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The Freedom of Letting Go
~ Is there anything you feel you could never give up? Trust God with everything to experience complete freedom.
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:6-7
Our heavenly Father is interested in every detail of our life. If we want Him to work in a particular area — relationships, finances, vocation, habits, or something else — we must be willing to let go and give [or do] whatever He asks of us.
We may think we have no attachments that come between us and the Lord, but He knows our heart. Ask Him to guide you and help you come to a place of being able to say, “Lord, if that’s what You desire, I commit it to You. You have the right to claim it at any time, so it’s Yours right now.”
It’s difficult to be completely obedient if we’re holding on to something too tightly. The Lord wants us to be attached exclusively to Him. You may have multitudes of things that God has blessed you with, but the moment any of it has a hold on you, His work in your life will be blocked. But when you open your hands, gripping nothing, the Holy Spirit’s power can flow unimpeded through you. Then you will be able to experience freedom.
Is there anything you feel you could never give up?
Seriously consider whether it holds you captive. Release that relationship, possession, or situation to the Lord right now so He can give you the freedom you’ve been craving.
__________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
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Knowing God through Love
"Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
"Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and His love is perfected in us.”
~ 1 John 4:7-12
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The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
"This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. But every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now."
"You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world. Therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception."
~ 1 John 4:1-6
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Carrying the Presence of Christ
~ As you practice sensitivity, God will be faithful to show up and move in amazing ways. May you be blessed beyond measure as you seek to show the world His love.
We have the privilege as Jesus’ disciples of carrying His presence with us into the world. God in His love has chosen to use us as agents of awakening. He’s commissioned us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…” (Matthew 28:19).
And in 1 John 4:15-17 we gain an insight into the way in which God would have us make disciples:
“All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love, live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So, we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.”
“As He is, so also are we in this world.”
What a powerful statement! God’s plan for the world is to form and fashion us into those who reflect His goodness to others. The hope of the world rests in Jesus’ mercy and grace as proclaimed through our lives. And the only way in which we carry Jesus with us into the world is by abiding in God and allowing Him to abide in us.
Do you know that you can abide in God? And not just in spending time alone with Him!
1 John 4 teaches us that when we abide in love, when we love others, we are abiding in Him. You see, abiding in God requires us to be where He is. It requires us to yield to His leadership and heart that we might join Him throughout our day where He is already at work. Sometimes abiding requires time spent in solitude, the Word, and worship. Other times abiding requires action.
• Where is God at work in your midst today?
• Who is He pursuing and how can you join Him?
• Who is He drawing to Himself and how can you help Him?
If you want to be with God today, join Him in seeing His kingdom of love advance. If you want to abide in the presence of Jesus, decide to live like Him, empowered by His Spirit. God in His power and grace has created you for a specific purpose to reveal a specific aspect of His heart to the world. Simply choose to let Him in to all you are and do today that your day might be filled with His life-giving presence. Choose to carry His wisdom, love, and grace into relationship with others that in your communication, emotions, and actions you would proclaim His character.
Take time today to find rest and purpose in the presence of Christ.
In 1 John 2:6 John writes, “Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.”
• What good are words or desires if we don’t put action to them?
• What does all our talk mean if we never do something about it?
The kingdom of God is one that doesn’t separate faith and works. James writes, “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). Choose today to put action to what’s in your heart. Don’t hold back your love for others. Don’t refrain from encouraging and loving other people, even if it’s abnormal behavior for you. Step into situations and bring the presence and will of Christ.
May your day be marked by the powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit to love others as Jesus did.
_________________
~ excerpt from an article by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/
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God’s Provisions in Adversity
~ Are you struggling right now? Look for reasons to express genuine gratitude to the Lord.
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Yesterday, we looked at three provisions believers can count on during adversity: God’s presence, a pathway through trouble, and potential to grow. Today, let’s explore two more.
1. Protection. God doesn’t necessarily keep believers from distress or disappointment. Stopping the storms may be our goal, but from His point of view, the adversity may be necessary to mature us spiritually. However, the Father offers protection by staying with us in the struggle. What’s more, we have assurance that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). So our ever-present God walks with us through the hardships, providing guidance and speaking truth into the situation.
2. Peace. While difficulties cause many people anxiety, God’s peace is available to us. This serenity does not depend on whether circumstances improve. Rather, it’s a result of our relationship with Him. Our main focus shouldn’t be on fixing the problem; rather, we should seek and trust the Lord.
As we recognize the Lord’s provision during trials, we can genuinely express gratitude. Doing so will enable us to fix our eyes on Him rather than on our circumstance. While we often aren’t aware of the purpose for each trial facing us, we do know that God is trustworthy and good — and He won’t waste our suffering.
___________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/gods-provisions-in-adversity
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Another In The Fire – Hillsong UNITED & TAYA [Lyric Video]
Fellow Man
"Then He said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear. By the measure you use, it will be measured and added to you." – Mark 4:24
I doubt this is unusual, but I tend to put a higher standard on others than on myself. The old saying “There is no amount of other people’s pain I cannot endure” is a saying for good reason. We tend to be very good at standing in our own shoes, but not too competent at standing in the shoes of others.
This verse says something very sobering that changed my life. When I sit down with Jesus in heaven to learn the lessons I failed to learn in this life, and have my life’s work evaluated the “tape measure” Jesus will use is the one I sent ahead. And I send it ahead based on the standard with which I judge others. Once the truth of this verse sunk in, I got waaaay more lenient with other people. I am hoping Jesus pulls out a tape measure and says “What do you know, there’s no tape inside this thing, guess you did great.”
The key to properly judging others is to stand in their shoes. Everyone has a story. Do we know their story? We can only learn their story by listening.
Listening is a learned trait. As we practice listening with other humans, we are developing the capacity to hear the voice of God.
When we have the humility to hear what others are saying, we might discover things within ourselves that need cleansing. Listening to God is essential for character development, self-awareness, and growth.
We have the opportunity to do this before being translated to the heavenly realm. We can gain perspective by listening to other people.
___________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Through the Trials
~ Trouble comes into every life, but God provides everything needed to survive and thrive.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-34
We all will face trials. Realistically, you are either in a storm, just getting out of one, or about to enter one. That is the bad news. Here’s the good news: We serve a good God who provides beautifully — especially during the dark periods of life.
Today’s passage tells of a stormy night on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus provides for us today just as He did for His disciples then. Today, let’s look at some ways He does this.
First, the Father offers us His presence and the promise that He will never leave (Deuteronomy 31:8). We are able to live with a sense of comfort, courage, and confidence, no matter the circumstances.
Second, the Lord blesses His children with a pathway through trouble. He is in total control of our storm and will use the trial for His purpose. We may not understand, but we can trust His hand to guide us and accomplish good.
Third, the Father offers believers the potential to grow. Hardships are exercises in trust and times to learn more fully how great God’s power and love are.
No one enjoys hard times. But remember to express gratitude for God’s hand in your life and the way He will use the adversity. Even though trials are painful, they offer us the chance to trust our Creator and know Him better.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/through-the-trials
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From the Pastor’s Heart – September 2024
~ In your greatest struggles, Christ offers you peace.
It’s our hope today that you’re in a season of abounding joy. But we know that might not always be the case.
The troubles of life can easily undermine our joy and rob us of our peace. For those days — perhaps today — when worry seems to consume you, take hold of the peace that is yours in Jesus. Dr. Stanley never tired of teaching on this subject, in fact, he wrote very personally about it:
___________________
For a long time after I was saved, I felt a vague sense of emptiness.
I couldn’t put my finger on the cause, but I knew something was missing from my Christian life. It felt unsettling. Then one day I figured out what was eluding me. I didn’t feel the inner peace of Christ.
For believers, there are two types of peace. When we’re saved, we gain peace with God because our sins are forgiven. But secondly, there is an awesome sense of wholeness that comes from the peace of God.
All too often, Christians are filled with worry, fears, anxiety, and that sense of emptiness I felt.
Does that describe you?
So many things war against the peace of Christ in our hearts. We face illnesses, relational conflicts, financial issues, and loss. How can we possibly feel peace-filled with so much turbulence in our lives?
I want to assure you there is a way. You don’t have to live in emotional turmoil.
When Jesus was about to leave His disciples and go to the cross, He knew they’d be distraught, so He reassured them, saying, “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful” (John 14:27).
That same peace is available to every believer today.
So, what does it look like in our lives?
Christ’s peace stands in stark contrast to the world’s peace. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned, humanity has tried and failed to reclaim the peace that was lost in the fall. In the search for inner serenity, people substitute wealth, possessions, relationships, substances, and entertainment, looking for something to numb their pain.
God summarizes the world’s striving in Isaiah 57:20-21: “The wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up refuse and mud. ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.’”
The world’s peace isn’t true peace.
It’s an attempt to numb oneself to things like loss and conflict. Is that how you’ve thought of peace? Even as believers, we can be tempted by idols or momentary pleasure, hoping to erase our problems. But troublesome situations will always be present in this fallen world. We can’t escape them.
In contrast, Christ’s peace is nothing like the world’s peace because it prevails over our circumstances.
It’s entirely based on our relationship with Him. The Greek word for peace means to "bind together". In Christ, our brokenness is made whole again. We experience His divine healing within our emotions. As a result, we obtain stillness, steadfastness, and stability for any situation. Once you know this kind of peace, you will never exchange it for what the world offers.
Sure, there will be moments when you feel overwhelmed with sudden fear or anxiety, but you don’t have to stay in that condition.
Pray. Focus on Christ and on encouraging words from Scripture, until His peace floods into your heart and your mind (Philippians 4:6-7).
There have been times in my own life when I’ve walked through some very difficult situations. On one occasion after going through a particularly hard time, I remember thinking, God, how faithful You are. When humanly speaking, everything in me wanted to run away, You gave me inner peace that was anchored to what would not move — the Lord Jesus Christ.
In your greatest struggles, most heartbreaking experiences, and deepest sorrows, Christ offers you peace.
Acquiring it isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process. With each stressful situation, come to Christ once again in complete trust and receive His peace anew. The more you do this, the more His peace will take root and characterize your whole life.
___________________
Dr. Stanley’s words give incredible hope.
There is a great, abiding peace available to us in Christ. It’s the believer’s inheritance, our gift from the Savior. Cling to Jesus today, tomorrow, and always. We pray for your peace in Him.
Till next time, God bless you.
For His Glory,
Your Friends at In Touch Ministries
P.S. This month we lovingly remember Dr. Stanley, who would have turned 92 on September 25th. We’re grateful for all he taught us and for the opportunity to continue his legacy. Dr. Stanley was devoted to teaching, preaching, and sharing Christ with the world. What an awesome calling! It’s an honor to know his mission and message are living on through each one of us — including you.
https://www.intouch.org/read/from-pastors-heart/september-2024
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Jesus' New Command
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” ~ John 13:34-35
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God’s Patience
~ God is slow to anger and gives us time to repent, but He loves us too much to let us continue in sin.
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-16
Just as a toddler has to learn obedience, God’s children also must learn to walk in His ways. He takes pleasure in watching us do what is right and wants to help us when we go wrong. Therefore, He is patient and allows us time and room for mistakes.
Paul appreciated God’s patience. His life demonstrated that because the Father is slow to anger, unbelievers have a much greater opportunity for salvation (1 Timothy 1:16). In Romans 2:4, Paul affirms that our heavenly Father’s kindness and mercy lead to repentance. But in the next verse, he warns those with stubborn hearts that they will experience judgment.
Let’s look at the nation of Israel. In the Old Testament, they repeatedly experienced this painful truth. They turned away from the Lord and did evil in His sight by worshipping idols. Eventually, He’d withdraw His protection until they would cry out and return to Him. Ultimately, even when the Lord allows calamity to reach His children, it is still drenched with His love and purpose.
If there is unconfessed sin in your life, ask God to forgive you and help you turn from it. Then thank Him for His patience and lovingkindness.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/gods-patience-2
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Honestly, We Just Need Jesus – Terrian (Official Lyric Video)
The Ups and Downs of Life
"I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace.” – John 16:33
Scripture Reading: John 16:31-33
A Facebook memory popped up, showing me a picture of my triumphant five-year-old when she’d won a fun and competitive game of Chutes and Ladders. I’d tagged my brother and sister in the post because we’d often played this board game when we were kids. Chutes and Ladders is based on a game that’s been played for centuries, helping people learn to count and providing the thrill of being able to climb a ladder and win the game by getting to 100 the fastest. But watch out! If you land on spot 98, you slide far down the chute, delaying — or even prohibiting — victory.
Isn’t that just like life? Jesus lovingly prepared us for the ups and downs of our days. He said we’d experience “trouble” (John 16:33), but He also shared a message of peace. We don’t have to be shaken by the trials we face. Why? Christ has overcome the world! Nothing is greater than His power, so we too can face whatever comes our way with “the mighty strength” He’s made available to us (Ephesians 1:18-19).
Just like in Chutes and Ladders, sometimes life presents a ladder allowing us to happily ascend, and other times we tumble down a slippery slide. But we don’t have to play the game of life without hope. We have the power of Jesus to help us overcome it all.
~ by Katara Patton
__________________
Reflect & Pray:
• What challenges do you need help to overcome today?
• How can focusing on Jesus’ power in overcoming life’s trials and troubles encourage you?
"Dear Jesus, thank You for the reminder that You’ve overcome the world! Please help me to rely on Your power to handle the ups and downs of life. Amen."
__________________
Scripture Insight:
John 13-17, commonly known as the "Upper Room Discourse", contains a detailed recounting of what took place as Jesus shared His last Passover meal with His disciples. In the upper room, Christ revealed a great deal about His own mission, His relationship to the Father, and particularly what would happen in the next few hours of His life. He predicted both His betrayal by Judas (13:18-30) and Peter’s denial (13:31-38). Perhaps most significantly, Jesus told His disciples that He’d be going away and returning to the Father, but He would send a Comforter, the Holy Spirit (14:25-27). Amid stress and turmoil, Christ offered comfort. He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (16:33).
~ by J.R. Hudberg
https://odb.org/2024/09/21/the-ups-and-downs-of-life
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Thank you for the discussion topic plugger.
My thoughts: those that "practice such deeds" have never accepted God’s gift of salvation.
Beginning with Romans 1 verse 18, the passage that leads up to the verse you shared (v32), the Holy Spirit, through Paul, begins by calling out that all unbelievers have no excuse:
”18 For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, 19 since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse. 21 For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened."
I believe that God designed within mankind’s DNA the desire to seek Him, and thus at some point in every human beings existence on Earth, He will stir that piece of Him in each of us that triggers our knowledge of God, and at that point we can either acknowledge (Him) and accept (repent), or dis-acknowledge (Him) and reject (my will - not His). Thankfully, God allows us until our last breath to acknowledge and accept Him through the sacrificial death and resurrection of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Then beginning in verse 26 God allows others to seek their own destruction:
”26 This is why God delivered them over to degrading passions. For even their females exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 The males in the same way also left natural relations with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty of their error. 28 And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong."
There are many “Christian” fellowships that promote this lifestyle, and even twist scripture that deceives many into believing that God is okay with it; and I believe that it can be any sin that a man or woman has decided within their own mind is acceptable to God.
“29 Many are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful."
Leading up to the verse that you shared:
”32 Although they know full well God’s just sentence — that those who practice such things deserve to die — they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them."
I believe what determines someone being “saved” or “not saved” is in the key words “who practice such things” in the verse that you shared. If we have truly accepted God’s grace, then we will not desire to sin against God, and will not “practice such things” that go against Scripture, and, an abomination to God.
"There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet that make haste to do wrong, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble amongst brethren.” ~ Proverbs 6:16-19
Hopefully, I didn’t wander too far from your original topic 😃
Have a great day, and may God bless you and yours!
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Perfectly Loved – Rachael Lampa (feat. TobyMac) [Lyric Video]
God’s Patient Love
"He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick; He will faithfully bring justice.” – Isaiah 42:3
(Listen online here: https://dzxuyknqkmi1e.cloudfront.net/odb/2024/09/odb-09-18-24.mp3)
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7
When I give our beautiful, fluffy Norwegian Forest cat, Mystique, belly rubs and play with her, or when she falls asleep on my lap in the evening, it’s sometimes hard to believe that she’s the same cat we met years ago. Mystique used to live on the streets, underweight and fearful of everyone. But that gradually changed as I started putting out food for her each day. One day she finally let me pet her, and the rest is history.
Mystique’s transformation is a reminder of the healing that can come with patience and love. It reminds me of God’s heart as described in Isaiah 42. There, we’re told of a coming servant filled with His Spirit (v. 1), who would tirelessly and “in faithfulness” work to establish God’s “justice on earth” (vv. 3-4).
But that servant — Jesus (Matthew 12:18-20) — wouldn’t bring God’s justice through violence or pursuit of power. Instead, He’d be quiet and gentle (Isaiah 42:2), tenderly and patiently caring for those discarded by others — those “bruised” and wounded (v. 3).
God never gives up on His children. He has all the time in the world to care for our wounded hearts, until they finally begin to heal. Through His gentle, patient love we gradually learn to love and trust once more.
~ by Monica La Rose
__________________
Reflect & Pray:
• How have you seen transformation through patient love?
• How can you grow in experiencing and sharing God’s love?
"Dear God, thank You for never giving up on me and for patiently loving and caring for my wounded heart. Please help me love others with that same patient love. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen."
__________________
Scripture Insight:
Isaiah 42:1-7 is an encouraging passage in the prophetic writings. It contains images and metaphors that reveal the patient and loving nature of the “servant” of God (v. 1). The servant of God is the one who carries out His mission of redemption and restoration. But we also see the split identity of the servant. Verses 1-4 are commonly understood to refer to a single individual, the predicted Messiah, fulfilled in the person of Jesus. Some commentators believe that verses 5-7 turn from an individual servant to a corporate servant, the nation of Israel, who will be “a light for the Gentiles” (v. 6). Both passages describe the same gracious God whose servant(s) doesn’t “crush the weakest reed” (v. 3) and who can “open the eyes of the blind” (v. 7).
~ by J.R. Hudberg
https://odb.org/2024/09/18/gods-patient-love
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As It Should Be
“So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil.” – 1 Kings 3:9
Life on the plains has one very subtle but important difference when compared to life in the valley or on the mountaintops. When we are suffering or ecstatic, there is an extraordinary element to our circumstance. We try to avoid the extremely hurtful situations and long for the ones that make us feel extremely good.
The plains have a different feel. They are quite ordinary. It is how life is. This is both the great benefit of the plains and the great danger. The benefit comes when we understand that ordinary life is life as it should be. It is a life of responsibility and choices.
Discernment is the key for navigation in the plains. Our perspective determines whether we fall asleep on this terrain or are most awakened.
When our discernment is miscalibrated, we think our circumstances determine our happiness, and perhaps need to change. We think we can’t serve or choose or love unless we get to the mountains.
When our discernment is aligned to the true North, we are able to perceive that life on the plains is an incredible opportunity. Living by faith when the routines of life inform us that we are in control is a great challenge. To have a judging heart in order to discern the good opportunities of the day rather than succumb to the evils of apathy. It is in embracing and succeeding in this challenge that some of our greatest blessings can be found.
________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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We Are Messengers - Image of God (Official Lyric Video)
The God to Whom We Pray
~ As we grow in relationship with our heavenly Father, our requests become bolder.
Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 1:1-11
Nehemiah demonstrates the power of prayer. As a servant to the king of Persia, he had no right to request leave to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, much less to requisition materials and protection. Yet knowing the God to whom he prayed, Nehemiah did not hesitate to act boldly and ask the king for assistance.
His prayer began, “Please, LORD God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:5). LORD, when capitalized this way, means the One “who is eternal in His being” — in other words, Jehovah. When God makes a promise, He knows how He’ll keep it. That’s why Nehemiah called Him “the great and awesome God, who keeps the covenant.”
Another Hebrew name for God is “Elohim", meaning “He who is sovereign.” This name refers to the Creator and speaks of His omnipotence. He spoke the world into being, so Nehemiah knew He was more than able to provide all that was needed.
The Bible contains many other names for God, such as “Adonai" (“master”), "Jehovah-Jireh" (“provider”), and "Jehovah-Rapha" (“healer”). Since the Hebrew language is precise, it can help us to better know who the Lord is. Then, we’ll confidently turn to Him in any situation: When we need solace, we call upon the God of comfort; in our confusion, we have the God who teaches.
Always remember, the way we view God impacts how we pray.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-god-to-whom-we-pray-2
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Two Kinds of Understanding
“By faith we understand that the universe was created by God’s command [Word], so that what is seen has been made from things that are not visible.” – Hebrews 11:3
There are two kinds of understanding talked about throughout Scripture:
The first is a kind of spiritual wisdom, which we are implored to pursue. Though it cost all you have, gain understanding.
“Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” ~ Proverbs 4:7
The second is a kind of worldly perspective we are taught to set aside. Do not lean on your own understanding.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” ~ Proverbs 3:5
One of the great challenges in a life of faith is living in the tension of these two kinds of understanding. How do we do our best with what we know while embracing the reality that we do not comprehend it all? How do we see while trusting in the unseen?
The answer is a bit like riding a bicycle. We don’t really understand gravity, but we believe it. The key to using the reality of gravity as an ally while propelling ourselves forward to a destination of our choosing is to hold the tension.
In the spiritual realm, this balance comes through faith. Pursue wisdom. Ask God. Do so in wisdom and humility.
Faith, in the end, is not about us “figuring it out”, but about who we trust. In the midst of our pain, we are forced to wrestle with understanding. St. Anselm rightly said “I believe in order to understand.” All human understanding is founded on some sort of faith. Our ultimate foundation should be faith in Jesus. In the tension of our capacity and our incapacity, we are presented with the most important question of our lives – in whom do we trust?
______________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Just A Little
“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” ~ Matthew 17:20
When the professional baseball player is interviewed after hitting the game winning home run it is notable how often their response is something like “I was just trying to put a good swing on the ball.” It is equally common to hear an announcer say “And he strikes out, it looked like he was trying to get it back all at once”. When we do the little things, big things often come. But when we try to make big things happen, we often get nothing.
When it comes to the power of our faith, we can become obsessed with hitting home-runs. We focus on a particular outcome. But that is not faith. Faith is trusting God to determine the outcomes. Faith is doing our part and being willing to accept the result. Jesus illustrated this in a graphic way in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He was being personally crushed like an olive in a press, He prayed three times that the cup be removed. But He accepted “no” as an answer, and went to the cross.
Being faithful in our everyday choices is like “putting a good swing on the ball.” It is easy to not see this kind of faithfulness as valuable. But life is a team sport. When we play our role faithfully, we are advancing the Kingdom.
__________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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The Blessings of Loyalty
~ A decision to serve and love often comes with sacrifice, but it is always rewarded by God.
Scripture Reading: Ruth 4:9-17
Ruth’s remarkable loyalty is what earned her a place in both the Bible and the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17). Ruth is an example of faithfulness — she willingly adjusted her own life to meet the needs of her mother-in-law Naomi.
With no family left to care for her and no neighbors who shared her faith in God, Naomi found herself in a foreign land, far from the comfort of a familiar community. During that dark time, Ruth — her son’s widow — sacrificed everything to stay by Naomi’s side. The younger woman even chose to move to a foreign country and to worship Naomi’s God.
Ruth was undoubtedly aware of the risks involved in casting her lot with another woman in a male-dominated society, but she did so without hesitation. And her commitment did not end when they arrived in Israel. It was Ruth who kept the two women fed. And it was Ruth, under Naomi’s tutelage, who made an alliance with Boaz that secured their future.
Ruth sacrificed mightily for her mother-in-law, and as a result, God blessed her greatly. He loved her and gave her a husband, a home, and a child. Moreover, Ruth is counted among the ancestors of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. What an awesome testimony of the blessings bestowed on a loyal heart.
_________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/the-blessings-of-loyalty
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Egypt - Bethel Music, Cory Asbury [Live]
Developing Godly Habits
~ God blesses those who persevere, working hard to carry out His will.
Picture this: In a field nestled among rolling hills, a hardworking farmer toils day after day, sowing seeds and nurturing tender plants. From dawn till dusk, he tends to the crops, knowing that lazy hands yield no harvest. With unwavering faith and persistence, the farmer trusts that the output of labor will be rewarded.
Proverbs 10:4 tells us, “Poor is one who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” This proverb is about more than material wealth; it speaks to the richness of a diligent life. As a bountiful harvest results from industrious labor, so our life is shaped by our habits — the choices we make day after day.
Through prayer and obedience, we align ourselves with God’s plans instead of our own. This is how we cultivate habits grounded in His Word. This kind of diligence goes hand in hand with stewardship of our time, talents, relationships, and resources. Wisely using such things for God’s glory will bring a good return for His kingdom.
Let us prayerfully evaluate our habits:
• Are we using our time purposefully?
• Are we nurturing relationships that honor God?
• Are we faithfully stewarding our resources?
Seek God’s guidance and make intentional choices that align with His will.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/
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Grafted into God’s Family
"You, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others.” ~ Romans 11:17
Scripture Reading: Romans 11:11-24
During a visit with my father to his beloved Ecuador a few years ago, we visited the family farm where he grew up. I noticed a group of strange trees. My dad explained that when he was feeling mischievous as a boy, he would take a discarded branch from one fruit tree, make slits in a different kind of fruit tree, and tie the loose branch to the trunk like he saw the grownups do. His pranks went unnoticed until those trees started bearing different fruit than expected.
As my dad described the process of engrafting, I got a picture of what it means for us to be grafted into God’s family. I know my late father is in heaven because he was grafted into God’s family through faith in Jesus.
We can have the assurance of eventually being in heaven as well. The apostle Paul explained to the believers in Rome that God made a way for gentiles, or non-Jews, to be reconciled with Himself: “You, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root” (Romans 11:17). When we put our faith in Christ, we’re grafted in with Him and become part of God’s family. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5).
Similar to engrafted trees, when we place our trust in Christ, we become a new creation and can bear much fruit.
~ by Nancy Gavilanes
Discover more about the fruits we can bear when we trust God.
___________________
Reflect & Pray:
• How does it feel to know you can be grafted into God’s family?
• How can you bear good fruit for Christ?
"Dear God, thank You for loving me and accepting me into Your family. Amen."
___________________
Scripture Insight:
In Romans 11, we read about gentiles being “grafted” into the family of God (vv. 17-24). Because of the Jewish people’s “transgression” — rejection of the gospel — “salvation has come to the Gentiles” (v. 11). Their rejection opened the way for gentiles to also receive God’s grace. That doesn’t mean that God has rejected the Jews. There will always be a believing remnant. And many have already placed their trust in Jesus the Messiah for forgiveness of sin. Paul says that the Jews would be envious of gentile believers enjoying God’s blessings. This would cause them to also desire these blessings and come to faith in Christ (see vv. 11, 14).
~ by Alyson Kieda
https://odb.org/2024/09/17/grafted-into-gods-family
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Built on Christ
"You are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple.” ~ 1 Peter 2:5
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-10
We have all sorts of names for groups of animals. No doubt you’ve heard of a “flock" of sheep, a “herd" of cattle, or even a “gaggle" of geese. But some names may surprise you. A group of crows is called a “murder". How about a “congregation" of alligators, or a “crash" of rhinoceroses? Have you heard of a "building of rooks" (Eurasian crows)?
Building, in fact, is one of the names in the Bible for believers in Jesus. “You are . . . God’s building,” wrote the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 3:9). There are other names for believers as well: “the flock” (Acts 20:28), “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27), “brothers and sisters” (1 Thessalonians 2:14), and more.
The building metaphor recurs in 1 Peter 2:5, as Peter tells the church, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.” Then, in verse 6, Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone.” Jesus is the very foundation of His building.
We may have the sense that it’s our job to build the church, but Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). We’re chosen by God to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). As we declare those praises, we become instruments in His hands as He does His good work.
~ by Bill Crowder
___________________
Reflect & Pray:
• What does it mean for Jesus to build His church?
• How can you participate in that work?
"Dear God, forgive me for the times I think it’s all about me. Please use me to serve You and love others as You build Your church. In Jesus’ name, amen."
___________________
Scripture Insight:
The apostle Peter describes believers in Jesus this way: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). He wasn’t the only New Testament writer to utilize the building metaphor. In fact, Paul uses that imagery multiple times in Ephesians alone. In Ephesians 2:21-22 we read, “In Christ the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.” God crafts His people into a “building” — a “spiritual house” — which is His dwelling place. Not only is this true of believers in Jesus collectively, it’s also the case for individual believers. The apostle also wrote: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
~ by Bill Crowder
https://odb.org/2024/09/16/built-on-christ
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Responding to Conflict
~ When criticism comes your way, pause to ask for God's wisdom before replying.
Scripture Verse:
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but a person slow to anger calms strife.” ~ Proverbs 15:18
When conflict occurs, what should our response be? Turning to the Lord in prayer is always the best way to respond in a crisis. By doing so, we can ask Him to provide …
1. Spiritual discernment: God knows and perfectly understands the source of the problem — and He can enable us to comprehend it, too. With the Spirit’s assistance, we will gain insight into the situation.
2. A quiet spirit: Our human nature will want to react quickly so we can defend ourselves or stand up for what we think is right. But before we act, it’s important to deliberately focus our attention on God and experience the inner peace that He promises:
“I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” ~ John 14:27
3. Wisdom: The Lord told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would give them wise words to say (Luke 12:11-12). And He’ll do that for us as well. If we are tempted to speak hastily, we should ask the Spirit for guidance and the words to speak (Psalm 141:3).
God has called us to represent Him in every situation the same way Christ did — by depending on the heavenly Father. Next time someone speaks critically to you, focus your heart on God and let Him direct your response.
__________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/responding-to-conflict-2
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John Whitehead's Commentary:
Overthrowing the Constitution: All Sides Are Waging War on Our Freedoms.
“We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
It is both apt and ironic that the anniversary of 9/11, which paved the way for the government to overthrow the Constitution, occurs the week before the anniversary of the day the U.S. Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787.
All sides are still waging war on our constitutional freedoms, and “we the people” remain the biggest losers.
This year’s presidential election is no exception.
As Bruce Fein, the former associate deputy attorney general under President Ronald Reagan, warns in a recent article in the Baltimore Sun, “In November, the American people will have a choice between Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance. But they will not have a choice between an Empire and a Republic.”
In other words, the candidates on this year’s ballot do not represent a substantive choice between freedom and tyranny so much as they constitute a cosmetic choice: the packaging may vary widely, but the contents remain the same.
No matter who wins, the bureaucratic minions of the Security/Military Industrial Complex and its Police State/Deep State partners will retain their stranglehold on power.
Neither Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris have the greatest of track records when it comes to actually respecting the rights enshrined in the Constitution, despite the rhetoric being trotted out by both sides lately regarding their so-called devotion to the rule of law.
Indeed, Trump has repeatedly called for parts of the Constitution to be terminated, while both Harris and Trump seem to view the First Amendment’s assurance of the right to free speech, political expression and protest as dangerous when used to challenge the government’s power.
This flies in the face of everything America’s founders fought to safeguard.
Those who gave us the Constitution and the Bill of Rights believed that the government exists at the behest of its citizens. It is there to protect, defend and even enhance our freedoms, not violate them.
Unfortunately, although the Bill of Rights was adopted as a means of protecting the people against government tyranny, in America today, the government does whatever it wants, freedom be damned.
In the 23 years since the USA Patriot Act — a massive 342-page wish list of expanded powers for the FBI and CIA — was rammed through Congress in the wake of the so-called 9/11 terror attacks, it has snowballed into the eradication of every vital safeguard against government overreach, corruption and abuse.
The Patriot Act drove a stake through the heart of the Bill of Rights, violating at least six of the ten original amendments — the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Amendments — and possibly the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments, as well.
The Patriot Act also redefined terrorism so broadly that many non-terrorist political activities such as protest marches, demonstrations and civil disobedience are now considered potential terrorist acts, thereby rendering anyone desiring to engage in protected First Amendment expressive activities as suspects of the surveillance state.
The Patriot Act justified broader domestic surveillance, the logic being that if government agents knew more about each American, they could distinguish the terrorists from law-abiding citizens — no doubt a reflexive impulse shared by small-town police and federal agents alike.
This, according to Washington Post reporter Robert O’Harrow, Jr., was a fantasy that “had been brewing in the law enforcement world for a long time.” And 9/11 provided the government with the perfect excuse for conducting far-reaching surveillance and collecting mountains of information on even the most law-abiding citizen.
Federal agents and police officers are now authorized to conduct covert black bag “sneak-and-peak” searches of homes and offices while you are away and confiscate your personal property without first notifying you of their intent or their presence.
The law also granted the FBI the right to come to your place of employment, demand your personal records and question your supervisors and fellow employees, all without notifying you; allowed the government access to your medical records, school records and practically every personal record about you; and allowed the government to secretly demand to see records of books or magazines you’ve checked out in any public library and Internet sites you’ve visited (at least 545 libraries received such demands in the first year following passage of the Patriot Act).
In the name of fighting terrorism, government officials are now permitted to monitor religious and political institutions with no suspicion of criminal wrongdoing; prosecute librarians or keepers of any other records if they tell anyone that the government has subpoenaed information related to a terror investigation; monitor conversations between attorneys and clients; search and seize Americans’ papers and effects without showing probable cause; and jail Americans indefinitely without a trial, among other things.
The federal government has also made liberal use of its post-9/11 powers, especially through the use (and abuse) of the nefarious national security letters, which allow the FBI to demand personal customer records from Internet Service Providers, financial institutions and credit companies at the mere say-so of the government agent in charge of a local FBI office and without prior court approval.
In fact, since 9/11, we’ve been spied on by surveillance cameras, eavesdropped on by government agents, had our belongings searched, our phones tapped, our mail opened, our email monitored, our opinions questioned, our purchases scrutinized (under the USA Patriot Act, banks are required to analyze your transactions for any patterns that raise suspicion and to see if you are connected to any objectionable people), and our activities watched.
We’re also being subjected to invasive pat-downs and whole-body scans of our persons and seizures of our electronic devices in the nation’s airports. We can’t even purchase certain cold medicines at the pharmacy anymore without it being reported to the government and our names being placed on a watch list.
In this way, “we the people” continue to be terrorized, traumatized, and tricked into a semi-permanent state of compliance by a government that cares nothing for our lives or our liberties.
The bogeyman’s names and faces have changed over time (terrorism, the war on drugs, illegal immigration, a viral pandemic, and more to come), but the end result remains the same: in the so-called name of national security, the Constitution has been steadily chipped away at, undermined, eroded, whittled down, and generally discarded with the support of Congress, the White House, and the courts.
A recitation of the Bill of Rights — set against a backdrop of government surveillance, militarized police, SWAT team raids, asset forfeiture, eminent domain, over-criminalization, armed surveillance drones, whole body scanners, stop and frisk searches, vaccine mandates, lockdowns, and the like (all sanctioned by Congress, the White House, and the courts) — would understandably sound more like a eulogy to freedoms lost than an affirmation of rights we truly possess.
What we are left with today is but a shadow of the robust document adopted more than two centuries ago. Sadly, most of the damage has been inflicted upon the Bill of Rights.
Here is what it means to live in a permanent state of crisis with our freedoms locked down:
The First Amendment is supposed to protect the freedom to speak your mind, assemble and protest nonviolently without being bridled by the government. It also protects the freedom of the media, as well as the right to worship and pray without interference. In other words, Americans should not be silenced by the government. To the founders, all of America was a free speech zone.
Despite the clear protections found in the First Amendment, the freedoms described therein are under constant assault. Increasingly, Americans are being persecuted for exercising their First Amendment rights and speaking out against government corruption. Activists are being arrested and charged for daring to film police officers engaged in harassment or abusive practices. Journalists are being prosecuted for reporting on whistleblowers. States are passing legislation to muzzle reporting on cruel and abusive corporate practices. Religious ministries are being fined for attempting to feed and house the homeless. Protesters are being tear-gassed, beaten, arrested and forced into “free speech zones.” And under the guise of “government speech,” the courts have reasoned that the government can discriminate freely against any First Amendment activity that takes place within a so-called government forum.
The Second Amendment was intended to guarantee “the right of the people to keep and bear arms.” Essentially, this amendment was intended to give the citizenry the means to resist tyrannical government. Yet while gun ownership has been recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court as an individual citizen right, Americans remain powerless to defend themselves against red flag gun laws, militarized police, SWAT team raids, and government agencies armed to the teeth with military weapons better suited to the battlefield.
The Third Amendment reinforces the principle that civilian-elected officials are superior to the military by prohibiting the military from entering any citizen’s home without “the consent of the owner.” With the police increasingly training like the military, acting like the military, and posing as military forces — complete with heavily armed SWAT teams, military weapons, assault vehicles, etc. — it is clear that we now have what the founders feared most — a standing army on American soil.
The Fourth Amendment prohibits government agents from conducting surveillance on you or touching you or encroaching on your private property unless they have evidence that you’re up to something criminal. In other words, the Fourth Amendment ensures privacy and bodily integrity. Unfortunately, the Fourth Amendment has suffered the greatest damage in recent years and has been all but eviscerated by an unwarranted expansion of governmental police powers that include strip searches and even anal and vaginal searches of citizens, surveillance (corporate and otherwise), and intrusions justified in the name of fighting terrorism, as well as the outsourcing of otherwise illegal activities to private contractors.
The Fifth Amendment and the Sixth Amendment work in tandem. These amendments supposedly ensure that you are innocent until proven guilty, and government authorities cannot deprive you of your life, your liberty or your property without the right to an attorney and a fair trial before a civilian judge. However, in the new suspect society in which we live, where surveillance is the norm, these fundamental principles have been upended. Certainly, if the government can arbitrarily freeze, seize or lay claim to your property (money, land or possessions) under government asset forfeiture schemes, you have no true rights.
The Seventh Amendment guarantees citizens the right to a jury trial. Yet when the populace has no idea of what’s in the Constitution — civic education has virtually disappeared from most school curriculums — that inevitably translates to an ignorant jury incapable of distinguishing justice and the law from their own preconceived notions and fears. However, as a growing number of citizens are coming to realize, the power of the jury to nullify the government’s actions — and thereby help balance the scales of justice — is not to be underestimated. Jury nullification reminds the government that “we the people” retain the power to ultimately determine what laws are just.
The Eighth Amendment is similar to the Sixth in that it is supposed to protect the rights of the accused and forbid the use of cruel and unusual punishment. However, the Supreme Court’s determination that what constitutes “cruel and unusual” should be dependent on the “evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society” leaves us with little protection in the face of a society lacking in morals altogether.
The Ninth Amendment provides that other rights not enumerated in the Constitution are nonetheless retained by the people. Popular sovereignty — the belief that the power to govern flows upward from the people rather than downward from the rulers — is clearly evident in this amendment. However, it has since been turned on its head by a centralized federal government that sees itself as supreme and which continues to pass more and more laws that restrict our freedoms under the pretext that it has an “important government interest” in doing so.
As for the Tenth Amendment’s reminder that the people and the states retain every authority that is not otherwise mentioned in the Constitution, that assurance of a system of government in which power is divided among local, state and national entities has long since been rendered moot by the centralized Washington, DC, power elite — the president, Congress and the courts.
Thus, if there is any sense to be made from this recitation of freedoms lost, it is simply this: our individual freedoms have been eviscerated so that the government’s powers could be expanded.
It was no idle happenstance that the Constitution opens with these three powerful words: “We the people.” As the Preamble proclaims:
We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this CONSTITUTION for the United States of America.
In other words, it’s our job to make the government play by the rules of the Constitution.
We are supposed to be the masters and they — the government and its agents — are the servants.
We the American people — the citizenry — are supposed to be the arbiters and ultimate guardians of America’s welfare, defense, liberty, laws and prosperity.
Still, it’s hard to be a good citizen if you don’t know anything about your rights or how the government is supposed to operate.
As the National Review rightly asks, “How can Americans possibly make intelligent and informed political choices if they don’t understand the fundamental structure of their government? American citizens have the right to self-government, but it seems that we increasingly lack the capacity for it.”
Americans are constitutionally illiterate.
Most citizens have little, if any, knowledge about their basic rights. And our educational system does a poor job of teaching the basic freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Teachers and school administrators do not fare much better. A study conducted by the Center for Survey Research and Analysis found that one educator in five was unable to name any of the freedoms in the First Amendment.
Government leaders and politicians are also ill-informed. Although they take an oath to uphold, support and defend the Constitution against “enemies foreign and domestic,” their lack of education about our fundamental rights often causes them to be enemies of the Bill of Rights.
So, what’s the solution?
Thomas Jefferson recognized that a citizenry educated on “their rights, interests, and duties” is the only real assurance that freedom will survive.
From the President on down, anyone taking public office should have a working knowledge of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and should be held accountable for upholding their precepts. One way to ensure this would be to require government leaders to take a course on the Constitution and pass a thorough examination thereof before being allowed to take office.
Some critics are advocating that students pass the United States citizenship exam in order to graduate from high school. Others recommend that it must be a prerequisite for attending college. I’d go so far as to argue that students should have to pass the citizenship exam before graduating from grade school.
Here’s an idea to get educated and take a stand for freedom: anyone who signs up to become a member of The Rutherford Institute gets a wallet-sized Bill of Rights card and a Know Your Rights card. Use this card to teach your children the freedoms found in the Bill of Rights.
A healthy, representative government is hard work. It takes a citizenry that is informed about the issues, educated about how the government operates, and willing to do more than grouse and complain.
As I point out in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, “we the people” have the power to make and break the government.
The powers-that-be want us to remain divided over politics, hostile to those with whom we disagree politically, and intolerant of anyone or anything whose solutions to what ails this country differ from our own. They also want us to believe that our job as citizens begins and ends on Election Day.
Yet there are 330 million of us in this country. Imagine what we could accomplish if we actually worked together, presented a united front, and spoke with one voice.
Tyranny wouldn't stand a chance.
__________________
About John W. Whitehead:
Constitutional attorney and author John W. Whitehead is founder and president of The Rutherford Institute. His most recent books are the best-selling Battlefield America: The War on the American People, the award-winning A Government of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State, and a debut dystopian fiction novel, The Erik Blair Diaries. Whitehead can be contacted at staff@rutherford.org. Nisha Whitehead is the Executive Director of The Rutherford Institute. Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at https://www.rutherford.org.
Publication Guidelines / Reprint Permission:
John W. Whitehead’s weekly commentaries are available for publication to newspapers and web publications at no charge. Please contact staff@rutherford.org to obtain reprint permission.
https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/overthrowing_the_constitution_all_sides_are_waging_war_on_our_freedoms
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Solitude with Emmanuel
~ May you be encouraged and motivated today to get truly alone with the Father in these days.
One of the greatest privileges of the Christian faith is solitude with God. Engaging in solitude with our Creator is a life-giving celebration of His heart. Our God isn’t after what we can do for Him. He’s all about being with His people in restored, unhindered relationship.
Isaiah 7:14 prophesies about the birth of Christ saying:
“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Immanuel means, “God with us.” How amazing is it that the King of heaven and earth would desire to be called “God with us” and that our Creator would want to be known as one who would write Himself into the story of His creation in such a way as to be tangibly, truly present.
When we take time to get alone with the Father apart from any other agenda, to simply open our hearts and be with Him, we declare to ourselves and to God that our lives are centered around Him. When we make space to hold off on questions (and reading, learning, and growing) to simply rest in His nearness, we discover that God is far better and far more loving than we ever could have guessed [or imagined].
Solitude with God is a place of abundant joy. It’s a place of peace and encounter that no other spiritual discipline can bring. It’s a source of perspective and freedom in times typically marked by frivolous pursuits and stress. And it’s a cornerstone of Christian spirituality: a pursuit of God that casts aside every ulterior motive to simply and purely be with God.
John 1:14 says:
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
The heart of Jesus is marked by grace and truth. He sees you as you are. He knows exactly what you need. Take time to discover the grace of God to speak to you as you simply open your heart and listen. Trust in His perfect love and leadership by sitting at His feet and letting Him say everything, or nothing at all. Fix your eyes on Jesus today and enjoy the simplicity of solitude.
May your heart be filled with peace and joy as you encounter Emmanuel, God with us.
One of the greatest markers in my life for how I’m doing, is how consistently I am getting time to simply enjoy God. Loving and being loved by God is foundational to every other aspect of the Christian life. It’s only in experiencing God’s love that I can effectively love others. It’s only in enjoying God that I am able to fully enjoy family and friends. Sometimes the simplest of things are the most powerful. May your heart be light today as you find joy in the simplicity of solitude with God.
_________________
~ from an article by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/
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Confronting Conflict
~ Painful disagreements are a part of living in this world — how we respond matters.
Scripture Reading: Galatians 2:16-21
The Scriptures record many instances of conflict — between nations, among friends, and in families — and we see the same things today. While fighting, people can say harsh, unfair words. Their accusations often create turmoil and emotional pain. But the way we respond to such aggressiveness is determined by what we believe.
To start with, we should remind ourselves of two things:
• First, God has the power to work our painful times into something beneficial.
• And second, our caring heavenly Father always remains by our side. He understands what we’re experiencing and will walk with us through it.
God’s Word proclaims His sovereignty over nature (Psalm 135:6), government (Job 12:23), and mankind (Acts 17:25). When we believe in His sovereign rule, our perspective on hard times changes. Then, instead of responding with fear or resentment, we will turn to Him in prayer and ask for guidance.
In the world, conflict is inevitable. When something we’ve done is the source of the turmoil, we should apologize. If others are at fault, we should forgive. As Christ’s ambassadors, the way we respond really matters.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/confronting-conflict-2
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Good Word for the day plugger!
Blanca & Dante Bowe - The Healing (Official Lyric Video)
Out of The Storm
“Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: ‘Who is this that obscures My plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’” ~ Job 38:1-3
After all Job has been through, the Lord finally speaks. And he speaks "out of the storm".
For any of us who are hurting, who are experiencing loss or confusion or pain, we can relate to the story of Job. We can relate to unhelpful solutions from well-meaning friends trying to solve our problem. We can relate to uncertainty and angst.
The hope of pain is that if we can relate to Job’s circumstances and his suffering, perhaps we can relate to his hope.
In the midst of the storm, the LORD speaks. He calls down to us. Even if it produces conviction. Even if it is rhetorical. Even if it adds to the confusion. Even in the midst of all these things, there is comfort in the LORD’s voice. Truth in the turmoil. Stability in the storm.
Like an outstanding coach that is hardest on his best player, God uses difficulty to call Job to a higher place. This interaction with God does not make Job happy, or comfortable. This interaction with God causes Job to see God as he has never seen Him before. Through immense difficulty, a door opens to the greatest of treasures.
Job-like circumstances show up every day. We are threatened with pain and apathy and falsity. But in the midst of the storm, the LORD speaks.
_________________
~ published by: Yellow Balloons
https://yellowballoons.net
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Good Congee
"He went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him.” ~ 2 Kings 5:14
Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 9-14
Jocelyn’s bestselling dish at her food stall was her congee. She’d stir the rice porridge very carefully until it had a smooth consistency. So, she was startled when a regular customer said, “Your congee tastes different. The texture isn’t as fine.”
Jocelyn’s new assistant had prepared it this time and explained why it was different: “I didn’t stir it as long as the recipe said since that’s how I do it at home. I also added more sesame oil. In my opinion, it tastes better that way.” She had decided to ignore the recipe and do it her way instead.
This is how I sometimes respond to God’s instructions. Instead of fully obeying His commands as given in Scripture, I subject them to my opinions and proceed my way.
Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, was on the verge of making a similar mistake. On receiving God’s instruction through the prophet Elisha to wash himself in the Jordan so his leprosy would be healed, the proud soldier got angry. He had his own expectations for how his need ought to be addressed, believing his opinion was superior to God’s command. His servants, however, convinced him to listen to Elisha’s words. As a result, Naaman was healed.
When we do things God’s way, we experience a peace that’s indescribable. Let’s work with Him in fulfilling His purposes.
~ by Karen Huang
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Reflect & Pray:
• How do you allow your opinions to compromise your obedience to God?
• How does this affect His work in your life?
"Dear God, please help me to obey You in full, for Your command far surpasses my opinion. Amen"
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Scripture Insight:
What we see of Naaman in 2 Kings 5 is a reminder of our human propensity for “self-salvation strategies” — self-styled plans to improve ourselves, our status with others, and even with God Himself. While there’s nothing wrong with general self-improvement, we can only have a right relationship with God by accepting Christ’s sacrifice as the payment for our sin. We can’t allow pride, self-righteousness, and worldly wisdom to get in the way. Acts 16:30-31 says, “‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.’”
~ by Arthur Jackson
https://odb.org/2024/09/14/good-congee
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