Robert Lloyd Russell's Blog, page 39
January 1, 2021
New Years Day – 2021
~ You Decide! ~
The Choice ~ Everyone of us can choose how spiritually profitable 2021 will be!
Quote ~ “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” (Brad Paisley)
Recommendation ~ One of the greatest personal disciplines I have found during my decades as a Christian is to start the day, every day, with a few moments of reflection on the Cross of Calvary. This habit keeps everything in proper perspective and I highly recommend the habit to each of you.
Scripture ~ “I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation. … This is the day the Lord has made; we will be glad and rejoice in it” (Psalm 118:21, 24),
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
* * * * *
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December 31, 2020
Next Year 2021
~ What Does 2021 Hold For You? ~
The Sage Says ~ I hope we don’t look back at 2020 as “the good old days”!
A Good Outlook ~ Jim Elliot said it well: “As the church and her people walk confidently into the New Year I pray that the Lord might crown this year with His goodness and in the coming one give you a hallowed dare-devil spirit in lifting the biting sword of Truth, consuming you with a passion that is called by the cultured citizen of Christendom ‘fanaticism,’ but known to God as that saintly madness that led His Son through bloody sweat and hot tears to agony on a rude Cross—and Glory!”
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
Be an insider! Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
NOTES :
(1) The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2) There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3) You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.
(4) You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.
December 30, 2020
Bible Mystery, 16of17
~ The Mystery of The Seven Stars & Seven Golden Lampstands ~
Introduction ~ Do you love a good mystery? If so, then you should love reading the Bible. The Scriptures are full of good mysteries! An important factor to keep in mind when exploring Biblical mysteries is that the word mystery in Scripture has a root meaning of previously withheld. Biblical mysteries were previously unexplained—but now are revealed to God’s immediate family.
Scripture ~ Jesus said, “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches” (Revelation 1:20).
Comment ~ This is a tougher passage to accurately discern. In fact, we always need to be careful when interpreting future prophecies. This was revealed to only John, the Beloved Apostle. The seven stars are further described as seven angels of the seven churches of Asia – which represent the Church as a whole. Perhaps the angels here are the pastors of those seven churches.
The Bottom Line ~ Will you study the Word of God and apply it to your life? Or will you waste your time on earth and the many opportunities which God gives to you. The mysteries of Scripture are revealed to the children of God who seek to please Him. As you comprehend the mysteries contained in the Word of God you will possess understanding and wisdom with regard to current world events. Time is short, if you are not already on God’s side, I urge you to climb on board before it is forever too late.
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
Be an insider! Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
NOTES :
(1) The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2) There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3) You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.
(4) You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.
December 29, 2020
Spiritual Gifts, 5
~ Grace Gifts Overview ~
Opening Comment ~ “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:16-18).
Grace Gift Listing ~ While this is not a complete list of grace gifts it is a somewhat useful list for discussion purposes.
Grace Gifts ~ “…the grace of life…” (1 Peter 3:7).
First Birth: LIFE
~~ General Grace Gifts: NATURAL ABILITIES
~~~~ Physical
~~~~ Intellectual
~~~~ Emotional
~~~~ Social
~~~~ Financial
~~~~ Artistic
Second Birth: LOVE
~~ Spiritual Grace Gifts; SPIRITUAL GIFTS
~~~~ Source
~~~~ Sign
~~~~ Speaking
~~~~ Serving
Closing Comments ~ In our next post we will look a little closer at the Spiritual Gifts sub-categories.
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
Be an insider! Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
NOTES :
(1) The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2) There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3) You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.
(4) You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.
December 28, 2020
Question – Jesus, 72
~ Regarding The Law, 5of5 ~
Introduction ~ This series is about questions involving Jesus. Some were asked by individuals involved with Jesus Christ while He walked on earth. Others are questions that Jesus Christ asked others. We will look at questions on about 130 topics (some may split into two or more posts). Even so, it is far from an exhaustive list.
Scripture ~ “Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, ‘How does this Man know letters, having never studied?’
“Jesus answered them and said, ‘My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?’
“The people answered and said, ‘You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘I did one work, and you all marvel. Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment’” (John 7:10-24).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
Be an insider! Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
NOTES :
(1) The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2) There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3) You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.
(4) You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.
December 27, 2020
God Is My… (Psalms), 43
~ God Is My Savior, 3 ~
Introduction ~ Previously from July 16, 2017 through January 6, 2019 ALN posted a series of 60 posts of “Jesus is…,” and now we look exclusively at who “God is…” from the Book of Psalms. While not a complete list these posts occur are in the same order they are in the Psalms.
Passage ~ “You are my King, O God; command victories for Jacob. Through You we will push down our enemies; through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever” (Psalm 44:4-8).
Prior Passages ~ “I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (Psalm 18:1-3).
“But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him” (Psalm 37:39-40).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
Be an insider! Sign up for his author NEWSLETTERand receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
NOTES:
(1) The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2) There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3) You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.
(4) You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .
December 26, 2020
Myth, 77
~ Today’s Bible Is Unreliable ~
Overview ~ It is true, as many point out, that there are many translations and even paraphrases of the Holy Bible in existence today. But that does not mean they contain a different message.
Reality ~ Words change meaning over time. Some people read easier and often with better comprehension with different writing styles than what others prefer. Today’s mainstream Bible translations are all faithful renderings from the original manuscripts.
Yes, in the past some printer errors have occurred which when found were corrected.
Confidence ~ Any believer who reads a widely accepted mainstream Bible translation with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit can have complete confidence that they are reading the accurate Word of God.
Comment ~ While on earth Jesus Christ was the Living Word of God. Today we use the written Word of God for doctrine, teaching, and inspiration.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 3:16-4:2).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
Be an insider! Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
NOTES :
(1) The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2) There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3) You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.
(4) You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.
December 25, 2020
Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ, 4
~ Consider Critical Differences ~
Location ~ santa claus lives at the North Pole.
Jesus Christ is omnipresent (everywhere at once). “‘Am I a God near at hand,’ says the Lord, ‘And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?’ says the Lord; ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:23-24).
Physical Characteristics ~ santa claus has “a bowl full of jelly.”
Jesus Christ has a heart full of love. “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16).
Availability ~ santa claus is only available once a year.
Jesus Christ is always available and willing to help. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).
Access ~ santa claus enters your home through your chimney.
Jesus Christ is at the door to His Kingdom waiting for your acceptance of His invitation. “Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep… I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture… I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:7, 9, 10b).
Timeliness ~ santa claus requires you to wait in a line to see him.
Jesus Christ is instantly available for those who call upon His name. “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord” (Jeremiah 29:12-14b)
Interaction ~ santa claus allows you to sit on his lap.
Jesus Christ carries you, allows you to rest in His arms, and shelters you. Jesus said, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing” (Luke 15:4-6). “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27a). “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by” (Psalm 57:1).
Intimacy ~ santa claus asks, “And what is your name?”
Jesus Christ knew your name before you were born. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).
Jesus Christ knows all about you—every detail—even how many hairs are on your head. Jesus said, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore” (Luke 12:7a).
Instructions ~ santa claus warns, “You better not cry.”
Jesus Christ asks you to give him all your cares. “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
Movement ~ santa claus rides on a sleigh.
Jesus Christ walks on water. “…the disciples saw Him walking on the sea… those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God’” (Matthew 14:26, 33).
Supplies ~ santa claus fills your stockings with presents and goodies.
Jesus Christ supplies all your needs. “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b)
Builds ~ santa claus requires many little helpers to make gifts.
Jesus Christ personally mends broken homes, wounded hearts, and gives an entirely new life. He is also preparing mansions for us. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). And, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-4).
Offers ~ santa claus says, “Ho, Ho, Ho.”
Jesus Christ is “Holy, Holy, Holy!” (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8).
Gifts ~ santa claus puts gifts under your Christmas tree.
Jesus Christ gave us the gift of salvation by dying on a tree. Jesus said, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:14-17).
santa claus is jolly and chuckles.
Jesus Christ provides a true inner joy which becomes your strength. “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b).
Real vs. Fiction ~ The most important difference of all! Have you ever heard of any wide-spread anti santa claus groups. The reason they don’t exist is they know those are fictional characters. On the other hand, Jesus Christ is attacked because He is real—and to admit He is real has consequences!
additional note ~ If you appreciated this post you might like previous posts entitled “Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ” (December 24, 2015), “Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ, 2” (December 25, 2016), and “Santa Claus vs. Jesus Christ, 3” (December 24, 2017).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
Be an insider! Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
NOTES :
(1) The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2) There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3) You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.
(4) You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.
December 24, 2020
True Peace, 3of4
~ 3 Locations of True Peace ~
Peace In Heaven (Christ my peace) ~ “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:14-28).
Peace On Earth (Christ my pattern) ~ “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth’; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:18-23).
Peace Inside Me (Christ my power) ~ “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He [Jesus Christ] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
Be an insider! Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
NOTES :
(1) The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2) There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3) You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.
(4) You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.
December 23, 2020
Bible Mystery, 15of17
~ The Mystery of The Incarnation ~
Introduction ~ Do you love a good mystery? If so, then you should love reading the Bible. The Scriptures are full of good mysteries! An important factor to keep in mind when exploring Biblical mysteries is that the word mystery in Scripture has a root meaning of previously withheld. Biblical mysteries were previously unexplained—but now are revealed to God’s immediate family.
Scripture ~ “These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:14-16).
Comment ~ The primary issue here is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Born of a virgin, becoming a man, and going on to live a sinless life. “And the Word [Jesus Christ] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, ‘This was He of whom I said, “He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me”.’ And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:14-17).
The Bottom Line ~ Will you study the Word of God and apply it to your life? Or will you waste your time on earth and the many opportunities which God gives to you. The mysteries of Scripture are revealed to the children of God who seek to please Him. As you comprehend the mysteries contained in the Word of God you will possess understanding and wisdom with regard to current world events. Time is short, if you are not already on God’s side, I urge you to climb on board before it is forever too late.
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
Be an insider! Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
NOTES :
(1) The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.
(2) There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.
(3) You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website.
(4) You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.
