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The topic "A Small Relief, For A Varied Life... “ basically says "A miniature aid, meant for diverse living... .“ To break it down further –in my own words- ‘an oasis from the troubles of life.’When humans have problems - whether physical, mental, physiological, spiritual etc- It is the norm for us to turn to friends, family, doctors, ‘professionals’ etc . However, as Christians, we need to remember that we are not of this world. We are spiritual beings gaining physical experiences. So, whenever we are tired, frustrated and ‘worn out’, we should remember that we have a father up above to lead and direct us.
There are many things we might be tempted to do or try. Many mistakes will be made along the way and that is fine. The point of this journey with God, is to make mistakes, experience trials and tribulations so we can learn from them and access the strength from our Father to conquer them. He is our oasis.
Life –without Christ- is sometimes like a desert. Hot- our situations are intense and seems like they will choke us. Dry- we are away from God and our lives are just empty, meaningless. Barren- Our situations drain us of our substance and we become unproductive. Dusty- We are covered in dirt and all manner of unclean things, preventing us from shining because we consider ourselves dirty when all we need is a shake off to discover our strength and worth. Imagine what we’d be if we were still living without Christ!
We should, as best as possible, run to our oasis. And try our best to resist temptations. If we put our barriers us and they are infiltrated, fine, we learn from it. If we just openly sin when we know it is wrong, we will face harsh judgement. Furthermore, me might sin and expect to repent, but never possess the time to do so, for the Lord is ready for us.
Luke 12 vs. 47 and 48 says “And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
So, as much as possible, let us run to God for He is, our oasis. No matter the sin, the struggle, the pain, the heart ache, He is always there.
Mod
OhMyWord!?
Girl, I just loved that so!!!!!!!!!! That was A-mazing!? No kidding!!! I love the truth, and honesty of it -- and, even still the detailed explanation of being in a desert! Oh, gee Lee this has to be like the best from every one you have done, even still, perhaps the best that I have ever done -- which I could take credit for it! ;)
It was really brilliant!! *handclaps*
May 2nd - HistoryThe Bible is an incredible book -- it not only details the history of the world, but it also accurately predicts future events -- events that have already occurred in our past.
One of them is found in Daniel as he interprets the dream of Nebuchadnezzar. He prophecies the emergence of the 4 kingdoms, including Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire. Daniel was so reliable that historians have tried to post-date his writings so that they occur after the 4 kingdoms, even though it's clear that he wrote around 600 B.C.
Critics of the Bible will point to various passages that lack archeological evidence as proof that it is fiction. One of these is Pontius Pilate. Although he was mentioned in secular literature, no archeological evidence had been found ... until 1961. To say the "archeological world was taken aback" is an understatement. One of their foundational arguments against the Bible was debunked.
The Dead Sea Scrolls, of course, are one of the biggest finds -- books and parts of books of the Bible, including Isaiah, all dated well before Christ. Isaiah, of course, predicts the coming of Jesus, His behavior during the trial, His death and even the fact that He would become the leader of Israel -- thus His resurrection.
But what about the age of the universe? It's amazing how confident a scientist can be by looking at light from the heavens. Galaxies glimpsed through Hubble are calculated as receding at a speed faster than light, yet the age is partially determined by how far away objects are and thus how long it took the light to reach us, which assumes that they cannot travel faster than light.
My God is quite big, powerful, and only barely understandable by me. "God said, 'Let there be light.'" sure sounds a lot like a big bang. And if the reason objects appear to be moving faster than light is because spacetime itself is expanding, and could have been expanding at various speeds during the Creation, then the numbers used for the age of the universe that are based on the distance of objects are meaningless guesses.
I'll stick with the Bible.
Prayer: Lord help me to see history through Your eyes, that it is HIStory, His Story, the fall and redemption of mankind through Your Son, Jesus.
Mod
"The History, Of The World..."
I was listening to a song, and something seemed to grab hold on me...
"There’s got to be more
Than going back and forth
From doing right to doing wrong
‘Cause we were taught that’s who we are..."
This is a contemporary Christian song, yet that didn't seem to make sense to me.
History is deemed to repeat itself, but why, when, and how?
Do we know that history?
============================
The history of the world, reflects many of the same defining events.
- Our quick decline into sinfulness, thus leading to when we try to put away Christ, and any morality.
"And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands."
(- Jeremiah 1:16)
- Warnings come, by mouth of prophets, teachers, and upon the very occurrences in our atmosphere, and daily life.
"Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth."
(- Jeremiah 1:9)
- We do not take these warnings, and instead push our ideals, and only saving hope away in disgust.
"Then said they, Come and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words."
(- Jeremiah 18:18)
- Our destruction comes, quite sudden, and saddening, for we allowed it to come on ourselves.
“As Babylon hath caused the slain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon shall fall the slain of all the earth.”
(- Jeremiah 51:49)
- We start again, this time with Christ!
“And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.”
(- Galatians 6:16)
And soon, the cycle comes around again, with a new, sinful lust of the flesh...
===========================
Going back to the above lyrics --
What was so unnerving about those few words, seemingly harmless rhymes?
The slow decline of humanity, through history, has been proven to be the power, and lust of greed that consumes us - "the love of money is the root of all evil..."
(- 1 Timothy 6:10)
In this pursuit of power, the number one excuse we use to justify our actions, is that we are not responsible.
We are made human, so therefore it is not our fault as to what action we pursue.
"We were told that's who we are..."
Our actions do define who we are.
Actions do not cause us to be, but rather, we cause our actions to be.
If you love God, you will follow Him.
If you follow God, you will love others.
If you love others, you will give of yourself to be of use.
And, isn't that the first two commandments that hang all the law, and the prophets?
(- Matthew 22:36-40)
We still have hope.
The one thing I've learnt about following Christ, is that even when we feel completely lost, He still has the flashlight!
All we have to do, is turn to Him, and while still the world may crumble beneath us, His hand will be there to catch us!
Let God guide, and let's change the world!
Make history, as to say! (;
Just look to Christ!
Jesus loves you!!
For Jesus first loved me... <3
~M.K.
†
(For images, and etc... http://wp.me/p727FD-fu...)
Mary Kate wrote: "Yays!!!! You are a lifesaver Lee!!! *big hugs* Literally, such a help!! :DOhMyWord!?
Girl, I just loved that so!!!!!!!!!! That was A-mazing!? No kidding!!! I love the truth, and honesty of it -- ..."
Thanks Katie :) But, it's not the I, but the Christ in me/ we :D
Matt wrote: "May 2nd - HistoryThe Bible is an incredible book -- it not only details the history of the world, but it also accurately predicts future events -- events that have already occurred in our past.
..."
Great devotion Matt. I might not tell you this, but your devotions are very insightful and thought provoking. Keep letting the Lord lead you :)
I tried writing my devotion, but I just couldn't. I apologize.
May 9thThe topic this week, "When the rain falls and the clouds don't give shelter...", immediately brings the song "Never Alone" by Barlow Girl to mind. The lyrics go like this:
I waited for you today
But you didn't show
No no no
I needed You today
So where did You go?
You told me to call
Said You'd be there
And though I haven't seen You
Are You still there?
I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone
My wife recently had an emergency room visit and was in incredible pain. I cried out to God to help her with the pain, but He didn't, other than through the doctors. My prayer was basically, "God, I know You're there! I know You can stop this! Why aren't You stopping it?"
Later I realized that the pain was a sign of a something that needed to be fixed. Had that pain not continued to be excruciating, then probably I would not have kept asking my wife to go to the emergency room, and the problem could have become more life-threatening.
There's a reason that God is sometimes silent, but it doesn't mean that He isn't there. Salvation isn't a feeling, it's a fact. Regardless of whether you feel saved or not, if you trust in Jesus to save you, then you're saved.
God said it. That settles it, whether I believe it or not!
Prayer: Lord I know that You are there. Help me to understand the rough times, the rainy days and the clouds. Give me comfort so that I, in turn, may comfort others.
Mod
"When The Rain Falls...
And, The Clouds, Don't Give Shelter..."
Do you know the chill of cold rain, on an already cold day?
Do you know the ache, of no shelter, amidst the storm overhead?
Have you seen the lighting flash, or heard the thunder roar, and yet, not a sound, or glare of a leading light is to be found?
Rather still, have you ever saw a cloud, that doesn't give shelter?
-- Proverbs 3:5 --
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
** "Jesus loves me, this I know..." **
My grandma, whom I was named after, (Mary), was quite an extraordinary character...
I've written so much, and many things I have included her in, to tell others...
Why?
Because through her, and by her life, I was led to Christ!
What better role model to pattern yourself after!
And still, while saying such...
I find myself thinking back on her life, and all the details I've been made aware of...
** "For the Bible, tells me so..." **
She had quite a hard life still...
Her beauty was seen from afar, because her soul was always shining bright!
She had a love for people, and a hope to do whatever was needed!
** "Little ones, to Him belong..." **
I knew her for over 6 years, and I was aware of the pain she was accustomed to...
The memory that seems to stick with me more than ever, was her gasping for breathe, that last day I got to see her vibrant eyes...
** "They are weak..." **
I remember standing, so unnerved at the situation, begging God above to let her breathe!
I needed her...
The world needed her...
** "But, He is Strong!" **
Was He strong?
Could He even help her, in her time of need?
...
** "Yes, Jesus loves me!" **
Maybe, the question never was...
Does He love me?
Maybe, the question keeping you from God, is, why would He love me?
Within the world, people are constantly throwing out questions:
"Why do bad things happen?"
"Why do good people suffer?"
And, so many more...
Yet...
The defining meaning within the daily heartbeat of life is rather -
"Why do good things happen?"
"Why are we each given a chance?"
A false reason to not believe, no longer works.
The sun came up, and we never told it to...
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, you are alive...
Which leads us to the question - why?
Yes, Jesus loves me!
I don't need to not know the sting of pain, to trust!
My Grandma, reminded me that, even before that last breathe!
She called me up, at church, to sing with her one day...
She held my hand, and made me know there was no need to be nervous, for the song's meaning was all that was needed for the crowd...
"Jesus Loves Me!"
Life won't always be perfect.
(Far from it.)
Life is a journey; life is a picture painted on an old, grimy wall!
The wall is barren, but your soul is not, and if given over to the One who sets the captives free -- you can really be, a picture perfect work of art!
The clouds won't shelter, for they were never meant to.
The clouds, while threatening, only proves to remind us to go to the One who does provide our help!
Look up!
Just give it to Christ!
He is strong!
Oh yes, Jesus loves you!
For the Bible, does always remind us so!
For Jesus first loved me...
~M.K.
†
For images, and links -- http://wp.me/p727FD-g7...
Thanks so much y'all!! You're not alone! <3
Lee-lette wrote: "The topic "A Small Relief, For A Varied Life... “ basically says "A miniature aid, meant for diverse living... .“ To break it down further –in my own words- ‘an oasis from the troubles of life.’W..."
Brilliantly said! I love that God is our safe oasis we can run to so we can be free from sin, hate, worry and fear. All it takes is a simple prayer in Jesus name to block satan's temptation and the heartache. I love this verse from Psalm 119:67-68, Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
Thanks Rachel. I'm honored that you were blessed. It's good when young people like ourselves can gather in such fashion to encourage each other and share about God's goodness towards us freely.
"When The Rain Falls, And The Clouds Don't Give Shelter..."
I have a lot on my plate right now. My brother lost his job, and he is living with me. How could I say no, and even moreso, how could I say yes? That means he has no insurance to cover the medications he very much needs. I am scrambling to get them paid for. That means I have another mouth to feed. That means I am paying for storage to keep his belongings. My fear is that I will run out of money. That my credit cards that I had worked so hard to get paid off will get out of hand again. That he won't find another job. That he will actually be here for more than the two months I had planned on. How did I say yes, Lord? My very favorite Scripture comes to my heart all day long:
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
My son is going to Nashville, Tennessee for the Summer for a pre-seminary internship that he got. PRAISE! That involves money and preparation. My son is supposed to be my priority. This situation with my brother is taking away from that. There is that fear again! Then I have to pray and ask God to forgive me for the fear I carry. To remind myself that He has never let me or mine go without. That life is not easy, and He never said it would be. Then I have to go here:
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2
This is hard. I have so many questions my brother is unwilling to answer truthfully (HOW, not why did you lose the job/why don't you have ANY money--you don't have a wife, child, car/what is going on and what really happened). I have fears about what can happen if he doesn't get his medications. I have a fear that my brother is going to get too comfortable. Please help me to ask the Lord for His patience and understanding with me. For His wisdom and guidance through this situation. That He will speak to my brother about responsibilities. That He will calm my heart and mind. I will thankfully covet your prayers. ♥
I'm sorry I am so afraid, Lord!
"When The Rain Falls, And The Clouds Don't Give Shelter..."More often than not, things go "bad" for us. We leave our umbrellas and it starts to rain. Our feet get tired and we sit on a wet bench. We pick up lots at the supermarket and discover that we forgot our wallet. etc. etc.
What we should realize is, God is a mysterious God. If He laid it upon a friend to tell you not to go to that certain place, you probably wouldn't listen. So, he has to step in. That rain might've prevented you from getting robbed. That wet bench you sat on could've prevented you from experiencing a bad date. (Because you just decided to go home) You left you wallet probably because He already sent a sister or brother over to your house because they just 'had some food to spare and thought of you'
Instead of saying "Lord, why me?" we should say "Lord, why not me" Sometimes we just need some perspective. He sent that rain (figurative) because your spiritual life was experiencing drought. He sent that rain because we were getting too complacent. He sent that rain because we needed new testimonies. The rain isn't always bad, but because we don't see this we turn to our clouds. Our therapists, our doctors, advice columns, astrology and the list goes on. What we really need to do is have faith, let go and let God.
Today I leave you with this song and it's lyrics. 'Turning around for me' by Vashawn Mitchell.
Lyrics- http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/vashaw...
Song- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzbKw...
Enjoy the rest of your evening.
Lee-lette wrote: ""When The Rain Falls, And The Clouds Don't Give Shelter..."More often than not, things go "bad" for us. We leave our umbrellas and it starts to rain. Our feet get tired and we sit on a wet bench...."
Thank you! This is wonderful and encouraging!
Monday, May 16 - Loving your enemiesLoving your enemies is actually much easier than it sounds ... because love is an action, not a feeling. As the DC Talk song goes, "Love is enough if it's unconditionally, giving now you're living out the Great Commission".
I remember when I had to first put this into play. There was a guy at work who, for a reason unknown to me, really disliked me, perhaps hated me. I didn't know why, but he went out of his way to try and make me look bad.
Then one day I was playing ping pong and he was walking buy. I said, "Hi" to him and asked if he wanted to play. He did, perhaps because he found it hard to be rude to me in front of other people. We played and I talked to him as though he were a friend.
Another time was with a guy at church. I think he felt that I was moving into his "turf", invading his ministry of radio studio work. He became pretty hostile toward me. Then during a church lunch, I went out of my way to say "Hi" to him, and tell him how much I appreciated his ministry and work.
And you know? This "love is a verb" stuff actually works!
So put emotions and feelings on the back burner, and just do those "loving actions" that you know are right. People will be astounded by it, and you will be showing Christ living in you.
Prayer: Lord give me the wisdom and strength to love those who are hostile towards me.
I'm so sorry I've been missing my devotion days, I won't be able to do this week and possibly next week either, if someone else wants to do it instead that's fine. :)
Tamara wrote: "I'm so sorry I've been missing my devotion days, I won't be able to do this week and possibly next week either, if someone else wants to do it instead that's fine. :)"I will do a fill-in devotion for you! :) It will be off topic, but anything chosen from Dr. Charles Stanley will be wonderful for us all. :) Prayers for you concerning your busy-ness. Hope things are all going well. *hugs*
Urs
Hello, Everybody! I am filling in for Tamara this evening. Since I am Saturdays, I am going to post something off topic, but good for us nonetheless, because you can never go wrong with Dr. Charles Stanley. :)
Spending Our Inheritance
Ephesians 1:11-22
The word “inheritance” usually brings to mind the money and real estate handed down from one generation to another. But God has an even greater legacy to share with His children—one that they are given the moment they enter His family.
Galatians 4:7 tells us that believers are God’s heirs. First among our priceless treasures is a living hope in Jesus Christ that cannot be taken away (1 Peter 1:3). What’s more, He pledged to supply our needs according to His riches (Phil 4:19). In other words, we already have all that we need for an abundant and victorious life.
However, some folks get stuck in spiritual poverty because they refuse to view themselves as adopted children. Failing to tap into their inheritance, they’re like a man who sees himself as a poor, sinful creature: he wanders through this big angry world hoping to hold on to his meager scrap of faith until he’s lucky enough to die and go to heaven. Of course that man misses the blessings available in this life, because he’s not looking for them.
How differently people see themselves when they look through the eyes of Jesus. Christians who live like the beloved, empowered heirs that they are will lavishly spend their inheritance of grace to benefit everyone they meet.
God gives all believers a pledge of inheritance out of the unsurpassed riches of His infinite grace. We are spiritually rich citizens of heaven who have nothing to fear in this world. Choose to live boldly for Christ, and see how abundantly God pours out blessing from the legacy already set aside for you.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.
Thank you so much Urs! That was beautiful!!! I really appreciate you taking the time to fill in for me!! Yes, I am busy, but it's a good busy, my oldest sister is getting married on Saturday and we've been preparing for that. I'm also making the cake so there's a little more pressure on me. ;) Anyway, I would really appreciate prayers for this special occasion and that things would go smoothly and according to plan.
Tamara wrote: "Thank you so much Urs! That was beautiful!!! I really appreciate you taking the time to fill in for me!! Yes, I am busy, but it's a good busy, my oldest sister is getting married on Saturday and we..."Oh, yes, indeed! I am super glad you asked for help with praying! You should ALWAYS ask for help with praying. It strengthens our humility as well as helps you. :) Thank you! I will be praying, fer sher! Bless her! :D And bless you, too! *hugs*
You are welcome. I always enjoy and get fed from Dr. Stanley. He pulls it straight out of the Bible! I adore that sweet man!
Prayers for your family to have a super blessed weekend! ♥
Loving Your Enemies -- Saturday's Devotion
As I read about the latest shooting, or the latest beheading, my natural response is to dehumanize the people who do these things. I think of them as monsters. Or demons. Or something else that allows me to pretend that they are not fellow humans. But that’s not true. Each one was born. Each one has a mother and a father. They eat. They drink. They have personal stories and experiences full of pain and joy. They are human. And if I take the narrative of the Bible to be true, they are fellow children of God. They are loved by God. I want to be very clear: I’m not supporting or accepting of terrorism or mass shootings. I’m also not arguing against legal consequences for those actions. But if I hate the people who undertake these actions, I am not hating monsters or demons. I’m hating fellow humans. Some are suffering from mental illness, or from personal anguish or from religious manipulation. In the midst of grief and anger for those who suffer, can I not spare some compassion for those who have missed out on the life filled with grace and hope that Jesus has called all of us to live? We like to live in a binary, black and white world, where everyone is basically “good” or “bad.” But life isn’t so cut and dried. Someone can be guilty of terrible things and still deserve compassion.
I’m not seeking to humanize terrorists and murderers because they deserve it or because I am ignoring their actions. I’m seeking to humanize them because it’s true. It is also the only way we can hope to stem the tide of terrorism and shootings at schools and malls and workplaces and houses of worship. Because if these actions are the work of monsters and demons, I am powerless to stop them. I can only shake my head and feel sad that such beings cannot be stopped. But if I’m dealing with humans, I can have hope. Hope that messages of love and acceptance and peace can be heard. Hope that God can redeem even the worst of sinners. Hope that God can redeem my deep, dark sins, too. I look to examples like the Civil Rights movement, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in post-apartheid South Africa, where I see clearly that only when we treat our adversaries as humans—no matter how flawed—can we hope to prevail in our cause: the cause of ultimate justice. The belief that God will eventually set all the wrongs to right. As Miroslav Volf says in Exclusion and Embrace, “If you want justice and nothing but justice, you will inevitably get injustice. If you want justice without injustice, you must want love.”
I’m not talking about “please give that person what they have coming to them” prayers. But I also don’t mean that you need to spend an hour each night asking God to pour blessings upon them. There’s a way to pray both for justice and for the hearts of those committing injustices. If you have hate in your heart for somebody, maybe it starts with “God, I hate that person, and I don’t want to.” As C.S. Lewis has said, “[Prayer] doesn’t change God—it changes me.” Praying for your enemy opens you up to the work of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
Martin Luther King Jr. in Strength to Love posits that forgiveness is the decisive factor in how much you can love your enemy. AMEN! When Jesus looks at His executioners from the cross and offers forgiveness, can there be any doubt of His love for them. When relatives of the victims in the South Carolina church shooting offered forgiveness to the young man who murdered their loved ones, could anyone doubt that they were seeking to take Jesus’ Words and example seriously? Loving your enemy does not mean you have to add them to your Christmas list, or make them your best friend. It doesn’t mean you excuse their actions. It means you forgive them, with the knowledge that God is both merciful and just. Jesus faced grave injustice with sacrifice. Through prayer and forgiveness in our hearts, let us go forth to conquer injustice in our time by the courage not to demand retribution, but rather to repay injury with blessing and hate with love.
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 5:44-45
Thanks Urs, I agree wholeheartedly. My heart is heavy when someone dies without Christ, no matter the cause.
Hello all, I apologize for my inability to do my devotion today. Final exams are keeping me busy. However, I will leave you with this short word. (i'm not supposed to be online)Loving your enemies WILL be difficult. Not may or might but will. Sometimes, It is hard to forgive someone when hurtful wrongs are done unto us, even those close to us. Imagine someone who is a mere acquaintance that "your 'spirit' can't stand" ? Just like everything else in our lives, it takes courage and the boldness that God gives us to achieve it. As Joshua 1:9 says (KJV)
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
And just like that. we are assured that the father will be with us. Who knows? Your enemy might be your new boss. Your neighbor. Your siblings' or child's teacher. Your mother's friend. Your new head of department. So, we need to be like David -bold- and love our enemies.
Also, remember to as much as possible retain your composure. The devil's aim is to get you riled up and vicious. But, before we make rash decisions, we need to ask ourselves "What would Jesus do?"
Have a good/blessed night and rest of the week :) I pray, that we will not have any enemies to encounter.
Monday, May 23rdI'm not sure of the topic, but here's what' on my heart.
We are in a spiritual battle. There's an army against us, and an army and the Lord for us. In Matt 17, the disciples encounter a boy that they are unable to heal - a spiritual battle that they cannot win, and right after the glorious encounter on the mount of transformation.
Jesus said, "This kind comes out only by prayer and fasting,"
Whatever it was, it was tough, abnormal, and resilient. There's a battle that isn't easily won. If you or your fellowship is in such a battle, it's time to pray and fast!
Matt wrote: "Thanks Urs, I agree wholeheartedly. My heart is heavy when someone dies without Christ, no matter the cause."Indeed. My heart is heavy over some friends whom I love dearly that follow a different religion that does not follow ALL of the Bible and EVERY Word. You know that God calls for that. I had a hard time when I lost a friend of this same religion two years ago---I am still bothered when I think of it too much.
Thanks for stopping by, Matt! Hope you have a great week. :)
Lee-lette wrote: "Hello all, I apologize for my inability to do my devotion today. Final exams are keeping me busy. However, I will leave you with this short word. (i'm not supposed to be online)Loving your enemie..."
I think this is a great devotion! Very encouraging and from your heart. Thank you! :) I will be praying for your success and diligence with studying for your exams. Have you put in a prayer request for help with praying over you and your exams? You should! ;) If you don't have enough time, I'll be glad to do it for you. Good going with everything!
Matt wrote: "Thanks Urs, I agree wholeheartedly. My heart is heavy when someone dies without Christ, no matter the cause."Matt, I agree completely. To die without Jesus is a very tragic thing. That's why I aim to pray for my friends and family who don't know Jesus yet, that they may come to see the light. Everyone has a chance to accept Jesus as their savior while they're still alive. It also saddens me when people view Christianity as invoking fear or when people say that the whole Christianity story is made up just to scare people or to make them feel bad. satan loves to have a field day with nonbelievers and that's why they misunderstand so many things about the Christian life.
Mod
Now, I know why! That was something that touched me so much -- amen!! What power!! God is good! That was brilliant!
Thank you my friend! *handclaps*
Just go with your heart this week y'all! :D
What has been on my heart for this week is how much of a battle we, as Christians, fight every day and how we must NEVER give up even if we lose a few battles-don't give up the war.I used to not really think that the devil played that big of a part in things but recently after suffering many temptations and trials of my faith I have come to realize that he does indeed play a big part in our lives; as 1 Peter 5:8 says "because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour"
I've long liked to use this analogy for myself in the daily struggles that I, as a Christian, go through: we should always fight against the devil and temptation, even if we lose one battle we should not give up because there is still a war to win, a war for Jesus; the war of right and wrong.
Not because our doing what is right will get us to heaven, far from it-it is God's righteousness that gets us into heaven, but that doing right is what our Lord and Savior wants us to do and doing wrong-that's what the devil wants us to do.
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference"
"For we wrestle (fight) not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places"
Doing what God wants wins the battle for Jesus, doing what Satan wants wins the battle for him: who do you want to win for?
Rebecca, you brought up several good points. As believers, we may not necessarily have to fight physical battles, but temptation is all around us and we have to be on guard regarding the battle of our mind daily. One of the biggest temptations in our world today is witchcraft. Now I know that there are many sins out there I'm just using this one because many people are on that path and I thought it would be good to talk about from a Christian perspective. Many witches deny that they're giving worship to satan but the truth is, that's exactly what satan wants them to believe. Anyone who's not practicing the things of God is in line with satan, there is no middle ground. Occult activities like chanting, using crystal magic, earth magic, or praying to ancestors may all seem harmless at first, but they are dangerous. There's even a false belief that you can be a "Christian witch" and use witchcraft to worship God. This idea is completely unbiblical. We need to love sinners because Jesus came to call sinners, not the righteous (Luke 5:32), however as believers we have the responsibility to not love their sin. We need to stand up against the world, and we can do that by walking closer with Jesus every day. So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16.
Hold_My_Heart (Rachel) wrote: "Rebecca, you brought up several good points. As believers, we may not necessarily have to fight physical battles, but temptation is all around us and we have to be on guard regarding the battle of ..."
I totally agree with you. The Holy Spirit is the one and only that should guide our lives.
I think it's so wonderful to read the Bible! Every time you read it you find something new, something you hadn't thought about before. I recently discovered the meaning of Matthew 25:31-46. It's about the brethren (other christians), it's them we should be doing good to. I thought before that it's about the sinners, but it's not! Again an example that it's christians first, sinners then.
I totally agree with you. The Holy Spirit is the one and only that should guide our lives.
I think it's so wonderful to read the Bible! Every time you read it you find something new, something you hadn't thought about before. I recently discovered the meaning of Matthew 25:31-46. It's about the brethren (other christians), it's them we should be doing good to. I thought before that it's about the sinners, but it's not! Again an example that it's christians first, sinners then.
The only time we should distance ourselves from being good to people is if they try to get us to abandon Christianity and jump into other ways of believing. Other than that God has no limitations on us helping others.
Monday, May 30th - Memorial DayToday we honor people who have died defending our nation. I'd like to highlight one man: Colonel Logan E. Weston, known as The Fightin' Preacher.
He operated something like 14 times behind enemy lines. He fought in, I think, 36 battles. In one instance, as his unit was surrounded and charged, he alone survived, killing, I think it was almost two dozen enemy soldiers, most of them by bayonet or knife. It was nothing short of miraculous.
He was one of the first Green Beret special forces soldiers.
I encourage you to look him up and read about him, or buy the biography.
"I thank God for the opportunity we have to use our freedom of religion, obtained at so great an expense. I also thank God that allowed me the opportunity to fight for this freedom. Perhaps this is why it means so very much to me. " (Colonel Logan Weston, U.S. Army Retired)
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- Monday: Matt
- Tuesday: Tamara
- Wednesday: Hope
- Thursday: Mary (Yep, me :P)
- Friday: Rebecca
- Saturday: Urs
- Sunday: Lee-Lette
- Sunday Prayer: Anyone Welcome!
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