Robert Lloyd Russell's Blog, page 49

Fear God, 190

~ Understanding Future Judgment Will Cause A Fear of God ~
God does not want His children living in fear.  “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:2-3).  However, God does want His children to have a proper respect and reverence for Him.  We are told in many places in Scripture to “ fear God .”  
This Week’s Passage  ~  “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.  Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.  Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.  And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:26-31).
Comment  ~  The unbeliever will one day be judged by God for sins and rejection of the provision His Son made for forgiveness of sins.  The believer on the other hand will face God as if they were Jesus Christ with regard for the penalty of their sins.  However, the believer will be judged for their works as a believer.  Either judgment is a “fearful thing.”  However the one case God will be their judge and in the other the Judge is also their loving Father! 
Fearing God Results in Salvation  ~  “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).  “A wise person fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident” (Proverbs 14:16).  This does not mean the Christian is to live a fearful life—but a life which reverences God and seeks to do His will. 
Fearing God Results in Fearlessness  ~  “The Lordis my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lordis the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).  The answer is: only God.  With the gift of salvation comes responsibility.
Fearing God Results in Witnessing  ~  “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul” (Psalm 66:16). 
~ 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/.

Hezekiah’s Revival

~ The Restoration of Temple Worship and the Feast of Passover ~
Introduction  ~  King Hezekiah was raised up by God to rule at a crucial time in history.  He began his reign at the age of 25 and reigned until he was 54.  He did right in the sight of the Lord.
Great Cleansing  ~  “And they gathered their brethren, sanctified themselves, and went according to the commandment of the king, at the words of the Lord, to cleanse the house of the Lord.  Then the priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord to cleanse it, and brought out all the debris that they found in the temple of the Lord to the court of the house of the Lord.  And the Levites took it out and carried it to the Brook Kidron.  Now they began to sanctifyon the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they came to the vestibule of the Lord.  So they sanctified the house of the Lordin eight days, and on the sixteenth day of the first month they finished.  Then they went in to King Hezekiah and said, ‘We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, the altar of burnt offerings with all its articles, and the table of the showbread with all its articles.  Moreover all the articles which King Ahaz in his reign had cast aside in his transgression we have prepared and sanctified; and there they are, before the altar of the Lord’” (2 Chronicles 29:15-19).  …  
Great Sacrifices  ~  … “Then King Hezekiah rose early, gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the Lord.  And they brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats for a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah.  Then he commanded the priests, the sons of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the Lord.  So they killed the bulls, and the priests received the blood and sprinkled it on the altar.  Likewise they killed the rams and sprinkled the blood on the altar.  They also killed the lambs and sprinkled the blood on the altar.  Then they brought out the male goats for the sin offering before the king and the assembly, and they laid their hands on them.  And the priests killed them; and they presented their blood on the altar as a sin offering to make an atonement for all Israel, for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering be made for all Israel” (2 Chronicles 29:20-24).
Great Hindrances  ~  “So the runners passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulun; but they laughed at them and mocked them.  Nevertheless some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 30:10-11). …  
Great Unity  ~  … “Also the hand of God was on Judah to give them singleness of heart to obey the command of the king and the leaders, at the word of the Lord.  Now many people, a very great assembly, gathered at Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month” (2 Chronicles 30:12-13).
Great Joy  ~  “The whole assembly of Judah rejoiced, also the priests and Levites, all the assembly that came from Israel, the sojourners who came from the land of Israel, and those who dwelt in Judah.  So there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 30:26).
Great Blessing  ~  “Then the priests, the Levites, arose and blessed the people, and their voice was heard; and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, to heaven” (2 Chronicles 30:27).  
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
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/.

Bible Mystery, 3of17

~ The Mystery Kept Secret From the Time of Creation  ~             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  ~  “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith — to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.  Amen” (Romans 16:25-27).
Comment  ~  Once again we find something that was hidden — a mystery — which has been revealed in the New Testament.  The key phrase is “now made manifest” which refers to the current period-of-time – the Church age.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached to all the nations of the world.  Today there are obedient believers throughout the world. 
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/.

God’s Gifts, 9of15

~ The Gift of Living Water ~
God’s Gifts Series  ~  God has given mankind many gifts.  In this series we will look at just a few of them.  There are so many aspects of God’s gifts which we regularly receive and give little or no thought to—such as the air we breathe and the light which enables us to see (and the capability to do both). 
Scripture  ~  “Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, ‘How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?’  For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.  Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, “Give Me a drink,” you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water’” (John 4:9-10).
Closing Comment  ~  “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).  In one sense God’s “gift” is singular but His gifts are many with many facets (read 9:8-15). 
~ 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/.

Question – Jesus, 58

~ Regarding Judging, 1of3 ~
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  ~  “Then one from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’  
“But He said to him, ‘Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?’  And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses’ (Luke 12:13-15). 
Comment  ~  Jesus said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
~ 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/.

God Is My… (Psalms), 29

~ God Is My Rock, 4 ~
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  ~  “I will say to God my Rock, ‘Why have You forgotten me?  Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?’  As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach me, while they say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’” (Psalm 42:9-10).    
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).     
“In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness.  Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me.” (Psalm 31:1-2).     
“For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.  Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength.  Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth” (Psalm 31:3-5).   
Significance  ~  A rock implies permanence and stability.  In the Gospels we hear Christ teaching about the significance of a solid foundation.  “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.  But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell.  And great was its fall” (Matthew 7:24-27). 
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog. 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/.

Myth, 64

~ People Are Basically Good ~
Introduction  ~  This is the basis of a great divide in underlying philosophies.  Many people believe that mankind is basically good and when experience violates that belief the answers are always the same two.  More money and more education will solve the individual and societal problems. 
On the other-hand there are those who believe that our Creator created all things good but gave man – the creative ability of thinking situations through and making decisions.  This necessarily required the ability to make great or faulty decisions.  But our first ancestors misused this free will they had been given.  The Bible tells us the first man and woman failed and made bad choices and that the consequences have been with all of mankind ever since.  All of mankind since Adam and Eve has inherited this sinful nature. 
Scripture  ~  “For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:22b-23).
Side Note  ~  There is a common answer to many routine questions today which is, “I’m good.”  For example, at the dinner table if one is asked if they’d like more potatoes the answer might be, “I’m good!”  The fact of the matter is no one is good – but they can be seen as sinless and perfect in God’s eyes if they have taken on the righteousness of Jesus Christ through His plan of salvation laid out in the Bible. 
~ 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/.

Fear God, 189

~ Jesus Christ, Himself, Feared God His Father ~
God does not want His children living in fear.  “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:2-3).  However, God does want His children to have a proper respect and reverence for Him.  We are told in many places in Scripture to “ fear God .”  
This Week’s Passage  ~  “So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.’  As He also says in another place: ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’; who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His Godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:5-8).
Fearing God Results in Salvation  ~  “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).  “A wise person fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident” (Proverbs 14:16).  This does not mean the Christian is to live a fearful life—but a life which reverences God and seeks to do His will. 
Fearing God Results in Fearlessness  ~  “The Lordis my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lordis the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).  The answer is: only God.  With the gift of salvation comes responsibility.
Fearing God Results in Witnessing  ~  “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul” (Psalm 66:16). 
~ 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/.

3-Stage Revival

~ Genuine Revival Happens in 3 Sequential Stages ~
Revive Me (individual)  ~  “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.  The Lordwill perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands” (Psalm 138:7-8). 
Revive Us (local fellowship of believers)  ~  “Revive us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your anger toward us to cease.  Will You be angry with us forever?  Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?  Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?  Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation” (Psalm 85:4-7).
Revive Your Work (effectiveness of the fellowship)  ~  “A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth.  O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years!  In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:1-2). 
Comment  ~  When we consider these three separate passages we see a correct Biblical principle.  Revival starts as a divine work in the heart of an individual, spreads to a larger group, and results in increased effectiveness of the Body of Christ—His Church. 
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
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/.

Bible Mystery, 2of17

~ The Mystery of Israel ~             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  ~  “You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.’  Well said.  Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith.  Do not be haughty, but fear.  For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.  Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness.  Otherwise you also will be cut off.  And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.  For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?  For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.  And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins’” (Romans 11:19-27).
Comment  ~  The olive tree represents the nation of Israel while the wild olive pictures the Church.  The nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, has been set aside for a period-of-time because of their unbelief.  But God has not abandoned His people – a remnant of Israel will turn to God during the future Great Tribulation period and all that remnant will be saved.  The period of the fulness of the Gentiles is the time between the beginning of the Church and the future rapture of the Church. 
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/.