will also bless you with choices.
Everyday, we are faced with a myriad of decisions. In the midst of triumph and pain and apathy, there are choices to be made. Choices about our perspective. Choices about our thoughts and actions. Pray today that the Lord will show you your choices and that you might make them with courage.
_________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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A Consistent Person
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58
There are few things in life more difficult than consistency. It might be the most sought after aspect of human identity, the secret key to being oneself.
How do I be who I truly am? Everywhere? Always?
In an effort to find who we are, we adopt the suggestion of our surroundings. And when our surroundings change, so do we — navigating a sea of influences, reacting to a maze of experiences, and exploring a confusing atmosphere of people and relationships. Consistency is difficult and elusive. We can be blown back and forth by the wind.
Life will throw an array of circumstances our way. Some will be the mountaintop, some the valley, and most the plains.
• How do we find that part of us that is truly and deeply us?
• How do we tether our identity into the ground so that our values and our longings determine our identity rather than our circumstances?
The simple answer is that we decide to. In pursuing truth, we bind ourselves to an accurate perspective. A perspective that allows us to see every circumstance for what it is worth, feel every emotion involved, and own the choices we make in response. Perspective is the key to consistency. And truth is the key to perspective.
_______________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
Https://yellowballoons.net
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Is Your Soul the Same as Your Spirit?
A man approaches Jesus seeking clarification on how to best live the life of faith. He asks Jesus to comment on the “greatest commandment” thereby inquiring as to what God values most in the spiritual life. Those familiar with the story know Christ’s answer. Jesus calls the man to “love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength” (Luke 10:27). What is interesting about this response is how the call to love relates to the various components of human life. Three of these terms are easy to locate within our anthropology. But what, and where, exactly is the soul? What is the difference between a soul and spirit?
Complicating matters is the fact that we often confuse the terms soul and spirit. We assume that our soul is the same as our spirit. Biblically speaking, however, the two are different. Hebrews 4:12, for example, speaks to how the Word of God “divides soul and spirit, bones and marrow.” Similarly, Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians by praying that their “whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of the Savior” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). While the soul and the spirit relate to one another, they are clearly not the same thing. Scripture uses different terminology when describing each component.
• So, what exactly are the spirit and the soul of a person?
• What Does the Bible Say the Soul Is?
The Hebrew word for soul is “nephesh.” Like most of Hebrew terminology, much is lost in translation. Depending on the context of the passage it may take on various nuances. The word can be used to describe a person’s “soul,” “life,” “mind,” “will,” even “body.” The point is, nephesh does just mean one thing. Instead, nephesh refers to the whole of the person in the deepest level of their creation. When the psalmist questions “Why are you downcast O my soul?” (Psalm 43:5), the psalmist is addressing the most personal part of his or her existence. For the Hebrew people, the “soul” is that which is most uniquely you, the “you” God created you to be.
This same understanding is found in the New Testament. The Greek language uses the word “psyche” when describing the soul. For example, when responding to a question about the greatest commandment, Jesus calls us to “love the Lord with all your heart, and all your psyche….” This may seem strange today. We often associate this word with the activity of the mind. Psyche becomes synonymous with psychological structures and processes. Some may even attribute one’s psyche to nothing more than the neural activity of the brain.
Jesus, however, clearly means something beyond the psychological processes or thought life of an individual. In Mark 8:36, Jesus states “what does it profit a man to gain the whole world but forfeit their soul.” Again, the word used is psyche. It makes little sense to believe that Jesus speaks of forfeiting one’s neural pathways or brain-activity. Rather, in this passage, the soul refers to the fundamental component of the human self.
In biblical anthropology, the soul encompasses the intellect, the affections, even the social context of one’s life. Rather than referring to one specific thing, the soul holds a unitive capacity. The soul integrates the various components of one’s life into one complex, unique, “self.” In effect, the soul refers to the whole of a person; a whole that can never be reduced to one isolated thing. Biblically, one’s soul is the deepest part of a person - your “you-ness.”
What Is the Difference between a Soul and Spirit?
If the word “soul” refers to the deep, personal, unity of a person’s self, to what does “spirit” refer? The history of Christian thought includes much debate over this. How are we to understand the relation between body and spirit? Are we spiritual beings encased in physical bodies? Or, are we bodily beings with a spiritual dimension to us?
Scripture refers in length to the spiritual side of our existence. Furthermore, the Bible employs many different words to describe this dimension of human life. One image that is frequently used is the image of breath. The Hebrew word used is “ruach.”’ This word, however, has a dual meaning; “breath” can also mean “spirit.” Scripture constantly plays with this image. God breathes life into humanity at the start of creation. In Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones, the bones do not possess life until the spirit is breathed within them. After his resurrection, Jesus breathed on the disciples, saying “receive the Holy Spirit.” In Greek, the word used is pneuma, again conveying a fundamental connection between spirit, breath, and life.
“Spirit” refers to the essence of life that is breathed into us by our creator/redeemer. It is in our spirits that we have the capacity to interact with our Lord; We pray by our spirits and in our spirits. This creates a certain confusion when speaking about our interaction with the Holy Spirit. Yet, this conflation articulates the basic reality of our spirits. Our spirits are that part of our lives that are to remain in active participation with the Spirit of God. In his letter to the Romans, Paul states that the Holy Spirit “testifies to our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). Our spirits are that which calls out for divine relationships.
Another image Scripture uses to describe the human spirit is through the term, “heart” (kardia). Interestingly, although the word is used over 800 times in Scripture, it rarely refers to the pulmonary muscle. Instead, the word is used to describe the non-physical essence of a person’s life. Returning to the first and great command, Jesus calls us to love our God with all our “heart.” The heart is the center of passion, desire, and choice. The heart (or the spirit) is the part of the human person that either turns to or rejects, the Holy Spirit.
How Do You Nurture Your Soul and Spirit?
While we may talk about the various dimensions of human life - soul, body, spirit, mind - we must recognize that we are talking about an integrated reality. Each “part” of the person influences, and is formed by, the activity of another. We know this instinctively. When our spirits are negative and dour, or when we are filled with stress or judgment, our own bodies reflect this inward state. Our bodies tense up and our muscles contract. The same is true on the positive side. Reduction of activity in our external environment often breaths a sense of inward peace or stillness. In fact, Jesus expresses this when he speaks of how each person “speaks out of the abundance of their heart” (Luke 6:45). What occurs in a person’s spirit and soul directly affects how they live their bodily lives.
There is a connection between our bodily life and our spiritual life. This means we are not just a bodily being with a spirit; nor are we spiritual beings in a body. We are created as bodily spiritual people. The two are held in harmony. Thus, the nurture of our spirits and souls must involve how we live in the world. To fully nurture our souls and spirits, we must involve the body. Spiritual disciplines are the way we go about this. Through spiritual disciplines, we nurture and sustain the spiritual/soulful part of our lives. Disciplines are not simply the “how to” of the Christian faith, they are the means through which we direct our inward self toward the presence of the Lord. Spiritual disciplines are activities we do (or abstain from doing) to place ourselves within the flow of the Spirit’s activity. The very point of discipline is to open our lives to the presence of the Lord in a deeper way.
The discipline of fasting is a great example of this. In the discipline of fasting, one abstains from bodily delights for a set period. Fasting makes little sense if done in a non-bodily way. The intention, however, is not simply the act of abstaining. Simply going without food for two days does not constitute a fast. The purpose of fasting is to direct one’s spirit and soul to the Lord. One goes without food, for example, so that he or she may feast inwardly on Christ’s presence. The bodily activity nurtures the spirit deep within us.
The postures of prayer are another great example. The physical posture of kneeling in repentance, opening hands in supplication, or raising our hands in adoration conveys something beyond just physical movement. The physical movement speaks to a deeper activity.
In his book “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life” William Law writes:
“It is certain that if we would arrive at habits of devotion, or delight in God, we must not only meditate and exercise our souls, but we must practice and exercise our bodies to all such outward actions as are conformable to these inward tempers. . .outward actions are necessary to support inward tempers.” (Chapter 15)
This is the crux of the matter. Identifying the biblical understanding of spirit and soul does us little good if it does not inform how we live. We are created with an internal capacity to connect with, and delight in, the magnificent presence of God. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are blessed to live in an interactive relationship with the creator of our lives, and the lover of our souls. Because of this, the activity of our spirits, and the direction of our souls, is not a matter for mere idle speculation or philosophical discussion. It is a matter pertaining to who we are created to be, and whom we are created for.
_______________
~ by Rev. Kyle Norman
https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/is-your-soul-the-same-as-your-spirit.html
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Bridge to God’s Promises
~ Faith is the pathway to abundant life in the Lord.
Scripture Reading: Romans 10:14-17
Northern California is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, a famous landmark and marvel of human engineering. Stretching across the strait between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, it connects two shores that were once separated and provides safe passage across the expanse.
In our spiritual life, faith can also be seen as a type of bridge — one that links us, who were once far from God, to His promises (Isaiah 59:2). This span is foundational to our relationship with the Lord, offering hope on our journey. And the more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and absorb His principles, the stronger this bridge of faith becomes. We can depend on it to provide safety as we navigate life’s trials.
As believers, we can find comfort knowing we’re connected to God’s love, grace, and redemption. Through faith, we can walk boldly on the path Jesus has laid out for us, safely traversing chasms of danger and doubt.
Whenever you see a bridge, let it serve as a symbol of how faith unites us with the living God and guides us to abundant life in Him. And keep in mind that a regular intake of Scripture reinforces our “bridge”, adding to its strength and stability.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/bridge-to-god-s-promises
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Adversity
“Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Throughout all this Job did not sin in what he said.” ~ Job 2:10
Life is full of adversity. We lose loved ones, get fired from jobs, suffer miscarriages, and experience rejection. The story of Job is famous in part because of the extremity of the main character’s adversity. It is this very thing that makes Job so relatable. And it is Job's response that makes the story inspirational.
Adversities are a constant ingredient of life. We would prefer to have only easy situations, perfect settings, and good circumstances. But the fall of man has made it so that this existence, in some way or another, is going to be like Job’s.
There are times when it feels like we are brimming with adversity. When we “can’t find a win”. Life is tough. Being human is not for the faint of heart.
Just as we relate to Job’s situation, we have an opportunity to replicate his response.
Job “accepts” adversity as an opportunity to trust God. He did not go looking for adversity. But he acknowledges the reality of it and the choice he has in its midst. And he chose to live righteously.
Nothing about adversity is easy. We cannot completely avoid it. Often we cannot make it go away. What we can do is follow the example of Job and not let adversity define us. Not allow it to lead us into sin. We can see it as an opportunity for worship. A chance to trust. An invitation to be an example. A catalyst to know God by faith.
_______________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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James — The Recipe for Victory Part Two - All Circumstances are Trials
"Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." ~ James 1:2-4
When we think of the word “trial”, we often think of a very specific type of circumstance. One that is hard, that we don’t like. Something negative we have to overcome. But James says all circumstances are trials.
These verses reference both the trial of want and of plenty:
"Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field." ~ James 1:9-10
We are familiar with the trial of want. The struggles with feeling like something is missing. The pain of loss; even the malaise of the mundane. When in the valley or on the plain, it is important to realize the perspective that “this is an exalted opportunity” to be faithful and depend on God. To endure and win the crown of life.
The mountaintops of life are traditionally viewed more as a triumph. We think winning at life is ascending the mountains. But winning is about who we are not where we are. And mountaintops have dangers of their own, a kind of trial to endure. On the mountaintop, we have to choose to adopt a different perspective. “This is only fleeting. It won’t last. Enjoy, but don’t depend on this. Depend on God.” This is difficult. Our senses tell us we are winning. We must have the eyes of faith to believe “This is fleeting, do not trust it.” If we make an idol of prosperous circumstances, we have lost our way just as effectively as if we cower under difficult circumstances.
All circumstances are trials. Tests. Championship games. Olympic trials. The valley, the plain and the mountaintop. Each has their struggle. And each is an opportunity to win gold. Life is not about avoiding one trial for the sake of the other. It is about navigating all trials through a Godly perspective.
________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net/devotional/all-circumstances-are-trials/
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Joy Stealers
"I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." ~ John 15:11
Why do many Christians fail to experience real joy, which is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22? In his book "Laugh Again", Charles Swindoll suggests three common "joy stealers":
1. Worry
2. Stress
3. Fear
He defines worry as "an inordinate anxiety about something that may or may not occur" (and it usually doesn't).
Stress, says the author, is "intense strain over a situation we can't change or control" (but God can).
And fear, according to Swindoll, is a "dreadful uneasiness over danger, evil, or pain" (and it magnifies our problems).
Swindoll says that to resist these "joy stealers" we must embrace the same confidence that Paul expressed in his letter to the Philippians. After giving thanks for the Philippi believers (Philippians 1:3-5), the apostle assured them "that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (v. 6).
Whatever causes us worry, stress, and fear - cannot ultimately keep God from continuing His work in us. With this confidence we can begin each day knowing that He is in control. We can leave everything in His hands.
Resist those "joy stealers" by renewing your confidence in God each morning. Then relax and rejoice!
________________
~ 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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"Jesus told them, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me." ~ John 14:6
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"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again..." ~ Peter 1:3
...and by the Holy Spirit we can proclaim His mercy and grace to all.
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Resting in God’s Faithfulness
~ We can depend on the Lord absolutely and always.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9
When life seems to fall apart, we often wonder, Where is God? Why hasn’t He answered my prayers? The Bible offers us this encouragement:
“Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands.” ~ Deuteronomy 7:9
Five attributes of God make this possible:
• First, He is omniscient, which means He knows everything, including our every need, thought, and life situation—not just present but also past and future.
• Second, God is omnipotent, so nothing’s too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:17).
• Third, He is omnipresent, so He is never beyond reach.
• Fourth, our heavenly Father can’t lie. Everything that He says is true and reliable.
• Fifth, God is unchanging. Our circumstances and the world may seem to be in a constant state of flux, and God may even modify the way He chooses to interact with us. But His character is always the same.
So when Scripture says God is faithful, we can rest confidently upon that promise.
In situations that seem overwhelming, we can trust that our sovereign Lord knows all, is in control, and lovingly works everything for our good. We can rest confidently, knowing that the unchanging God of all creation is taking care of us.
_______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/resting-in-god-s-faithfulness
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When You're Down
"The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will answer my prayer." ~ Psalm 6:9
Sometimes it doesn't take much to get us down, does it? An unkind remark from a friend, bad news from the auto mechanic, a financial setback, or a misbehaving child can put a cloud of gloom over everything, even on the sunniest day. You know you should be joyful, but everything seems to be against you, making simple tasks a struggle.
David must have been feeling that way when he wrote Psalm 6. He felt weak and sickly (v.2), troubled (v.3), forsaken (v.4), weary (v.6), and grief-stricken (v.7). But he knew what to do when he was down. He looked up and trusted God to take care of him and to see him through.
When we look up and focus on God, something good happens. We get our eyes off ourselves and gain a new appreciation of Him.
Next time you're down, try looking up to God...
• He is sovereign: "God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne." ~ Psalm 47:8
• He loves you: "God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love — not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." ~ 1 John 4:9-10
• He considers you special: "Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?" ~ Matthew 6:26
• He has a purpose for your trials: "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." ~ James 1:2-4
Yes, life can seem unbearable at times. But don't let it keep you down. Meditate on God's goodness, talk to Him, and know that He hears you (Psalm 6:9). That will give you strength to get up when you're down.
_______________
~ 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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Promises and Expectations
~ Serving God may not always look like what we expect, but we can rest in His love and faithfulness.
Scripture Reading: Judges 13:1-25
In today’s passage, an angel brings good news to Manoah’s infertile wife: She would have a baby who’d be set apart for God’s service and bring deliverance to His people (vv.1-5). After news like that, she probably imagined that her son’s life would be filled with holiness and happily-ever-afters. And in accordance with God’s plan, Manoah and his wife taught Samson to follow the strict guidelines of the Nazirite vow of dedication.
But Samson’s life didn’t turn out the way his parents may have dreamed. Though blessed with a godly upbringing and incredible physical strength, he got involved with women from pagan countries. And he confessed to Delilah, a Philistine woman he loved, the secret of his strength: It was related to the Nazirite vow, which included that “no razor shall pass over his head” (v. 5). Delilah betrayed him by cutting his hair and turning him over to the Philistines. Yet God was at work in all this: In his final moments, Samson regained his strength and fulfilled the promise of deliverance.
The faithfulness of Samson’s parents is a reminder that we can’t predict how events will unfold but must nevertheless hold tightly to God’s promises. Even though our story might not look like what we expect, we can trust that the Lord loves us and is able to work everything for His glory.
_________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/promises-and-expectations
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Keep an Eye Out
~ God will work everything out for your good — even when life seems hopeless.
Scripture Reading: Acts 17:24-31
At times God’s work is dramatically obvious — as when He parted the Red Sea to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt. And at other times, what He does is inconspicuous. For example, the air in our lungs is provided by Him daily. Either way, He is always accomplishing something, whether we perceive it or not. Imagine how greatly we’ll be blessed if we can increase our awareness of how God is orchestrating all things for our good:
"We know that God works together in all things for the ultimate good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." ~ Romans 8:28
The demands of a busy schedule sometimes leave little room for quiet moments in God’s presence. Without periods of meditation and prayer, our spiritual senses become dull. But when we regularly communicate with our Father and spend time pondering His Word, we will see things more clearly. Then we can better appreciate all that He is working to accomplish in, through, and for us.
The same is true in our prayer life. For instance, we readily acknowledge the Lord’s intervention and rejoice when it occurs on our behalf. But if our request isn’t granted or timing doesn’t match ours, we might incorrectly conclude He’s inactive. However, today’s reading demonstrates the magnitude of God’s power and care, and we can watch with joyful expectancy for whatever He chooses to bring about.
_______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/keep-an-eye-out
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From the Pastor’s Heart – March 2024
~ Death could not hold Him. And by His grace, it won’t hold us either.
On the last day of this month, we’ll celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ — the wonderful and world-altering event that matters as much today as it did 2,000 years ago.
As the day approaches, we hope you’ll ponder all it means for you as one who belongs to the Savior. We selected these thoughts from Dr. Stanley to help you get started, and pray you’ll be filled with fresh confidence in God’s profound love for you.
________________
Everyone makes choices in life — how to live, what to believe. There are numerous religions to choose from, each with their own holy books and teachings. Yet followers of Jesus Christ are different from all others in a crucial way: We follow the only resurrected Savior there has ever been.
Jesus is not a dead god, but our living Lord.
In Matthew 28, two grieving women came to the Lord’s tomb to prepare His body for burial. An angel appeared to them with the news that Christ had risen from the dead. In verse 8 we read, “And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.”
They ran with great joy. Why joy? Because the events of the previous days had left the Lord’s followers discouraged and disillusioned. They thought Jesus was the Messiah, yet they saw Him die. Everything they’d hoped for had been dashed to pieces. But now, He was alive, and they had renewed faith and assurance that Jesus was God, just as He’d always said.
Because He rose from the dead, we too have assurance.
That’s the difference between those who believe the gospel of Jesus Christ and those who are dedicated to other ideals and perspectives.
We can have unwavering faith for this life and eternity beyond because of the assurances given in the resurrection of Jesus:
First, Christ’s resurrection assures us that we serve a living God.
If Jesus had not risen from the dead, we would have no more assurance of this than all the other religions in the world. But when He rose, Christ validated everything He taught. So we can believe Him when He says, “The one who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9) and “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). We can learn and know about God through the person of Jesus Christ.
Second, Christ’s resurrection assures us that we have eternal salvation.
Most world religions have a plan of salvation, but they rely on each person’s performance. With our God, salvation is not the result of our works, but a gift from the Father. It is the unconditional love of God shown in the sacrifice of His own Son, Jesus Christ, that makes possible our place in heaven.
Third, Christ’s resurrection assures us of life beyond the grave.
The two women ran with joy because they realized there was more to life than they had ever seen or imagined. The future holds more than any temporary comfort or pleasure we may experience. We can believe with confidence that there’s eternal life because the Lord Jesus Christ paved the way.
Fourth, Christ’s resurrection assures us that we too will be resurrected.
Paul describes the death of the believer as being “absent from the body … home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). And when Christ returns, our bodies, and the bodies of all who died in Christ, will receive resurrection life, as body and soul are reunited in a glorified body.
Fifth, we can be assured that we’ll know our believing loved ones who’ve passed on before us.
In the transfiguration (Matthew 17), Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on the mountain where they are met by Moses and Elijah. How did the disciples know who they were? My friend, it’s because we’re going to know each other in heaven. “Then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
Sixth, the resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us that we can face all our tomorrows triumphantly.
Jesus said to Mary and Martha, “The one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies” (John 11:25). Though none of us know the future, we have the blessed promise of His comfort and strength as we face it. Because Jesus rose from the dead and the Holy Spirit is living on the inside of us, we are fully equipped for every challenge.
Our hope lies in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This is where we find our assurance, in the power of the One living inside of me and you. God has designated you as a trophy of the atoning work of Jesus. Rejoice in this hope and live with thankfulness, knowing your eternity with Him has already begun.
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We hope you’ve been encouraged today. Dr. Stanley explained that even the greatest human fear, the loss of life, has been eliminated for us by Jesus.
Death could not hold Him. And by His grace, it won’t hold us either. On Easter morning, we pray you’ll wake with full assurance of all He won for you — and that you’ll be full of the Spirit’s peace.
Till next time, God bless you.
For His Glory,
Your Friends at In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/from-pastors-heart/march-2024
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Most excellent report, and rapport of your experience while there! Love your testimony to the Doc! Happy for you brother!
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Making Requests of God
~ What does it mean to ask in Jesus’ name?
Scripture Reading: John 14:9-14
Jesus knew the crucifixion was soon, so the Last Supper was an opportunity to impart final words of comfort and wisdom to His disciples. One topic on His mind was prayer. Jesus told His friends, “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14). What does it mean to ask in Jesus’ name?
• First, depend solely on Jesus’ mediation:
We became children of God when we acknowledged our helplessness and trusted in Christ’s atoning death on our behalf. He acted as our mediator and reconciled us to the Father (1 Timothy 2:5). If we want to pray for big (or small) things, we must continue in that same spirit of dependence on Christ.
• Second, seek Jesus’ ongoing forgiveness:
Sin remains in our world and continues to distract us, so we must practice regular repentance when we make mistakes. That means we confess sin to God, turn away from that attitude or behavior, and receive God’s forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). Then we can approach Him with a clear conscience.
• Third, offer a prayer that aligns with God’s word:
One way to think of this is to pray something Jesus Himself might ask.
Prayer is most effective when we rely fully on our Savior’s sacrifice and forgiveness and ask in His name. Remember: “Apart from Him [Christ] you can do nothing” (John 15:5), but “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/making-requests-of-god
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What is Christlike Humility?
~ By Dr. Joel Muddamalle
Let’s look at how the Greek word for humility was used in Paul’s setting. One of the prominent Greek words we translate as “humble” (tapeinophrosyne) could also be translated as “self-abasement” or “lowliness.” In Greek, there are words that are related to each other that convey the concept of humility, and this type of thing is referred to as “word groups.” Markus Barth, a renowned Swiss New Testament scholar that lived during the second half of the 1900s, shared this insight about the humility word group: “The entire word group which belongs with tapeinophrosyne, according to its usage in common Greek, is used in a negative sense and means a low slavish orientation.”
This means the concept of humility would have been something totally shameful. The culture was highly competitive and focused on self-exaltation (sounds familiar, doesn’t it?). So anyone who had a low social status, who was weak or lowly, was considered “humble,” and it almost always had a negative connotation.
The early church father Augustine went so far as to say humility was an unknown virtue in the ancient world. Given this cultural climate, imagine how shocking and disruptive it was when Paul told the church in Rome, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble [tapeinos]. Do not be wise in your own estimation” (Romans 12:16).
There had to have been some jaws on the floor. I can picture people sliding out the door of that house church thinking, “These people have lost their minds. Ain’t nobody got time for that.”
This isn’t the only time Paul said something like this. It was a consistent theme throughout his letters — he taught it to the churches in Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae.
“When we came into Macedonia, we had no rest. Instead, we were troubled in every way: conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast [tapeinos], comforted us by the arrival of Titus.” ~ 2 Corinthians 7:5–6
“I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility [tapeinophrosyne] and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” ~ Ephesians 4:1–3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility [tapeinophrosyne] consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” ~ Philippians 2:3–4
“As God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility [tapeinophrosyne], gentleness, and patience.” ~ Colossians 3:12
“He will transform the body of our humble [tapeinoseos] condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.” ~ Philippians 3:21
Over and over, Paul reiterated the importance of the humble life for the believer in Jesus.
When the people sitting in these churches first heard these words from Paul, they might have thought, Wait a minute. Did Paul really say the H– [I guess in Greek, the T-] word? He presented it as the identity-forming virtue that should mark Christians. What motivated Paul to make such a countercultural, even offensive, claim?
It’s actually pretty simple. He followed the Messiah, Jesus, who lived a countercultural life that was offensive to both the Romans and the religious elite.
Paul’s most striking use of humility might be in Philippians 2:8–9:
“He [Jesus] humbled [tapeinosen] Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross. For this reason, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name.”
Because we find ourselves “in Christ” (another favorite saying of Paul: Romans 8:1; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 2:16), it makes sense for us to identify ourselves with Him in all things, especially in His humility.
Why?
Because the very thing that was true of Jesus will be true of us. Jesus humbled Himself, and His humility led Him through humiliation — but humiliation was not the end for Him. As we’ve seen, humility was His path of exaltation.
This unity with Him and shared exaltation with Him is exactly what we just saw in Philippians 3:21: “He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body.”
What was true of Jesus will be true of us.
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Adapted from “The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility”, by Joel Muddamalle.
More about the book:
The peace we long for begins with coming to the end of ourselves.
There are inescapable aspects of life we are all marked by. We have less control than we want, more anxiety than we’re comfortable with and just enough insecurity to continually remind us of our shortcomings. To experience these things is to be human. We aren’t superheroes and invincibility isn’t an option.
But humility is.
Whether we’ve incorrectly defined it, or underestimated its relevance to our daily life, humility is the missing piece for the security, strength and confidence we all want. It’s time to stop trying so hard to avoid our limitations or overcompensate for them. God has better for us and it begins with bowing low in humility.
With relatable stories, practical wisdom and biblical theology broken down into digestible takeaways, “The Hidden Peace” by Dr. Joel Muddamalle will help you:
• Walk through hurtful situations in the most God-honoring way by gaining a true understanding of biblical humility.
• Know confidently that you’re living with purpose and being used by God through seven ways to practically live like Him today.
• Be led by the biblical definition of self-awareness so you can experience the unexpected ways it brings safety and security to your life.
• Stop believing the lie that theology is out of touch, or too difficult to comprehend, as Joel shows you how to dig into scripture and study it yourself.
Weakness is not your enemy. Planted in the soil of humility, weakness becomes a means to gaining more strength and more peace.
_______________
https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2024/03/christlike-humility/
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Praying that all went well with the procedure, and you are in full-blown recovery mode!
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Give Him Your Burden
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." ~ Psalm 55:22
A poor man in Ireland was plodding along toward home, carrying a huge bag of potatoes. A horse and wagon finally drew up alongside him on the road, and the driver invited the man to climb aboard. After getting on the wagon, he sat down but continued to hold the heavy bag.
When the driver suggested that the man set the bag down in the wagon, he replied, "I don't want to trouble you too much, sir. You are giving me a ride already, so I'll just carry the potatoes."
"How foolish of him!" we might say. Yet sometimes we do the same thing when we attempt to bear the burdens of our lives in our own strength. No wonder we become weary and overwhelmed with anxiety and fear.
In Psalm 55, David spoke of the anxiety he felt because his enemies were attacking him (Psalm 55:1-15). But then he gave his concerns to the Lord and was filled with renewed hope and confidence (Psalm 55:16-23). That's why he could write, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you" (Psalm 55:22).
When you recall the story of the man and his bag of potatoes, remember the simple lesson it illustrates: Rather than trying to bear your burdens by yourself, set them down in God's hands.
Remember: "God invites us to burden Him with what burdens us."
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~ by Henry G. Bosch
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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Making Me Angry
“Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” ~ Ephesians 4:26-27
“He’s making me so angry!”
“She made me so mad yesterday.”
We’ve all used this kind of language. We tend to miss that these statements signal we’ve adopted a victim mentality. We shifted the responsibility for our happiness onto others. We see no other way but anger after what they did or what they said. We use anger to regain control, but the reality is we have ceded control of our happiness to others.
In truth, no one can make us angry. People and circumstances do things that trigger a reaction in us. But the choice of how to respond belongs to each of us on our own.
The circumstance does not make us angry. It does not have that control. The circumstance simply provides a prompt. The resulting anger or frustration is a signal that a choice needs to be made. But emotions have no business making choices. Choosing is something we should do based on our purpose and values.
The emotion is an alarm, letting us know our values have been pressed and a choice needs to be made. It’s not the person or the circumstance that actually makes us angry. It is the internal value(s) within us that feel threatened. It is a result of what matters to us, what we’ve experienced, and the purpose we are living toward.
We need a true perspective about our anger. We need to acknowledge our feelings. Then we can make choices based on values rather than emotions. Time is of the essence, “before the sun goes down.” It’s in our prompt and purposeful action that we can avoid our anger leading to sin.
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~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Praying for a smooth procedure brother plugger. We know who controls all things for His glory, and our ultimate good. God bless!
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Where Your Heart Is
~ Are you pursuing what matters? To find abundance, seek God first.
Scripture Reading: Luke 12:16-32
The poet William Wordsworth wrote, “The world is too much with us; late and soon ... Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers.” It’s a profound statement. After all, who hasn’t spent a time pursuing wealth or pleasure, only to discover that they’re worth far less than what we gave up in achieving them?
That’s why Jesus told the parable in today’s passage. The story is about a rich man who made plans to build larger barns but lost sight of what truly mattered. Jesus understands that things like food, shelter, and clothing are important. However, He wants us first to seek something greater — the kingdom of God.
We don’t have to do without when we choose to pursue the Lord. Far from it! Promises of abundance fill God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. And Scripture teaches that if we give freely of our blessings instead of clinging to them, we’ll gain far more. Jesus assured us that this type of generosity would result in “a good measure” being poured into our lap, “pressed down, shaken together, and running over” (Luke 6:38).
Spend some time in prayer today and ask the Lord to show you the better things He wants you to pursue (Matthew 6:19-21).
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/where-your-heart-is
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The Power to Serve
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” ~ Galatians 5:13
Each of us has been granted a unique set of passions and abilities. We can feel it in the recesses of our soul. And we can also sense we are meant to use these gifts for something important. We have a longing for greatness. A capacity to do good. Like the superheroes in the movies, we have talent that’s eager and ready for action.
The temptation is to use this power for selfish gain. As Uncle Ben tells Spiderman, “With great power comes great responsibility”. The only difference between a superhero and a super villain is in where they direct their powers; to promote self or to serve others.
Throughout the Bible, we see the call on humanity to serve one another. Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. Paul talks about the church as the Body of Christ, imploring us to bear one another’s burdens. The message is clear. Our gifts are meant to serve others.
The villains in the movies are the ones who use their powers of intellect, skill, and money to build devices and schemes that serve their own lust for power. They attempt to use their abilities to control others. To make others serve them.
Heroes, on the other hand, see that their power is a responsibility. It is an equipping toward serving others, meant for the edification of the community as a whole.
Our unique passion and ability are vehicles of tremendous power. God has granted us the awesome responsibility to choose how to use them.
_____________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Souvenirs
“And Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means “the Lord is peace”). The altar remains in Ophrah in the land of the clan of Abiezer to this day.” ~ Judges 6:24
The journey of life is a two-minute ride, over more quickly than we anticipate. One syllable in the cosmic story. We are called to make the most of the journey. To steward and enjoy the brief existence we have been given.
When we ride a roller coaster, there is usually a spot where a camera flashes and takes our picture, screaming with hands raised and hair disheveled. People buy the picture to remember the moment. In Scripture, there are many monuments or ceremonies intended to create memories. Gideon built an altar to mark the significance of an important moment. We celebrate Christmas to commemorate and remember God’s great gift to humanity.
But there is also a sense in which every choice we make in our lives is a souvenir moment, an altar to the Lord. Every choice we make is a snapshot along the journey. An opportunity to act on belief. A checkpoint of choosing.
Today is a small blip on a short journey. But it carries significant opportunity — the potential to jolt eternity. The brief opportunity to live a life of faith is much more than a souvenir that will end up in the trash. Opportunities to decide rooted in faith will make up the portion of our lives that last. Our decisions have eternal significance. Today is a day when we have the opportunity to make every choice reflect a true perspective rooted in a faith in our loving Creator.
________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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A Complete Restoration
"He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them ... This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" ~ 2 Corinthians 5:15,17
God loves to remodel. God has to remodel. Let Him live in your heart long enough, and your heart will begin to change. Portraits of hurt will be replaced by landscapes of grace. Walls of anger will be demolished and shaky foundations restored. God can no more leave a life unchanged than a mother can leave her child's tear untouched.
This might explain some of the discomfort in your life. Remodeling of the heart is not always pleasant. We don't object when the Carpenter adds a few shelves, but He's been known to gut the entire west wing. He has such high aspirations for you.
God envisions a complete restoration. He won't stop until he is finished.
He wants you to be "Just like Jesus."
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~ by Max Lucado
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Seeking God Through His Creation
~ May we take the time to open our eyes and hearts, to slow down for a minute and behold the beauty of our God in all that He has made.
Scripture Reading:
“You alone are Yahweh [LORD of all]. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them, and the heavenly host worships You." ~ Nehemiah 9:6
Every part of creation, from the smallest of insects to the mountains in all their grandeur, proclaims the unspoken glory of God. Every living creature, rock, grain of sand, and mountain stream was created for a specific purpose. In the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, we discover God’s faithfulness and provision (Matthew 6:28-30). With every sunrise we are reminded of Jesus’ imminent return (Psalm 19:4-5). And with every gust of wind we are beckoned to live our lives as people of the Spirit (John 3:8).
Job 12:7-10 says:
“But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Or speak to the earth, and it will instruct you; let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind.”
Are you allowing God to teach you through His creation? Are you taking in the unspeakable mystery and majesty found in the work of God’s hands? Or are you merely passing by these beautiful, intentional poems written on the pages of leaves, blades, and dirt by the hand of your heavenly Father?
Psalm 19:1-2,4 says:
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge...Their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”
God is always speaking to you. Every piece of creation declares to you the depth of God’s love, power, faithfulness, and nearness.
• Will you afford yourself the opportunity to stop and listen?
• Will you make space to open the eyes of your heart to receive the beauty, creativity, and love of your heavenly Father faithfully displayed before your very eyes?
To seek God without taking notice of His creation is to miss out on one of the most tangible and beautiful ways He speaks to us. It isn’t too mystical or “out there” to ask God to show you His intent behind His creation. It’s wholly Christian to spend time looking at and reflecting on the work of God’s hands. Children of God across thousands of years have used creation to learn about their Creator. Scripture is filled with revelation received by God speaking through His creation. He has made everything as He did for a perfect and beneficial reason. May we be children who seek God through every avenue available to us. May we be believers who have the faith and patience to learn about our heavenly Father by the work of His hands.
A. W. Tozer said, “God dwells in His creation and is everywhere indivisibly present in all His works. He is transcendent above all His works even while He is immanent within them.”
May you go about your day with the knowledge that God is near to you. May creation declare to you the limitless love of your heavenly Father.
_________________
~ published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/seeking-god-through-his-creation-2023/
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Patience and Paradox
"I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” ~ John 16:33
As we search for a true perspective, patience is a necessity. Jesus tells us to expect a paradox: He has overcome the world, yet we will have trouble. That means there is a time lag between where we are today and where we desire to be. We are standing in line, just not quite at the front counter yet.
In this world, we cannot eliminate the need for waiting. But we do not have to get to the front counter to discover truth. Pain and confusion, challenging circumstances and fleeting seasons are an inevitable part of the wait. Truth is not the elimination of these difficulties. Truth is found through a right perspective surrounding these things. It is the paradox of the Kingdom of God.
Part of gaining a true perspective is seeing waiting as a privilege. We believe the front counter is coming. But we also need to see that waiting in line is our once-in-an-existence opportunity to exercise the resurrection power of Jesus by a walk of faith.
Jesus has overcome the world by shining within it. He shines in many ways, but He desires to shine through us. Patience and faithfulness in difficulty allows His truth to peer through the inevitable troubles of life. The paradox of his kingdom is not only true, but an incredible gift.
________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net/devotional/patience-and-paradox/
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No doubt there are a plethora of fellowships that utilize the Holy Scriptures to suit their own lifestyle by either misconstruing what the Word is actually saying, or omitting the parts that would convict hearts of being in disobedience to the Lord.
“For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:3-4
I am fairly certain that we have arrived – full blown – at the time that Paul was explaining to Timothy in the passage above. And just like the Bereans, and yourself included, we must get into the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to speak the Truth to our hearts – and then to walk in that Truth, and then we will be equipped to perform the task that Paul states in verse 2:
“Proclaim the message of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage others with good teaching.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:2
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