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Mar 01, 2018 04:51PM
Since we haven't heard from Aerykah, I started this thread for devotions for March. If you want to continue posting, just post on the day you have been assigned. Thanks Rita
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Monday, March 5
1 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
This verse could have been written this morning. It is as relevant today as it was the day it was written.
How many times each day do sinful desires wage war against your soul?
Each time we turn on the radio, TV or computer we are bombarded by language, pictures and videos that tempt, inflame and defame us.
Each day we come across people that see the negative in everything. These people complain about and blame everyone for the problems that they are facing. Do not be caught up in the drama produced by these people. Pray for them but remember that most of these people are not willing or able to hear “the good news”. Show them through your “good lives” what they cannot and will not hear. Hopefully, through your prayers and the grace of God, they will eventually be ready to hear what you have to say. Your time is precious. When you spend it trying to talk to those who cannot hear, you are losing valuable time praying for that same person. You are also spending so much time focused on that person that you may be missing the quiet person in the back of the room that is willing and able to hear and answer the call of Jesus if only they had heard it. Each soul needs saving but not every person is ready to listen when you are in their lives. Pray for them and show them by example. Hopefully they will be ready to listen to the next Christian that they encounter.
I started this devotion intending to go in one direction but have been led in a totally different direction. That is how life often is, if we are willing to following God’s leading, we find ourselves in places and discussions that we never imaged. Remember to focus on God, not what you think God wants you to focus on. He may want you to look east but you have been focused on the south so long that you missed the amazing sunrise this morning. I don’t really mean that you are missing a sunrise. What you may really be missing may be more glorious than any sunrise ever witnessed. You may be missing the miracle of a sinner coming to know Jesus. You may be missing something so joyful and amazing that I can’t even image what it could be to list as an example.
This week follow God’s leading and be amazed at where He takes you.
1 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
This verse could have been written this morning. It is as relevant today as it was the day it was written.
How many times each day do sinful desires wage war against your soul?
Each time we turn on the radio, TV or computer we are bombarded by language, pictures and videos that tempt, inflame and defame us.
Each day we come across people that see the negative in everything. These people complain about and blame everyone for the problems that they are facing. Do not be caught up in the drama produced by these people. Pray for them but remember that most of these people are not willing or able to hear “the good news”. Show them through your “good lives” what they cannot and will not hear. Hopefully, through your prayers and the grace of God, they will eventually be ready to hear what you have to say. Your time is precious. When you spend it trying to talk to those who cannot hear, you are losing valuable time praying for that same person. You are also spending so much time focused on that person that you may be missing the quiet person in the back of the room that is willing and able to hear and answer the call of Jesus if only they had heard it. Each soul needs saving but not every person is ready to listen when you are in their lives. Pray for them and show them by example. Hopefully they will be ready to listen to the next Christian that they encounter.
I started this devotion intending to go in one direction but have been led in a totally different direction. That is how life often is, if we are willing to following God’s leading, we find ourselves in places and discussions that we never imaged. Remember to focus on God, not what you think God wants you to focus on. He may want you to look east but you have been focused on the south so long that you missed the amazing sunrise this morning. I don’t really mean that you are missing a sunrise. What you may really be missing may be more glorious than any sunrise ever witnessed. You may be missing the miracle of a sinner coming to know Jesus. You may be missing something so joyful and amazing that I can’t even image what it could be to list as an example.
This week follow God’s leading and be amazed at where He takes you.
Greetings to all! and thank you so much for these Devotionals that strengthens me every time i read them!To God be the glory! I was not able to post a Devotional last Thursday because it rained so much that i can not go out to the cafe' (my daughter brought the laptop we are sharing to her training field). I will share my Devotional on Thursday (my sked).
But I would like to express my gratitude for all of you who remains faithful and true to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and shares your studies and experience with us!
May the Lord be with you as you keep Walking with the True Light as my Friend C's Testimony 25 years ago did until this time and am sure, until our Lord and King returns!
God bless always!
Rita Faye wrote: "Monday, March 51 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, tho..."
Thank you Rita for this very timely message! Yes! Our lives are a living testament for those who may not hear the Gospel in the written pages of Scripture. And sometimes, we are the only scripture they can read through our lives. Thank you!
May the Lord keep you always strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Blessings.
Pastor Arnie, Thank you for your kind words. Please post your devotions on the day that you have a computer available. I for one, would rather read two devotions in one day than go without reading one from you. God Bless You
9 March 2018 / 23 Adar 5778Well it is great to meet with both of you, Rita Faye and Pastor Arnie, here at the Real Christian Community, to read your words and devotions. I know we may be few, but always remember these words of Jesus our LORD and Saviour, when He was speaking to His disciples--the ones who truly loved and followed Him.
Matthew 18:19-20 “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.”
God bless and keep you and your loved ones!
With the love of Christ,
C.
The Enemy Knows His Time is Short!9 March 2018 / 23 Adar 5778
Who is this Enemy?
Do you know him?
He knows who YOU are.
But he does NOT want you to know who he is!
I would like to clarify who this adversary is:
He is that old serpent, the devil, and Satan who hates my God and His saints.
He is a very powerful foe!
He is the second-highest power!
He has much authority here on earth.
He can kill!
He can steal!
And he can destroy people’s lives!
And THAT is his primary objective.
His target is God’s people!
You may not be able to see him,
but he works in the children of disobedience.
So don’t underestimate his abilities.
And don’t think for a minute
that he won’t try any way he can to get to you.
He is very sly, wily, crafty, and cunning.
And he uses underhanded and calculated methods
to secretly introduce his lies and deceptions.
And he can only operate in darkness!
For the most part people do not give Satan credit
For many of the things that he does.
And he prefers it that way.
He masquerades as a Christian.
He pretends that he loves the Lord Jesus.
He pretends that he serves the Lord Jesus.
He claims that he would die for the Lord Jesus.
And he uses unholy wicked men to make these proclamations
through the spirit of the anti-Christ!
He has deceived many people!
And he is working very hard these days.
Because he KNOWS his time is coming to a close very soon!
You will know that is true
Because the world will get more and more wicked
As you see the Day approaching.
Most people do not acknowledge God
And give Him credit for what He does either.
You may not be able to see Him,
But He works in the children of obedience.
So don’t underestimate His power and abilities either.
And don’t think for a minute that He won’t save those
Who truly love and belong to Him.
He is very loving,
Kind,
Gentle,
Compassionate,
Merciful,
And so forgiving.
He is truly an awesome God!
He uses honesty,
Sincerity,
And truth to present Himself to us.
And there is only One Way that He can come into your life.
That doorway is Jesus Christ!
And He can only operate in the Light!
It has been twenty-five years since God delivered from the Power of Darkness. Praise God! For three years, I had been in a Bible Study group that turned out to be a cult. But on 28 February 1993, God opened my eyes to who they were.
Two years later, on 2 March 1995, I published my testimony of “Walking With the Enemy.” And I will forever be indebted to my Lord and Saviour for releasing the chains that bound me, and for giving me “eyes to see” the truth.
For four years, the leaders of the group tried to get me back, until they finally gave up. They were hoping that I would allow the sin of pride and self-righteousness to blind my eyes again, so I would not be able to recognize who they served.
They were ACTUAL ministers of Satan. Wolves in sheep’s clothing!
They used the Holy Bible, even the King James Version, to teach their perversion of the “truth.”
I grew to love them.
I fully trusted them.
But I was DECEIVED by them.
Had I remained with them after the truth was revealed I would have forfeited my relationship with the one, true, and living God. And I pray that will never happen!
In closing, I would like to share with you this story about one of my little girls and a stranger. This lady had come to my home to deliver some vegetables that I had bought from her. As we were standing in my kitchen, my three-year-old little daughter looked up to this woman and asked her very innocently,
“Are you going to Heaven?”
It was so unexpected by both of us! But I loved it! I could tell by the expression on the lady's face that those words cut right to her heart! All she could say, with much uncertainty in her voice. “I hope so.”
THE ENEMY KNOWS HIS TIME IS SHORT! And he will try to lead more and more people to follow him. Please seriously ponder this question in your hearts: “Are YOU going to Heaven?”
I truly hope so!
You all are in my prayers!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
Thank you C. And thank the LORD for being the center of our friendship.
Rita Faye wrote: "Thank you C. And thank the LORD for being the center of our friendship."AMEN! Yes He IS!
Yes! Yes ! Yes! My Dear Friends in Jesus in this cute little Real Christian Group! Yes! "Little is much when GOD is in it."Only few finds the Way of the True Light! To God be the glory we found it! Because He loves us and seek us until we see Him in our darkness!
Thank you so much my Dear friend C for this encouragement! The time of our real enemy is coming to a close, so he is also hurrying up.
May the Lord find us faithful when He comes or until the day he takes us from this earth.
Thank you, thank you and God bless!
I am sorry I did not able to make it last Thursday! Some unexpected invitation came up to speak for a graduating class' retreat.I will wait again for Thursday.
But I would like to share a little thought sent to my cellphone:
"Grace is the anointing of the Spirit within and upon us. Grace is God's own ability working through us. It is God's supernatural favor to us when we least deserve it.
Grace is something that is given to us as we need it. It has been said that the Law would make us 'workers' but Grace would make us 'resters'.
As we recognize our weakness and commit them to the Lord, we find out the true meaning of being "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might".
Today, may you enter into His rest as you embrace His grace. When you rest in His finished works, He will move the work on your behalf.
Praying for you always that you may learn to live in His grace. Be blessed more abundantly everyday."
Blessings!
Monday, March 12
You get up each morning and go about your day but do you ever think about how each part of your body works together to enable you to do so?
The brain, heart, lungs and nervous system all must be working together and properly for you to just jump out of bed and go about your day.
When either part is not working properly, you cannot function at 100%. If one of these is too far impaired you die.
The Same is true of your Christian walk. If you do not have the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in your life, you cannot function at 100%. If you neglect any part of your faith then you cannot function to your fullest potential, as God intended.
1 Peter 1:2
According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: may grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.
Many people think that repenting of sin, asking for forgiveness, and accepting Salvation through Jesus Christ is the end. They think that once saved their part is finished. If you truly want to have the fullest measure of grace and peace in your life then you must continue to grow closer to God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. To accept salvation and then forget about it is like marrying someone and turning around and walking down the aisle all alone and driving away without ever looking back.
The riches of a relationship with God come only after accepting salvation.
Reading the Bible daily is the same as reading a letter from a loved one deployed overseas for an extended period of time.
Praying is the same as telling your loved ones about your day, asking for advice and expressing your love.
Waiting on the Lord is the same as sitting quietly and eagerly beside a parent as they teach you their secret recipe for your favorite food because they love you.
You may have the Holy Trinity in your life but if you are not actively seeking a closer relationship then you are like the body part that is not functioning properly.
If you do not see and feel the presence of God in your life, then maybe it is time to have a faith checkup.
Are you the bride that left her groom at the altar after making an eternal commitment?
God is not seeking a divorce for this lack of communication and desertion. God only wants to reconcile with you. It isn't hard, just ask for forgiveness, then seek out a closer relationship with Him.
Remember you are not alone.
Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
God is always with you. Also remember that you can reach out to a Pastor, Christian friend or loved one. We would be happy to discuss any questions you may have.
Don't ignore your Heavenly Father any longer. Have a conversation with Him today. Your faith will grow and you won't struggle so hard to get out of bed in the morning.
May God bless you with grace and peace to the fullest measure.
Amen
You get up each morning and go about your day but do you ever think about how each part of your body works together to enable you to do so?
The brain, heart, lungs and nervous system all must be working together and properly for you to just jump out of bed and go about your day.
When either part is not working properly, you cannot function at 100%. If one of these is too far impaired you die.
The Same is true of your Christian walk. If you do not have the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in your life, you cannot function at 100%. If you neglect any part of your faith then you cannot function to your fullest potential, as God intended.
1 Peter 1:2
According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: may grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.
Many people think that repenting of sin, asking for forgiveness, and accepting Salvation through Jesus Christ is the end. They think that once saved their part is finished. If you truly want to have the fullest measure of grace and peace in your life then you must continue to grow closer to God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. To accept salvation and then forget about it is like marrying someone and turning around and walking down the aisle all alone and driving away without ever looking back.
The riches of a relationship with God come only after accepting salvation.
Reading the Bible daily is the same as reading a letter from a loved one deployed overseas for an extended period of time.
Praying is the same as telling your loved ones about your day, asking for advice and expressing your love.
Waiting on the Lord is the same as sitting quietly and eagerly beside a parent as they teach you their secret recipe for your favorite food because they love you.
You may have the Holy Trinity in your life but if you are not actively seeking a closer relationship then you are like the body part that is not functioning properly.
If you do not see and feel the presence of God in your life, then maybe it is time to have a faith checkup.
Are you the bride that left her groom at the altar after making an eternal commitment?
God is not seeking a divorce for this lack of communication and desertion. God only wants to reconcile with you. It isn't hard, just ask for forgiveness, then seek out a closer relationship with Him.
Remember you are not alone.
Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
God is always with you. Also remember that you can reach out to a Pastor, Christian friend or loved one. We would be happy to discuss any questions you may have.
Don't ignore your Heavenly Father any longer. Have a conversation with Him today. Your faith will grow and you won't struggle so hard to get out of bed in the morning.
May God bless you with grace and peace to the fullest measure.
Amen
Mod
Sunday: ____
Monday: Rita Faye
Tuesday: C. Read
Wednesday: ____
Thursday: Arnie
Friday: ____
Saturday: Dane
Thank you Rita Faye for the Devotional, which is very important for all Real Christians! "Faith check-up", hmmmmm very well said! :)Blessings to you and to all of us Real Christians!
Thank you Aerykah for taking time to update us!I am so sorry for two Thursdays of absence! :(
First, a reteat...then the graduation itself! And all fall on Thurdsays!
I pray I can make it this next sked...the Lord willing.
I am praying for you all.
Thankyou and Godbless!
Pastor Arnie, please post on one of the unclaimed days if you cannot post on any Thursday. Sunday, Wednesday and Friday are open.
Monday, March 19
Nobody deserves salvation. We are all sinners. Jesus came into the world to save us. If everybody waited until they were good enough to accept Jesus as their savior, then nobody would be saved. Jesus repeatedly says why He has come.
(ESV) Luke 5: 29 And Levi made Him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Mark 10:45 (Jesus speaking abut Himself) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
John 12:46 (Jesus speaking) I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
In the Bible book of Acts you can read the story of Saul. He was a Jewish man that followed the ten commandments and could recite most scripture from memory. He didn't believe that Jesus Christ was the Messiah (Savior). Saul made it his mission to destroy Christians. He hunted them down, put them in jail and stoned them to death. Jesus appeared to him and converted him. Jesus changed Saul's name to Paul. Paul became the most devoted Christian. He spent most of his life being punished for his belief in Jesus. Below is how Paul thought of himself and his relationship with Jesus years after he accepted Christ as his Savior.
(ESV) 1 Timothy 1:12 I thank Him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
(same verses - written as Paul might say it today)
(CEV) 1 Timothy 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has given me the strength for my work because He knew He could trust me. 13 I used to say terrible and insulting things about Him, and I was cruel. But Christ had mercy on me because I didn't know what I was doing, and I had not yet put my faith in Him. 14 Christ Jesus our Lord treated me with undeserved grace and has greatly blessed my life with faith and love just like His own. 15 “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! 16 But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life. 17 I pray that honor and glory will always be given to the only God, who lives forever and is the invisible and eternal King! Amen.
In the New Testament, Jesus forgives thieves, prostitutes, murderers and the very people that beat Him and hung Him on the Cross. He also forgives you. Just accept Jesus as your Savior and ask forgiveness of your Sins. You don't have to dress fancy or wait until people accept you. Jesus accepts you for who you are today. You just have to accept Him for who He is...YOUR SAVIOR!
If you have any questions, please ask them. No question is too silly or dumb. You are why we write these devotions. We pray for you and your salvation even though we don't know you. God knows who you are. He has sent you to this page to see this message for a reason: YOUR SALVATION!
It doesn't matter what words you say. All that matters is what is in your heart. Ask God to forgive you for your sins. Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior.
Any questions you have after that can be asked here or at your local church. Ask God to lead you to people you can trust. Read a Bible. There are easy to read versions online. Start in the New Testament.
We will continue to pray for you. If you tell us your name, we will pray specifically for YOU.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you.
Nobody deserves salvation. We are all sinners. Jesus came into the world to save us. If everybody waited until they were good enough to accept Jesus as their savior, then nobody would be saved. Jesus repeatedly says why He has come.
(ESV) Luke 5: 29 And Levi made Him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Mark 10:45 (Jesus speaking abut Himself) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
John 12:46 (Jesus speaking) I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
In the Bible book of Acts you can read the story of Saul. He was a Jewish man that followed the ten commandments and could recite most scripture from memory. He didn't believe that Jesus Christ was the Messiah (Savior). Saul made it his mission to destroy Christians. He hunted them down, put them in jail and stoned them to death. Jesus appeared to him and converted him. Jesus changed Saul's name to Paul. Paul became the most devoted Christian. He spent most of his life being punished for his belief in Jesus. Below is how Paul thought of himself and his relationship with Jesus years after he accepted Christ as his Savior.
(ESV) 1 Timothy 1:12 I thank Him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
(same verses - written as Paul might say it today)
(CEV) 1 Timothy 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has given me the strength for my work because He knew He could trust me. 13 I used to say terrible and insulting things about Him, and I was cruel. But Christ had mercy on me because I didn't know what I was doing, and I had not yet put my faith in Him. 14 Christ Jesus our Lord treated me with undeserved grace and has greatly blessed my life with faith and love just like His own. 15 “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! 16 But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life. 17 I pray that honor and glory will always be given to the only God, who lives forever and is the invisible and eternal King! Amen.
In the New Testament, Jesus forgives thieves, prostitutes, murderers and the very people that beat Him and hung Him on the Cross. He also forgives you. Just accept Jesus as your Savior and ask forgiveness of your Sins. You don't have to dress fancy or wait until people accept you. Jesus accepts you for who you are today. You just have to accept Him for who He is...YOUR SAVIOR!
If you have any questions, please ask them. No question is too silly or dumb. You are why we write these devotions. We pray for you and your salvation even though we don't know you. God knows who you are. He has sent you to this page to see this message for a reason: YOUR SALVATION!
It doesn't matter what words you say. All that matters is what is in your heart. Ask God to forgive you for your sins. Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior.
Any questions you have after that can be asked here or at your local church. Ask God to lead you to people you can trust. Read a Bible. There are easy to read versions online. Start in the New Testament.
We will continue to pray for you. If you tell us your name, we will pray specifically for YOU.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you.
Yes! Our salvation depends upon what our Lord Jesus Christ has done, not on what we have done or can do! It cost Him His life! We just need to believe Him and receive Him with all our hearts...Then we can thank Him for it...
Then we can live according to it...
Then we can bless the Lord with our souls...
To God be the glory!!!
Thank you Rita Faye...
Blessings.
Devotional for Thursday (very very late)PAUL'S GRADUATION
2 Timothy 4:6-8
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto them also that love His appearing."
Introduction:
I have been quiet a lot busy this past few days due to the retreats and closing (graduation) programs of several schools and individuals who graduated from their studies- elementary; high school; college; and even pre-school, which I attended and some I was privileged to give "the WORD".
Graduation is where a student finished his schooling, and a certain stage of education was completed, and another journey begins. This is a time where the performance of the of students at school were rewarded and recognized: some were given a medal, a ribbon, or a diploma, with a recognition such as Zuma-Cum-Laude, Magna, and several others. What a joyous event it is! Congratulations!
In a spiritual sense, the great Apostle Paul faces his graduation (departure). He has proven himself worthy of God's recognition, and is qualified for a crown!
But his recognition did not come very easily, Paul displayed these three desirable traits before he was able to expect a reward:
1. DEDICATION - "I have fought a good fight"
No one can fight a good fight, without knowing how to use his weapons and armor skillfully. And you can not become skillful with out dedication in constant and consistent practice. Our armour has been provided by the Lord in Ephesians 6. It is complete with both defensive and offensive weapon, the Bible as our offensive weapon against the enemy of our Lord and our souls! And Paul is one of those who uses these armour most skillfully (1 Corinthians 9:26), because of His dedication.
2. DETERMINATION- "I have finished my course"
Running a race, especially when it is long distance or marathon is very hard, tiresome, and discouraging. But Paul finished his course. What a determination! Hebrews 12:1 is a very good guidance on how should we run the race - God's way!
3. DEVOTION - " I have kept the faith"
The fiery darts/arrows from the enemy come almost anytime of our day! The shield of faith can quench them. But how often a child of God lose faith and are left defeated in the battle! Let us always remind ourselves that without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). So let us devote ourselves to increase our faith (Romans 10:17) so that we can keep it until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In conclusion:
Let us be Dedicated,Determined,and Devoted to our Lord and his Word so that the same us the Apostle Paul, we can fight a good fight, we can finish our course, and we can keep the faith and be confident for that CROWN !
Thank you for reading.
Blessings.
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Arniegamilong wrote: "Devotional for Thursday (very very late)PAUL'S GRADUATION
.."
Good Devotion Arniegamilong!
Devotion: What do you see?There is so much ways that this topic can be branched off into. But I would like to focus on what we as individuals see. For the 43 years God has me on this earth I have learnt that sometimes we don’t see things as they really are. Oftentimes, there are many sides, or should I say many ways to see the various situations we are faced with in life.
As the cliché goes, when you look at a glass with water at the halfway mark; is the glass half empty or half full?
Someone once told me that he would worry about everything! A situation could have had glimmers of hope but all he would see is gloom and doom. It was so bad, that when he didn’t have anything to worry about, he used to worry as to why he was not worried. This is the negative outlook he had on life and even an injection of positivity could not change it. His mind was fixed on seeing things one way. But this challenge is not limited to him alone. Many of us don’t see things as they really are.
One of the reasons this happens is because we program our thinking to only be one directional. Or we become so fixated on the problem or challenge in front of us that after a while that is all we see and know. We only see the problem and forget about the problem solver, OUR GOD. This oftentimes comes about in times of sickness, financial hardship, family conflicts, problems on the job, and the list goes on. But I want to remind you today to see it as God Sees It! And this is how God sees it:
Isaiah 54:17 (KJV) “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord”.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Romans 8:31 31 (NIV) “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Philippians 4:13 (KJV) “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”.
Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry, and the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles”.
One of my favorite pieces of scripture comes to mind. Remember when the Prophet Elisha and his servant was surrounded by a mighty army sent by the king of the Arameans? (2 Kings 6:8-23). The servant was frightened because he was seeing in the natural and was fearful of the physical army. Elisha was operating in the spiritual and because of this he saw the might and power of God with him. Elilsha prayed for God to open his servant’s eyes to see it as God sees it.
2 Kings 6:16-18 “Don't be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.18 As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.
So while the Arameans were seeing thousands against two, Elisha and God were seeing two against nothing; because the force of the Arameans were nothing when compared to the Lord of Host. The servant was with Elisha and on God’s side, but he was still seeing things from the enemy’s point of view (thousands against two). Sometimes we are with God, but still seeing things from the enemy’s standpoint. So, today I ask you again, what do you see?
The servant’s eyes were opened because of prayer and being close to a man of God who can give wisdom and guidance. So today I pray for you my friend, that God Almighty opens your eyes to whatever situation you need clarity or help with. I also pray that He places men and women of wisdom around you who can help renew your mind (Romans 12:2) with sound doctrine and Godly wisdom.
I pray you walk away from this blog post with the mindset of, “I am going to see it as God sees it!”.
Keep strong in the Lord my Friend, and God Bless you!
Dane
Monday, March 26
This week is a time of remembrance and celebration. We remember that God is the Creator of the universe and everything in it.
Exodus 20:11 "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.
Nehemiah 9:6 "You alone are the LORD You have made the heavens, The heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them You give life to all of them And the heavenly host bows down before You.
Isaiah 42:5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
We also remember that God saved the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. He spared their lives by passing over them when punishing Egypt.
Exodus 12:12-13 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.
This is also the time to remember the the love God has for us and the sacrifice He made for us. A time to remember that Jesus was beaten and humiliated and hung on a cross to pay for our sins.
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
1 John 2:1-2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Mark 15:15 Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.
This week is also a time for celebration because Jesus Christ conquered death!
Hebrews 2:5-18 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
This week take time to reflect on the Power, Mercy, Grace and Love of God. Thank Him for all that He is and all that He has done.
Invite someone you know to church this week. Offer to pick them up or meet them there.
God Bless you all.
Rita Faye
This week is a time of remembrance and celebration. We remember that God is the Creator of the universe and everything in it.
Exodus 20:11 "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.
Nehemiah 9:6 "You alone are the LORD You have made the heavens, The heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them You give life to all of them And the heavenly host bows down before You.
Isaiah 42:5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
We also remember that God saved the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. He spared their lives by passing over them when punishing Egypt.
Exodus 12:12-13 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.
This is also the time to remember the the love God has for us and the sacrifice He made for us. A time to remember that Jesus was beaten and humiliated and hung on a cross to pay for our sins.
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
1 John 2:1-2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Mark 15:15 Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.
This week is also a time for celebration because Jesus Christ conquered death!
Hebrews 2:5-18 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
This week take time to reflect on the Power, Mercy, Grace and Love of God. Thank Him for all that He is and all that He has done.
Invite someone you know to church this week. Offer to pick them up or meet them there.
God Bless you all.
Rita Faye
Rita Faye wrote: "Monday, March 26This week is a time of remembrance and celebration. We remember that God is the Creator of the universe and everything in it.
Exodus 20:11 "For in six days the LORD made the heav..."
We thank the Almighty God for the victory, leadership and blessings we have in Christ Jesus. Happy Holy Week of Easter to everyone! Peace and love of our saviour, Jesus.
Peharbs, Sunday Devotionals as I was writing before...would like that very much.
Ibiloye
Passover Remembrance Message15-21 Nisan 5778 / 30 March -6 April 2018
Posted: 14 Nisan 5778 / 30 March 2018
Tonight is the commemoration of the Feast of Passover, which is also the first night of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It is a very important Holy Day for Jewish people, and also for Christians who remember this time.
It was on the evening of Passover, after Jesus had shared that very special meal with His disciples, that He was handed over to the enemy by one of His chosen disciples, Judas Iscariot, in fulfillment of prophecy.
Luke 22:14-22 "And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. And He said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you.
But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth Me is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom He is betrayed!"
Jesus' great sacrifice, when He gave His precious life in order to redeem mankind from sin, death, and the power of Darkness, is something I will always remember. There are those who like to continually portray the horrible way in which Jesus was murdered, but our primary focus should be that Jesus is no longer on the cross (metaphorically), nor in the grave, but He is Alive! And as true Christians we should live our lives for Him!
But God's people have gotten so far away from God and His Holy Word. Sadly, so many churches are no longer representing the true Jesus Christ, but God always has the appropriate answers for any occasion.
Matthew 13:25 "But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way."
I see so many ways where God's people are being led into the Darkness, and for those who refuse to come to the Light, and be honest with God, they will not be able to see where Satan has an influence in their life.
For those who have "eyes to see," they know we are living in the final days right before the return of Jesus Christ, and I must proclaim, Woe, woe be unto those who call themselves Christian, yet do not follow Christ!
Romans 13:11-12 "And that, knowing the Time, that now it is high Time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The Night is far spent, the Day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of Darkness, and let us put on the armour of Light."
Most people don't like to think that they could be listening to the lies of the Devil, but if you are a Christian, and reject the Truth, you will remain in the Darkness of sin, all the while dying inside and not knowing why.
I Corinthians 11:27-32 "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the LORD, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the LORD.
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the LORD'S body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the LORD, that we should not be condemned with the world."
The LORD Shall Judge His People, and He is the only One who will determine the eternal destiny of men, but God has directed His people to "watch and pray," and not to forsake "the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
I would like to share a revealing quote from a popular "Christian" author that I have always had great reservations about. The words of this man, as stated here, proves to me exactly why I stand in doubt of him.
"It is not for us to say who, in the deepest sense, is or is not close to the spirit of Christ. We do not see into men's hearts. We cannot judge... It would be wicked arrogance for us to say that any man is, or is not, a Christian." C. S. Lewis
Those are certainly not the words of a man that is "close to the spirit of Christ." And for C. S. Lewis to claim that it is "wicked arrogance for us to say that any man is, or is not, a Christian," is totally against God's word.
God has given all power and authority to His beloved son, Jesus Christ, and Jesus' words clearly refute the words of C. S. Lewis. Prayerfully consider the Words of the true Christ.
Matthew 12:37 "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Luke 6:45 "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."
Consider what God said through the Apostle John, one of the disciples that was closest to the LORD Jesus Christ while He walked this earth.
1 John 4:1-6 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.
They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."
The Word of God, is under attack like never before, and some of the most deliberate attempts to pervert the Gospel of Christ, is "The Message" of Eugene Peterson, and "The Purpose Driven Life" of Rick Warren. And what's so appalling, is that these false teachers have the support of so many Christian ministries and individual Christians!
It is Time for God's people to renounce the hidden works of Darkness! It is Time to expose all the ways in which the Wicked One has wormed his way into the Church of the LORD Jesus Christ!
It is Time to defend the true Gospel. But will you leave it for someone else to do? Or worse, will you just pretend that there is not a problem, and let the Devil, and his evil workers, continue to have their way?
God is searching for those who are willing to stand up for Him and His beloved Son, but the question remains: Who is going to Heed the Call?
Isaiah 6:8 “Also I heard the Voice of the LORD, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here Am I; send me."
God has allowed me to write poems over the years, and they are always related to something that has happened to me in this world, but they have a much higher meaning behind it. I would like to share this poem that I wrote many years ago, entitled “The Gift.”
"The Gift
When I gave you the Gift, due to the birth of the King,
I truly felt that It would bring you great joy and delight.
I also imagined that you would display It in a place for all to see,
But obviously that was not to be Its plight.
And when you kept It hid away and out of plain sight,
I was greatly disappointed that It was not as important to you,
as It was to Me.
Maybe It wasn’t’ for you what you thought It would be?
The things of the world will indeed fade away and be diminished,
And only what God has given will matter when all is finished.
So it’s best to keep in mind that only the things of heaven
will last and be forever,
And what you do for the LORD Jesus Christ will be applied to that treasure.
God most certainly takes into account all that we do in this present life,
And depending on what we do with His Word
Will either bring us joy or brings us strife.
And as the LORD reveals the true condition of our hearts,
We must totally submit to Almighty God if we are smart.
So that He can cleanse, and purify, and remove all that is evil,
But should we refuse we will be guilty of serving the Devil!
Never forget that what The Father has given
is much more important to procure,
And could be taken away from those who do not keep It secure.
The Gift of God’s Spirit should be protected
With our very own life, and cherished, and honored, and adored,
As a man should be toward his wife.
And if we ever willfully ignore God’s Voice and speak evil of Him,
We will most certainly be in danger of blasphemy the sin,
That could cause us to be eternally separated from Them,
Who have prepared the Way for all men
To be a part of God’s Family."
C. Read 1/24/1995
One last passage I hope you will prayerfully consider:
1 Corinthians 2:7-9 “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the LORD of glory.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”
Who would think that the crucifixion of our LORD would bring us The Gift of eternal life? Satan and his ministers didn’t understand it. But, for those of us who are "Real Christians," we do, don’t we?
C. Read
http://www.truelightministries.us/MyV...
Devotional: When You Are WeakI recently had a situation where I was feeling downhearted. My thoughts and feelings were, “Lord, I feel tired and worn and I need your strength to go on”. I am sure I am not alone when I say, “all of us have felt dispirited and discouraged at various instances or moments in our lives”.
I must confess I did not manage this feeling well and I allowed it to overtake my mind and get the better of me. Now as children of God we should never let negative thoughts and feelings get the better of us! As Joyce Meyer stated, “the battlefield of the mind is real”. Our mind is a mental battlefield where at any moment, we can either conjure self-destructive thoughts, or our enemy the devil can rain despair in our spirit.
The thing is, anyone can soar when they are on a mountain top. When you are on a spiritual, emotional, financial, physical (good health) mountain top it is easy to keep high-spirited and cheerful. Who wouldn’t be elated when things are in their favor. But it is in the valley where our mental metal is tested. It is through hardship and during the low periods of our lives that “True Grit” it tested and must surface.
So there I was, feeling dejected because my mind gave in and my feelings had just won the last round. But, although feelings won the last round, I WILL NOT allow it to win the next nor the entire fight. As a friend of mind once told me, “the word of God always has an answer for our life, therefore when in trouble we must search God’s word for the answer”.
So, here is what I did. I hobbled to my corner of the ring after round one (1) and got my coach called “The Word of God” to give me some guidance and instruction. My coach said this: Dane, remember John the Baptiste? Jesus said that there wasn’t a greater man that was born of a woman than him (Matthew 11:11). John the Baptiste motivated and brought many to Christ. He also saw Jesus approaching him from afar and without hesitation remarked, “behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” - John 1:29. When John now met Jesus he fully knew who Jesus was, and what he was capable of doing.
But later on when John the Baptiste was thrown in prison his tone changed. He went from saying behold the Lamb of God to asking are you really the Lamb of God (Matthew 11:1-4)? The prison not only imprisoned him physically but also mentally, and the worst prison anyone can be in is a mental prison. John in his weakened state started to disbelieve in Jesus and doubt. Does this sound like familiar territory to you? You were strong yesterday but all of a sudden you feel dejected today?
Again I say the answer is always in God’s Word. In Matthew 11:2, John the Baptiste did what all believers must do when they are feeling low:
1. Call on Jesus
2. Lean on Jesus
3. Reach out to Jesus
4. Summon Jesus.
The lesson from John the Baptiste is this. When he was feeling weak and imprisoned in his mind he called for/to Jesus to get encouragement. When it was too much, or should I say before it got to be too much, John reached out to the Lord who is mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17). Because of this he received the right word at the right time which encouraged his soul and brought life. That is the key when our thoughts are breaking us down and weakening our being. We must reach out to the Lord in Prayer, Reading his Word and Worship.
The objective is to kill negative thoughts when they are now formed, because that is when they are at their weakest. John the Baptiste told us "what to do" and the Apostle Paul told us "how to do" it. The Apostle Paul taught us to kill negative thoughts when he prescribed the following technique.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”
Lord I thank you for your word! For in it I have gained strength to do battle.
Ping; is that the bell I just heard? Devil and negative thoughts it’s time for round two; where victory will be mines in the name of our Lord!
Your Brother in the Lord.
Dane
Monday, April 2
Matthew 28: 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Churches all over the world had special Easter services. They had outreach programs to get people to come to church. Many churches and Christians campaigned to get people in the doors during Lent, Passover and Easter. Now that Easter is over many of those same people and churches will sit back and not invite anyone to return to church until December 1st. Jesus did not commission us just twice a year.We were commissioned to spread the Good News ever day! Millions of people came to church last Sunday because they know that the day is a Holy celebration.But most of these same people may not realize what Jesus Christ did for them. Now is the time to keep talking to them and inviting them to church. Now is the time to convince them to be Christians and not "Chreasters". (People that only shows up to church on Christmas and Easter. Anyone that showed up to church this past Sunday is looking for God. They may not realize it. They may not know how to go about it. It is our duty as children of God to show these "Chreasters" how to become "Christians". Don't put off till December what you should be doing today. Talk to that person you know that came to church this past Sunday. Explain to them what Jesus did for us all on the cross. Tell them how to accept Jesus as their Savior. Help them to have courage. Show them that there is no reason to be embarrassed or afraid. Be gentle but confident when talking to them. Give them time. Don't get frustrated if nothing happens the first time. Just like any other major change in someone's life, it takes time. Don't give up. Continue to invite them to church. Continue to be a true friend to them, not just someone that browbeats them about coming to church. Pray for all "Chreasters" to accept Jesus as their Savior. Pray that they wake up early this Sunday and have the urge to go to church. Then call them on Sunday morning and say that you will be there in an hour to pick them up. Maybe just maybe somebody will be waiting on the doorstep when you get there. If you say you are coming, show up. You may drive away alone but at least the person you called will know that you are serious about giving them a ride. Try again next week and the week following. This will not work with everyone, but if the person is saying maybe next week when you invite them, then try this approach.
May God bless you and your discipleship.
Matthew 28: 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Churches all over the world had special Easter services. They had outreach programs to get people to come to church. Many churches and Christians campaigned to get people in the doors during Lent, Passover and Easter. Now that Easter is over many of those same people and churches will sit back and not invite anyone to return to church until December 1st. Jesus did not commission us just twice a year.We were commissioned to spread the Good News ever day! Millions of people came to church last Sunday because they know that the day is a Holy celebration.But most of these same people may not realize what Jesus Christ did for them. Now is the time to keep talking to them and inviting them to church. Now is the time to convince them to be Christians and not "Chreasters". (People that only shows up to church on Christmas and Easter. Anyone that showed up to church this past Sunday is looking for God. They may not realize it. They may not know how to go about it. It is our duty as children of God to show these "Chreasters" how to become "Christians". Don't put off till December what you should be doing today. Talk to that person you know that came to church this past Sunday. Explain to them what Jesus did for us all on the cross. Tell them how to accept Jesus as their Savior. Help them to have courage. Show them that there is no reason to be embarrassed or afraid. Be gentle but confident when talking to them. Give them time. Don't get frustrated if nothing happens the first time. Just like any other major change in someone's life, it takes time. Don't give up. Continue to invite them to church. Continue to be a true friend to them, not just someone that browbeats them about coming to church. Pray for all "Chreasters" to accept Jesus as their Savior. Pray that they wake up early this Sunday and have the urge to go to church. Then call them on Sunday morning and say that you will be there in an hour to pick them up. Maybe just maybe somebody will be waiting on the doorstep when you get there. If you say you are coming, show up. You may drive away alone but at least the person you called will know that you are serious about giving them a ride. Try again next week and the week following. This will not work with everyone, but if the person is saying maybe next week when you invite them, then try this approach.
May God bless you and your discipleship.
C. wrote: "Passover Remembrance Message15-21 Nisan 5778 / 30 March -6 April 2018
Posted: 14 Nisan 5778 / 30 March 2018
Tonight is the commemoration of the Feast of Passover, which is also the first night o..."
Yes! Truly my Dear Friend C, we understand that the crucifixion of our Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gives us the gift of eternal life and His resurrection gives us victory! Hallelujah!
And the devil and demons and evil spirits didn't get it until now...
Thank you for this beautiful poem! I missed it from the website!
To God be the glory for His unspeakable "Gift"!
I was also quiet busy due to some speaking engagements in the closing of classes in our schools here.
But I never ever forget to PRAY for you my Dear Friend.
May the Lord continue to be gracious to you and to your loved Ones.
Just be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Thank you for your life and Testimony and faithfulness even in times of trials.
You are such a blessing to so many of us here in the Real Christian family and all over!
Blessings.
Dane wrote: "Devotional: When You Are WeakI recently had a situation where I was feeling downhearted. My thoughts and feelings were, “Lord, I feel tired and worn and I need your strength to go on”. I am sure ..."
Thank you Brother Dane!!!
Ping! And the winner is....!!!
What a victory in Jesus that we will have!
Yes, I felt that way so many times before, and surely it will keep coming. But thank God for our "coach", and second man in the ring...we can fight a good fight, and win!
Amen!
Rita Faye wrote: "Monday, April 2Matthew 28: 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in th..."
"Chreasters"...hmmm just heard that! :) very good observation Rita Faye, and a provoking challenge!
Thank you so much! If only every Real Christian will be like that, then there will be many Chreasters that will become Christians!
Praying for you all here in our Real Christian Family! may the Lord use us to be witnesses for Him, not just on Holy weeks, but throughout...
Blessings Rita Faye, Thank you, Thank you!
To God be the glory!
Arniegamilong wrote: "Rita Faye wrote: "Monday, April 2
Matthew 28: 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, ba..."
Blessings to you Pastor Arnie and thank you for your kind words
Matthew 28: 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, ba..."
Blessings to you Pastor Arnie and thank you for your kind words
Praise God, HE IS ALIVE!Posted: 3 April 2018 / 19 Nisan 5778 / 4th Day of the Omer
In remembrance of the LORD Jesus Christ and His death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection! (On 3 April 2018 / 18 Nisan 5778 / 3rd Day of the Omer.)
I pray for the Day when we meet our LORD face to face! And until that day may we be busy about the work of the LORD!
"And without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness:
God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,
seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles,
believed on in the world, received up into glory." 1 Timothy 3:16
"Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Amen!"
Blessed are they who are called to HIS Supper! And may we be among that number on that great Resurrection Day! Amen!
You all are in my prayers! Great messages, my dear Pastor Arnie, my dear friend Rita Faye, and my brother Dane!
Keep the faith my dear fellow Christians!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
P.S. I just have to say this Dane, and I surely hope you won't take it the wrong way, but please consider your acceptance of Joyce Meyer... I don't know if I have ever mentioned this to you before, but I see her as a false teacher... Please pray about it...
All of you are always in my prayers! And I thank you for yours!
Monday, April 9
Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Honor your parents is the fifth commandment. Most people think that is an easy commandment to follow but is it? Did you ever talk back to your parents? Refuse to do what they told you to do? Complain about them to your friends? Do you check in with your parents monthly? Weekly? Daily? Once we are adults and away from the homes we grew up in, we often neglect the people still living there.
Our parents are aging rapidly. Many are in declining health and in need of assistance. Do you wait to be asked to give aid? Do you show up and volunteer to maintain the home? Do you take your parents to the grocery store? Pharmacy? Doctor? Do you help them pay their bills? Do you care for your parents personally when they are undergoing surgery? Ill and bedridden? Do you pay for someone to assistant them if you live far away? Or do you rely on your brothers and sisters to provide all the care?
All children are commanded to Honor their parents. The commandment doesn't say that you are off the hook because your siblings live closer or don't work outside the home.
Our parents notice and are hurt when months pass without phone calls and visits. They are proud people that spent a huge part of their lives caring for our siblings and us. It is very difficult for them to ask for help. They worked hard all their lives and it is especially difficult for them to ask for money to pay sky rocketing medical and insurance bills or unexpected home repair bills. Don't sit back and wait for your parent to call, visit, or ask for help. Honor your parents by calling and visiting them. Honor your parents by knowing if they have the means to support themselves in retirement. Honor your parents by getting to know them as one adult to another. Listen to the stories of the past. Ask questions. Go on vacation together. Show up for the holidays. Most of all, learn to deal with them as they age and become difficult to be around. Be patient when they are forgetful. Be loving, kind and forgiving when they are stubborn and angry. Many of these things are symptoms of aging. Many times our parents aren't in control of their emotional outbursts. Know your parents so that you can tell the difference between a bad mood on a hard day and symptoms of an illness that needs medical attention. Honor your parents by caring for them just as they cared for you while you were growing up.
Don't let old hurts keep you away from your parents. Show them the Grace that God showed you and forgive them. Wipe the slate clean and go home before it is too late.
For those whose parents have already passed away, honor your parents by aiding the older people around you that have no one to care for them. Be as John was to Mary and care for someone as though they were your parents.
John 19:26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
Remember one day we will be old and in need of assistance. Care for your parents as you would want your children to care for you. Love and care for your parents as God has loved and cared for you.
God bless you all
Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Honor your parents is the fifth commandment. Most people think that is an easy commandment to follow but is it? Did you ever talk back to your parents? Refuse to do what they told you to do? Complain about them to your friends? Do you check in with your parents monthly? Weekly? Daily? Once we are adults and away from the homes we grew up in, we often neglect the people still living there.
Our parents are aging rapidly. Many are in declining health and in need of assistance. Do you wait to be asked to give aid? Do you show up and volunteer to maintain the home? Do you take your parents to the grocery store? Pharmacy? Doctor? Do you help them pay their bills? Do you care for your parents personally when they are undergoing surgery? Ill and bedridden? Do you pay for someone to assistant them if you live far away? Or do you rely on your brothers and sisters to provide all the care?
All children are commanded to Honor their parents. The commandment doesn't say that you are off the hook because your siblings live closer or don't work outside the home.
Our parents notice and are hurt when months pass without phone calls and visits. They are proud people that spent a huge part of their lives caring for our siblings and us. It is very difficult for them to ask for help. They worked hard all their lives and it is especially difficult for them to ask for money to pay sky rocketing medical and insurance bills or unexpected home repair bills. Don't sit back and wait for your parent to call, visit, or ask for help. Honor your parents by calling and visiting them. Honor your parents by knowing if they have the means to support themselves in retirement. Honor your parents by getting to know them as one adult to another. Listen to the stories of the past. Ask questions. Go on vacation together. Show up for the holidays. Most of all, learn to deal with them as they age and become difficult to be around. Be patient when they are forgetful. Be loving, kind and forgiving when they are stubborn and angry. Many of these things are symptoms of aging. Many times our parents aren't in control of their emotional outbursts. Know your parents so that you can tell the difference between a bad mood on a hard day and symptoms of an illness that needs medical attention. Honor your parents by caring for them just as they cared for you while you were growing up.
Don't let old hurts keep you away from your parents. Show them the Grace that God showed you and forgive them. Wipe the slate clean and go home before it is too late.
For those whose parents have already passed away, honor your parents by aiding the older people around you that have no one to care for them. Be as John was to Mary and care for someone as though they were your parents.
John 19:26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
Remember one day we will be old and in need of assistance. Care for your parents as you would want your children to care for you. Love and care for your parents as God has loved and cared for you.
God bless you all
Rita Faye wrote: "Monday, April 9Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Honor your parents is the fifth commandment..."
My Dear Rita Faye,
What an absolutely beautiful message! My parents are no longer living, but my husband's mom is, and your caring words causes me to want to spend more time with her.
I hope to share a devotional soon! Hope all is well! God bless and keep you and our Real Christian community and those who visit.
You all are in my prayers, and I thank you for yours!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
How Careful Are You?I am sure most of us can look back on our lives and pin point a few instances where we made major mistakes. If not a few, then at least one, because no one is absolved from making life blunders. Now, although God is merciful and gracious we cannot deliberately exploit His love by continually making poor decisions and then simply stretching out our hands for grace. Remember God’s word states:
Romans 9:15-16 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
Knowing that God can and will at times withhold mercy and realizing that man is a fail being who is prone to making mistakes. My question to you is, How Careful Are You? Now that we know that these things can and will happen, are you using this knowledge to walk more uprightly and circumspect. I can tell you from personal experience that there were times I let my guard down and heaped upon myself problems which could have been prevented if only I was more careful.
Not even old testament individuals were pardoned from making major missteps:
** Eve Picked the forbidden fruit and look where it got us, the stain of sin entered the world. (Genesis 2:16–17)
** Moses was disbarred from entering the promise land simply because he struck the rock when he supposed to speak to the rock (Numbers 20:8-12).
** King Saul was dethroned the moment he returned with spoils (sheep, cattle, lambs) from battle when God told him to destroy everything and bring nothing back with him (1 Samuel 15).
But what was so wrong with their actions? Eve only picked a fruit, Moses used this hand instead of his mouth, Saul brought back great loot for his people. Come on now, what could be so wrong with these simple actions that a loving God could have taken such drastic action. Well on the surface it looked simple, but deep down where it matters we can see all of them disobeyed God. This is where it can make us or break us, - are we obeying or disobeying God!
Disobedience is where God draws the line in the sand. So much so that He is willing to separate Himself from His first daughter (Eve), stop the leader of a nation (Moses) from going forward and dethroning King Saul and replacing him with another King (King David). God will go at lengths to show us how serious he is about sin and willing to make examples of key figures in order for us to learn and be careful.
My dear friends, my urging today is not to become complacent and take the love of our father for granted. Let us learn to follow His instructions and follow it carefully and take nothing for granted. Yes, our God is a loving, kind and a merciful father. But he is also a God of wrath and vengeance. As believers we must long to know all aspects of our Heavenly Father and what makes Him happy and what displeases Him.
Therefore, today I ask that we all take a moment and do some self-reflection. Ask ourselves what situations are we taking for granted, or not being careful in. Are we treating things lightly when we shouldn’t? Are there grey areas in our Christian walk which we have left alone for too long? Have I become lukewarm in my Christian walk?
If you have answered yes to any of the above questions or any variant of it, then now is a good time to put an action plan in place. Acknowledge God for help and develop your action plan for improvement (Read Gods word more, pray more, etc), purpose to be more careful in every situation, and build some safeguards into your life. By doing this we will make right decisions and as we all know, if we Improve the Quality of our decisions then we will Improve the Quality of our Life!
I leave you with the following two scriptures as a reminder to us all:
Acts 20:31 (NIV) - So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
Revelation 3:3 (KJV) - Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Let’s learn to be careful and stay in our spiritual swim lanes for coming out of it only brings trouble and heartache.
PS: I am feeling led to also reference one of my previous blogs post as a compliment to this one. Have a read of - "Just Now...!!"
C. wrote: "Rita Faye wrote: "Monday, April 9
Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Honor your parents is the fifth commandme..."
C. Thank you. I was lead to write this devotion because my Mom is facing eye surgery to fix a macular hole. The recovery involves at least a week being face down. She has 5 daughters but I am the only one that doesn't work. I was feeling alone, trapped and frustrated at the thought of being responsible for my Mom. God led me to know that I was not honoring my Mother. After I faced these truths and wrote this devotion, my sisters committed to helping with the care of our Mother during the recovery period. We are in the process of planning the surgery now.
Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Honor your parents is the fifth commandme..."
C. Thank you. I was lead to write this devotion because my Mom is facing eye surgery to fix a macular hole. The recovery involves at least a week being face down. She has 5 daughters but I am the only one that doesn't work. I was feeling alone, trapped and frustrated at the thought of being responsible for my Mom. God led me to know that I was not honoring my Mother. After I faced these truths and wrote this devotion, my sisters committed to helping with the care of our Mother during the recovery period. We are in the process of planning the surgery now.
Rita Faye wrote: "C. Thank you. I was led to write this devotion because my Mom is facing eye surgery..."14 April 2018 / 29 Nisan 5778 / 14 Day of the Omer
Hi Rita Faye,
As "Real Christians," so many times our heartaches, and the things we are going through (or have been through), can be such blessing to others when we share what God has put on our heart. And considering what you said was Scriptural made it even better!
I truly appreciate all those who are willing to share their thoughts, experiences, and devotions with us. It is how we get to know one another, so that hopefully we can help and encourage each other.
In closing, I would like to share a passage that demonstrates the value God places on our willingness to communicate with one another, along with other wonderful truths!
1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
1 Timothy 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Timothy 6:15 Which in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
God bless you all! Hope you have a wonderful week next week! You and your mommy will be in my prayers Rita Faye!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
P. S. Dane, I loved your message! Your statement: "This is where it can make us or break us, - are we obeying or disobeying God!" That is truly something we need to always consider in regard to our thoughts, our deeds, and every decision we make! Amen!
Thanks C., I will continue to pray for you and your husband too.
Monday, April 16
This week our Pastor said that he felt our congregation was being assaulted by an air of discouragement. He said that he had talked to many members that were facing troubles and were struggling with the feeling of defeat. I haven't talked to him about my own struggles but the news that others are struggling is distressing and comforting at the same time.
I am comforted in knowing that I am not alone in the way I have been feeling. I am distressed that I find comfort in that. I am also distressed that others in my church group are facing struggles of their own.
This devotional thread has been a tremendous comfort to me. The devotions often seem to speak to my specific needs at the time. Your words always remind me to look to and lean on Jesus.
For anyone that is struggling, depressed, bone-tired and lonely. Remember that you are not alone. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, then He is always with you. Give all your anxiety, worry and weariness to the LORD. He will carry you through the fire.
Accept help from family, friends and neighbors when offered. If help isn't offered then seek it from them. God gave you family and friends so that you wouldn't be alone.
Remember that although we cannot be there with you physically, that we can be there spiritually if you tell us of your need.
Below are a few verses that encourage me:
2 Chronicles 15:7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Please pray that all Christians are strengthened, encouraged and comforted through the Word of God this week. Pray that we all remember to lean on Jesus. Pray that we allow ourselves to be used as His Instrument and come to the aid of those in need around us.
p.s. My Mom's eye surgery has been scheduled for May. I ask that you all pray for her quick and complete healing. Pray also that she is comfortable while healing. Pray for my Mom, sisters and I to all have patience with each other and that God strengthens us all through Mom's recovery period. Please pray starting now through the month of May.
Thank you and God bless you all
This week our Pastor said that he felt our congregation was being assaulted by an air of discouragement. He said that he had talked to many members that were facing troubles and were struggling with the feeling of defeat. I haven't talked to him about my own struggles but the news that others are struggling is distressing and comforting at the same time.
I am comforted in knowing that I am not alone in the way I have been feeling. I am distressed that I find comfort in that. I am also distressed that others in my church group are facing struggles of their own.
This devotional thread has been a tremendous comfort to me. The devotions often seem to speak to my specific needs at the time. Your words always remind me to look to and lean on Jesus.
For anyone that is struggling, depressed, bone-tired and lonely. Remember that you are not alone. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, then He is always with you. Give all your anxiety, worry and weariness to the LORD. He will carry you through the fire.
Accept help from family, friends and neighbors when offered. If help isn't offered then seek it from them. God gave you family and friends so that you wouldn't be alone.
Remember that although we cannot be there with you physically, that we can be there spiritually if you tell us of your need.
Below are a few verses that encourage me:
2 Chronicles 15:7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Please pray that all Christians are strengthened, encouraged and comforted through the Word of God this week. Pray that we all remember to lean on Jesus. Pray that we allow ourselves to be used as His Instrument and come to the aid of those in need around us.
p.s. My Mom's eye surgery has been scheduled for May. I ask that you all pray for her quick and complete healing. Pray also that she is comfortable while healing. Pray for my Mom, sisters and I to all have patience with each other and that God strengthens us all through Mom's recovery period. Please pray starting now through the month of May.
Thank you and God bless you all
Monday, April 23
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Above is one of the best known and quoted scriptures of the Bible. But do you really think about how much God loves us to sacrifice His Son for us?
Often I hear people talk about how worthless a family member is or how unlovable that they personally feel.
They never think about the above verse. If God thought you were worth suffering and dying for then is your opinion of others or yourself more important than His?
Why do you put yourself above God in this when you would never do it in any other part of your life?
If you or someone you know has a worthless opinion about them-self then remind them that Jesus thinks that he/she is worth suffering for.
Whenever you are not feeling good about yourself or feel that others are putting you down, remember that God has lifted you up above all of that nonsense.
Stand tall and straight. Let no person, not even yourself, bring you down.
Each day measure yourself with the measure that God has used to measure you with.
With Jesus you stand as tall and strong as any giant.
You are as worthy as Kings David and Solomon.
You are as precious to Him as His mother Mary.
You are His brother/sister.
Look at yourself with the eyes of Jesus. Love yourself as He loves you.
God Bless You
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Above is one of the best known and quoted scriptures of the Bible. But do you really think about how much God loves us to sacrifice His Son for us?
Often I hear people talk about how worthless a family member is or how unlovable that they personally feel.
They never think about the above verse. If God thought you were worth suffering and dying for then is your opinion of others or yourself more important than His?
Why do you put yourself above God in this when you would never do it in any other part of your life?
If you or someone you know has a worthless opinion about them-self then remind them that Jesus thinks that he/she is worth suffering for.
Whenever you are not feeling good about yourself or feel that others are putting you down, remember that God has lifted you up above all of that nonsense.
Stand tall and straight. Let no person, not even yourself, bring you down.
Each day measure yourself with the measure that God has used to measure you with.
With Jesus you stand as tall and strong as any giant.
You are as worthy as Kings David and Solomon.
You are as precious to Him as His mother Mary.
You are His brother/sister.
Look at yourself with the eyes of Jesus. Love yourself as He loves you.
God Bless You
Rita Faye wrote: "Monday, April 9Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Honor your parents is the fifth commandment. Most people th..."
Dear Rita Faye;
Teary eyed here as I read this reminder! To God be the glory for these Devotionals that both warn and encourage and comfort us!!!
My wife's mother lost her "dentures" in a drainage, and suffered without it for a few days, and then, a self-employed maker of dentures made it worst when he gave her an unfit one and her gums swollen. she needs to eat liquids and very soft food. She's about 85 years old and needs so much care, because the situation made her weaker and feeling depressed and "tempered". It was from November...
My wife and I are the ones who took care of here: washing her clothes; cooking; spoon feeding- every meal, cleaning her house almost everyday.. And we are about 15 kilometers away from her. It is aside from our ministry and work, and taking care of our daughter going to school.
Praise the Lord she is able to eat and work and live by herself starting the first week of this month.
Honoring our parents? I think we have done that when she said, " How can I continue living without you..." with a teary smile. Then she said... "Thank you very much! I am so happy and grateful to have you both".
Hard? Yes! Definitely! But so rewarding and so refreshing! Our hearts felt so much joy to know that in some small ways we applied the Bible in this area of our lives!
Thank you Rita Faye for sharing, and may we continue to honor our PARENTS as the Bible mandates!
Blessings indeed!
We are now in our last day of Vacation Bible school in our fourth Church starting from the first week of April.
I hope to share a Devotional about our theme : To Know Christ and to make Him Known, next week.
Please keep us in your prayers as we are preparing for our Youth Summer Bible Camp on May 7-10. May the Lord be gracious to provide, and may He be glorified in all these.
I also keep you all my Real Christian Family, especially my Dear Friend C, in my heart and prayers!
God bless everyone.
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might as always!
Thank you for your prayers and Devotionals.
Thank you Pastor Arnie. May God continue to bless you and your extended family
Monday, April 30
Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
I love this verse! Isn't it great when we all agree. These days too many Christians are arguing over things: points of views, how to dress, what to sing, Bible timeline, how and when creation happened, end time prophecies, the shape of the earth, the list goes on and on.
Most of the things that divide us as Christians are trivial. When we can't agree on these things we sound like nine year olds fighting over which super hero has the best super power. In the end it doesn't matter because there is no one with proof of who is right and who is wrong.
I say that everyone that lets these things divide them as a church needs to re-access whether or not the argument is worth the time devoted to it. I don't believe that Jesus would give most of these things a second thought if He was here on earth today. There are more important things that we as a church need to focus on:
Salvation of the lost, feeding the hungry, helping the poor, providing comfort to the grieving, giving hope to the hopeless, standing up for the unborn, and teaching our children about Jesus.
I hope that the next time someone says something that you don't agree with (that has no answer) that you will say lets agree to disagree on this one subject and talk about what is really important.
Remember that none of us are going to agree on every single subject. Each of us is looking at Scripture through a different set of eyes than every other person on earth does. We all come to it with different upbringings, traditions, and degree of understanding.
Focus on what really matters this week and don't let the trivial things in life get you distracted from the important things. Don't let the trivial arguments separate and divide you from your family, friends and church family.
May God's Grace shine upon you this week.
Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
I love this verse! Isn't it great when we all agree. These days too many Christians are arguing over things: points of views, how to dress, what to sing, Bible timeline, how and when creation happened, end time prophecies, the shape of the earth, the list goes on and on.
Most of the things that divide us as Christians are trivial. When we can't agree on these things we sound like nine year olds fighting over which super hero has the best super power. In the end it doesn't matter because there is no one with proof of who is right and who is wrong.
I say that everyone that lets these things divide them as a church needs to re-access whether or not the argument is worth the time devoted to it. I don't believe that Jesus would give most of these things a second thought if He was here on earth today. There are more important things that we as a church need to focus on:
Salvation of the lost, feeding the hungry, helping the poor, providing comfort to the grieving, giving hope to the hopeless, standing up for the unborn, and teaching our children about Jesus.
I hope that the next time someone says something that you don't agree with (that has no answer) that you will say lets agree to disagree on this one subject and talk about what is really important.
Remember that none of us are going to agree on every single subject. Each of us is looking at Scripture through a different set of eyes than every other person on earth does. We all come to it with different upbringings, traditions, and degree of understanding.
Focus on what really matters this week and don't let the trivial things in life get you distracted from the important things. Don't let the trivial arguments separate and divide you from your family, friends and church family.
May God's Grace shine upon you this week.
Rita Faye wrote: "Monday, April 30Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
I love this verse! Isn't it great when we all agree. These days too many Christians are arguing ..."
Hi Rita and Pastor Arnie!
I have been away for awhile... many different issues with the husband and family, but I am so happy to read your devotions and how you are doing. Thank you for being there! And especially for your prayers!
God bless you too!
C. Read
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