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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5825 is a reply to message #5815] |
Tue, 26 May 2009 15:20   |
 james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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How do we 'overcome' the human tendency to become anxious and fearful, when facing the many decisions of day to day life?
When all around us people are reacting in negative ways to the stress of 'living in the last days', without hope, without a personal relationship with Jesus; turning to drugs, alcohol, escapism; or attempting to deal with it by going to therapy...
God's Word is filled with promises, promises to give us the victory regardless of what we're facing...we just need to apply them by faith and rest in Him who made them...
" Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." ~Isaiah 26:3
" Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5826 is a reply to message #5825] |
Tue, 26 May 2009 20:02 |
Abiding
Messages: 22
Registered: February 2006 |
Junior Member |
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Amen, James!
I love how Philippians 4:6-7 gives us both God's command that we shouldn't be anxious and the means by which we can obey His instruction:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
It also tells us the result of our asking the Lord to take away our anxiety and work everything out--the peace that surpasses all understanding!
Also for those who trust in the Lord:
"He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; He will not be afraid..." (Psalm 112:7-8)
I am so thankful for the Lord and His Word!
Blessings,
Abiding
"I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus."--Phil 3:12
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5856 is a reply to message #5826] |
Fri, 05 June 2009 01:17 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." ~Matthew 12:35-37
Words of Jesus...seriously sobering...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5868 is a reply to message #5815] |
Wed, 10 June 2009 13:20 |
grandom
Messages: 404
Registered: October 2007 |
Senior Member |
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Todays devotional form A.W.Tozar
June: Worship
The whole import and substance of the Bible teaches us that the God
who does not need any thing nevertheless desires the adoration and
worship of His created children.
Whatever Happened to Worship?, 37.
June 10
Worship: Our Reason for Existence
Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the
beauty of holiness.
--Psalm 29:2
Yes, worship of the loving God is man's whole reason for existence.
That is why we are born and that is why we are born again from above.
That is why we were created and that is why we have been recreated.
That is why there was a genesis at the beginning, and that is why
there is a re-genesis, called regeneration.
That is also why there is a church. The Christian church exists to
worship God first of all. Everything else must come second or third
or fourth or fifth....
Sad, sad indeed, are the cries of so many today who have never
discovered why they were born. It brings to mind the poet Milton's
description of the pathetic lostness and loneliness of our first
parents. Driven from the garden, he says, "they took hand in hand
and through the valley made their solitary way." Whatever Happened
to Worship?, 56-57.
"Oh Lord, we live in a world that has so totally lost its way! How
few have any concept at all of their reason for existence. How sad
to see so many all around us who 'took hand in hand and through the
valley made their solitary way.' Use me today to direct at least
one to the right path. Amen."
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5869 is a reply to message #5868] |
Thu, 11 June 2009 11:03 |
grandom
Messages: 404
Registered: October 2007 |
Senior Member |
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Quote of the Day
We need a day of repentance for the way we sing songs that we do not mean. Plenty of people sing: “My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the follies of sin I resign…” without any thought of giving up their sins. Lying is still lying when set to music.
We ask the Lord to “hold o’er our beings absolute sway,” with no thought of consenting to His control.
Then there is that old favorite, “Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee,” but most people who sing it mean it as it reads in the index, “Take my life and let it be”!
Can you ask God to take your hands and let them move at the impulse of His love – at a card game? Can you ask Him to let your feet be swift and beautiful for Him – on a dance floor? Can you invite Him to take your voice and let you sing only, always, for your King – and then sing the evil songs of this world? Can you ask Him to take your silver and gold, affirming “not a mite would I withhold” – when you hold onto it with all your might?
Vance Havner
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5884 is a reply to message #5883] |
Tue, 16 June 2009 14:23 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jesus, our High Priest...
" Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus The Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." ~ Hebrews 4:14-16
The Lord had put upon my heart this morning this passage in Hebrews, and was reminding me about prayer and how Jesus, through His shed blood, gave us access unto the throne of God. I had started this post when I saw Grandom post the above presentation on 'prayer'. I think what The Holy Spirit is saying, well at least one thing is, we have access to God through Jesus' shed Blood and we can reach Him from any place, any time...
Prayer, is one thing that cannot be taken away, maybe verbably in a public place, or in certain areas they can restrict 'public prayer' but ANYONE, saved, has a blood bought right to enter into The Holy of Holies and commune with our Father. Prayer is from the heart and that communication can't be stopped by anyone, except us.
We can enter whenever we want, God is never too busy to hear our prayer, or receive our praise and thanksgiving. All made possible by Jesus, our High Priest.
Are we blessed or what? Think for a moment of Israel and the purifications, sacrifices, and rules of obedience they HAD to follow, just to OFFER unto God...That didn't get them an audience with Him, only the appointed high priest could enter The Holy of Holies. We don't have to kill lambs or go through 'man'; we can come boldly before the throne of grace, into the very presence of God, and commune there with Him...for as long as we want...Our Father, The God of all creation, will hear us and give us the petitions we desire(I John 5:15 )
I don't know about anyone else, but sometimes I need to stop and reflect on just what all my Lord and Savior has done for me.
Thank you, Father for your great love wherein you loved us, and displayed this great love throught the willing sacrifice of your Son, Jesus....Thank You Jesus.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5886 is a reply to message #5885] |
Wed, 17 June 2009 16:34 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jesus, the author of our Faith...
" Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." ~Hebrews 12:1-3
Yesterday The Holy Spirit started giving me some definitions of what Jesus is to Christians. He is our High Priest, giving us access unto The Throne of God. Today He pointed me to Heb.12 and there we see that He, Jesus, is the author AND finisher of our faith. That should be comforting, knowing that the faith we have was given us by Jesus, and that He will 'finish' it. I'm not a Greek scholar but I can look word meanings up in a concordance and Lexicon, and the word 'finisher' can also mean to bring to completion or make manifested.
So we see that not only is He the author of our faith but that He will complete it. Faith is described in different ways in Gods Word...We're told if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, we can move mountains(Mt.17:20) And I haven't ever moved a literal mountain, yet I KNOW I have faith, (it takes faith to come to God...Heb.11:6 " But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him") but that faith to believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths(Rom.10:9-10), comes from Him. He chose us before the foundation of the world unto salvation(II Thess.2:13 "...because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:"
Hopefully these words from Gods Word encourages and strenghens our faith...because after all, this is how our faith grows.
" So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." ~ Rom.10:17
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5891 is a reply to message #5886] |
Thu, 18 June 2009 11:21 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jesus, our redeemer...
" In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" ~ Col.1:14
" Accordingly as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;" ~ Eph.1:4-7
Webster defines the word redeem as, 'to purchase back; to regain, to ransom, to deliver from sin; to make good; to recover.' Not one promise given in Gods Word would be applicable unto us without the redemption we received through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We, through sin, was alienated from God and had nothing to offer on our behalf to restore us unto fellowship with Him. ( The atoning sacrifice for sin, HAD to be spotless, without blemish, perfect...ONLY Jesus' shed blood could redeem us ) Jesus willingly took upon Himself our punishment ( Is.53 ) to deliver us from sin and the effects of the curse( hell, sickness, disease, poverty ) and restore us or recover us from eternal damnation unto eternal life.
And the benefits ( ALL the promises given throughout The Bible ) are available to us, ONLY because Jesus' redeeming us from the curse. ~ Gal.3:13 " Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:"
Thank you Jesus...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5893 is a reply to message #5891] |
Fri, 19 June 2009 15:34 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Sometimes, 'in the past', I have wrestled within myself as to whether or not 'a word' is from God for others , or if it's just The Holy Spirit quickening something to me, for me. I'm sure no one else has ever experienced this before.  While I know that any time it is God's WORD that's being given, then of course it has to be for somebody at some point in time; after all, every scripture we read has already been read by millions of people before us. So any given scripture has ministered to the hearts of countless numbers of saints throughout the ages. Anyway, my point being is to encourage one another to not be self conscience concerning sharing what God puts on our hearts; because while we may think we know what's being said and for whom, it might be that God will have someone read what He is telling us to post today, 5 years from now...someone not even saved yet... So that's what I believe The Lord has shown me...
This passage of scripture has been coming to mind lately and I believe The Lord wants me to share it; and I'm confident that He will accomplish that which He sends it forth to do.
" As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus The Lord, so walk ye in Him:
Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." ~ Col.2:6-8
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5898 is a reply to message #5893] |
Sun, 21 June 2009 14:35 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jesus, our healer...
"...If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of The Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am The Lord that healeth thee." ~ Ex.15:26
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and by His wounds we are healed." ~ Is.53:5
"Who in His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." ~I Peter 2:24
This promise of healing, and even better, divine health; is every bit as valid as the promise given in John 3:16. The same simple child like faith that it took to receive Jesus into ones' heart is all that is required to receive of the other promises He's given. If one can believe that God gave His only Son, Jesus, out of love for us; and that if we'd believe in Him we wouldn't perish, but have everlasting life...Then the promise of healing and health HAS to be true as well; did He not say that He was NOT a man, that He should lie? and that what He has spoken, He would make it good?
"For ALL the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him A-men, unto the glory of God by us." ~ II Cor.1:20
Are there conditions that must be met, Yes...Hearken to the voice of God; do that which is right in His sight; listen to His commandments; keep all His statutes. Just as there are conditions we must meet for salvation, we must be DOERS of the Word...James 1:22 "But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 2:19-20 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" NO, we aren't saved through 'works'; but salvation will produce 'good works' or fruit.
Salvation is a free gift from God, paid for by The Blood of Jesus...just as healing is....by His stripes, ye were healed.
Praise You Jesus
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5904 is a reply to message #5815] |
Mon, 22 June 2009 11:48 |
grandom
Messages: 404
Registered: October 2007 |
Senior Member |
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BOLDNESS TO ENTER GOD'S PRESENCE
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:19–20, 22).
There are two sides to Christ’s work at Calvary. One side is to the benefit of man, and the other side is to the benefit of God. One benefits the sinner, while the other benefits the Father.
We are well acquainted with the benefit on the human side. The cross of Christ has provided us with forgiveness of our sins. We are given the power of victory over all bondages and dominion over sin. We are supplied with mercy and grace. And, of course, we are given the promise of eternal life. The cross has given us the means of escape from the terrors of sin and hell.
I thank God for this benefit of the cross to humankind, and for the wonderful relief it brings. I rejoice that it is preached week after week in churches all over the world.
Yet there is another benefit of the cross, one that we know very little about. And this one is to the benefit to the Father. You see, we understand very little about the delight of the Father that was made possible by the cross. It’s a delight that comes to him whenever he receives a prodigal child into his house.
If all we focus on about the cross is forgiveness — if that is the end-all of our preaching — then we miss an important truth that God has meant for us about the cross. There is a fuller understanding to be had here, and it has to do with his delight. This truth provides God’s people with much more than just relief. It brings liberty, rest, peace and joy.
In my opinion, most Christians have learned to come boldly before God for forgiveness, for supply of needs, for answers to prayer. But they lack boldness in this aspect of faith — an aspect that is just as crucial in their walk with the Lord.
David Wilkerson Devotional
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5913 is a reply to message #5907] |
Sat, 27 June 2009 11:31 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Praying in tongues
Just a reminder for us all...
" But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." ~ Jude 20-21
Praying in The Spirit builds us up in our faith and prepares us for the day ahead. We don't know what we will encounter throughout our daily walk, but The Holy Spirit does. By praying in The Spirit ( our prayer language...tongues ) we are allowing The Holy Spirit to interceed according to the will of God.
" Likewise, The Spirit also helpeth our weakness: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered.
And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of The Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." ~ Romans 8:26-27
Many times we don't know what a brother or sister is going through, but we have a burden within our spirit concerning them; praying in The Spirit is the only effective way to interceed on their behalf since we don't have knowledge of what they're going through ( unless we receive a word of knowledge ), so interceeding in tongues is one of the purposes we have received this gift for.
Just an encouragement and reminder, it's easy to get caught up in the daily routine and overlook the importance of praying in The Spirit (until we are going through something ourselves).
We are all faced with an enemy who is going about as a roaring lion, seeking to devour us...I Peter 5:8 ...
One of the ways we resist him and overcome him, is by praying in The Spirit...
[Updated on: Sat, 27 June 2009 11:34]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5924 is a reply to message #5913] |
Fri, 03 July 2009 13:17 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jesus, our strength...
" And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness....~ II Corinthians 12:9
" The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" ~ Psalms 27:1
" For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." ~ Romans 5:6
When we come to the place of realizing just how hopeless we are without Jesus; how of ourselves we can do nothing; and learn to be totally reliant upon Him for everything...THEN, we become as clay in His hands, willingly yeilding to be made into whatever He desires of us.
Could it be the reason the church (for the most part) is failing today, is because everyone is running around instituting 'programs' that rely upon the efforts of man; rather than acknowledging their inadequacy and seeking to be lead by The Holy Spirit...
We must confess our weaknesses and our utter dependence upon Jesus to be our strength, and He promises to perfect HIS srength in our weakness.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5940 is a reply to message #5924] |
Tue, 07 July 2009 14:52 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Zacharias...a priests' prophecy.
I was reading in Luke about Zacharias; the priest who didn't believe the words of Gabriel, the angel sent from the presence of God, to tell him that he and Elisabeth were to have a son named John. And because he didn't believe Gabriel, he was struck dumb, unable to speak until after the birth of his son, John The Baptist.
But once John was born, his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed and he praised God. Now Zacharias was not a prophet, he was a priest; but The Holy Spirit came upon him after John's birth and he prophesied...one of the most wonderful prophecy's recorded in The Bible.
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people,
And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
As He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant;
The oath which He sware to our father Abraham,
That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways;
To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." ~ Luke 1:68-79
I found it interesting that God didn't use a Prophet for this important prophecy, but a Priest. From which I see as another example of how God uses different ways to communicate with us; while He could have used a prophet with the calling of that office, He chose to use a priest and anoint him with the 'gift of prophecy'. The prophesy didn't make Zacharias a Prophet, he remained a Priest...who prophesied.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5947 is a reply to message #5940] |
Thu, 09 July 2009 14:59 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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July 9, thanksgiving day...
If you're taking the time to read this today, take time to thank God that you can...read, see, comprehend.
Let today be thanksgiving day for the goodness and mercy of God unto us; let us thank Him because He has given unto us the knowledge and understanding that we are supposed to give THANKS unto HIM.
"Make a joyful noise unto The Lord, all ye lands.
Serve The Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that The Lord HE is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
For The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations." ~ Psalms 100
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5949 is a reply to message #5947] |
Thu, 09 July 2009 17:08 |
sparkles
Messages: 246
Registered: March 2008 |
Senior Member |
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Thank you James for reminding us of how we should continually give thanks for all the Lord has blessed us with.
There are so many things we seem to take for granted, such as having fresh drinking water, transportation, trees, flowers, a bed to sleep in, a place to live, food, books, freedom to worship (at least freedom for now), computers where we can be blessed by such sites as this, and any other thing you can do or enjoy that glorifies the Lord.
We as believers and followers of Jesus should be most thankful.
2 Timothy 3:2 says that in the last days perilous times shall come and one of the signs is unthankfulness. Just take a look around and see how God has blessed you. Most of all He has promised us eternal life with Jesus, which we should give thanks for every day of our lives.
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5962 is a reply to message #5949] |
Tue, 14 July 2009 16:00 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Anyone going through a trial; maybe coming out of a period of dryness, battling sadness or depression? While there are many scriptures that offer encouragement, and remind us of God's love, and that it's through trials and tribulations that we enter the Kingdom of Heaven; these couple of verses from Psalms speak from a thankful and joyful heart. We used to sing it and I still do, it blesses and lifts my spirit every time I do.
" Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto Thee for ever." ~ Psalms 30:11-12
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5967 is a reply to message #5966] |
Wed, 15 July 2009 15:45 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Lately The Holy Spirit has really been allowing me to see just how blessed we are. In talking to others who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior, they seem to have hardly any understanding of, or relationship with, Jesus. And anything beyond John 3:16 is written as historic records, just to be read (if even that); and certainly not believed and acted upon. And when read, the truth of it all just goes right by, as if it was all written in code. (maybe to them it is, could that be the reason for all the code breakers, and seeking of truths by sets of numbers that seem to be the fad today?)
I don't want to portray a sense of false modesty, nor do I want to come across as proud; because the revelation of this into our spirits, brings humility...especially when we examine ourselves in light of God's Word, remembering how in times past we behaved and even still fall so far short of what He has called us to...Being Christlike... but we are blessed! Jesus said it Himself in Luke 10:23-24
"...Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."
Do we know everything and have all the answers? NO! But we know who does and where to find them; just the fact that Jesus PROMISED not to leave us alone but that He would pray that The Father would give us another Comforter, The Spirit of Truth, shows how extremely BLESSED we are.
"And I will pray The Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;
Even The Spirit of Truth: whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." ~ John 14:16-18
Again I say, Thank You, Jesus
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5968 is a reply to message #5967] |
Wed, 15 July 2009 16:16 |
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william
Messages: 1468
Registered: January 2006 |
Senior Member
Administrator |
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I know what you mean... the verse that comes to mind is:
Luk 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes,
shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of
him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him
they will ask the more.
You mentioned yesterday in another note that it is hard to see a real
purpose in meeting together with that group of "explorers" or something to
that effect. While we aren't able to see God's plan as clearly as we
would like, how many times have you found yourself around people just
"living your life" as they say, and find out later that something you said
had a major impact on someone else?
We almost never realize the circumstances surrounding those we come in
contact with, but the Holy Spirit knows, and in His providence He can use
us even when we don't realize we are being used -- to say something or do
something that we wouldn't think anything about yet this word or action
may influence another's life dramatically.
Of course it works both ways... I've been influenced many times by being
around a conversation where something is said that gets me to thinking,
and this interaction ends up affecting an area of my life that otherwise
would not be enlightened!
Blessings,
William
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5969 is a reply to message #5968] |
Wed, 15 July 2009 16:41 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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I agree William, I'm believing that The Holy Spirit will direct my interaction with these folks and that He has a purpose for this door opening and will bring about His desired plan.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5974 is a reply to message #5970] |
Tue, 21 July 2009 14:17 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Hi Gillyann,
Thanks for sharing your heart and thoughts, I too hope that this site can and will be a blessing to people. It's my prayer and hearts desire to encourage, edify, and point people to JESUS. And any praise or thanksgiving be focused on HIM, because He is our source of strenght and comfort.
That God would even consider using me to be a vessel to bring His Word to anyone, by whatever means, is humbling beyond my ability to fully comprehend. But I am thankful, because I know the road I've traveled and it's not always been the straight and narrow...It just proves to me, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that God's Word can indeed transform a man.
I'm reminded of Carl Seitzs' song, "Sweet Water of The Word" and how it ends, '...it's doing a work in my heart.'
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5978 is a reply to message #5962] |
Wed, 22 July 2009 06:16 |
jisamazed
Messages: 170
Registered: January 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, MI |
Senior Member |
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Encouraging scriptures, James. Sometimes when I am trying to encourage a depressed person, I point out that the Psalmists cried out to the Lord in their depression sometimes, and God breathed out his written Word through that experience. Take Psalm 13 for example:
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? (I love his raw honesty with God)
However, it does not end with him complaining in despair. He is determined to trust the Lord in spite of how he feels-- verse 5, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me." He did not end his prayer in doubt. He made a decision to trust the Lord through it all.
Psalm 61:1-2 is another one. We used to sing this song in church a lot:
"Hear my scream, O God! Pay attention to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I will shreik to you! When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I am, for you have been a shelter for me, a strong tower against my enemy."
Yes, my understanding is that "cry" in this passage would best be translated "scream". "Cry" refers to a loud wail. It's not just a sob, it is a scream or shreik. Have you felt like screaming lately? You have a Biblical precedent for doing so. Just make sure that no one else is around when you do, or they will think that you are losing it.  Maybe you are, but in a good way. We need to lose our sense of cool sometimes. David sure did in this passage. Or in Psalm 55:17, "Evening and morning and at noon I will scream out loud in distress, and He will hear my voice."
Sometimes you just need to pour out your heart to the Lord and forget the nice, pat approach to prayer. Be honest to God. He already knows what is on your heart, anyway.
Amazed smitten astonished stunned floored blown away astounded shocked flabbergasted surprised wonderfully devastated awed shattered overwhelmed incredulous speechless sense of wonder at the love of God.
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5981 is a reply to message #5978] |
Wed, 22 July 2009 15:32 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Those are some good points as well as applicable scriptures to encourage anyone battling depression or 'feel'n down'. Two things I'd like to say, one, I am NOT a counselor; though through The Holy Spirits' guidance and wisdom freely given me, I can give godly advice. And second, I had no clue GWB was having a bad day or depressed, I was only posting what I believed The Lord was giving me to share. He took care of the timing and details, as well as using His Word to encourage her...I just got to witness how He works when we will seek Him and ask to be used by Him.
I believe, as I have stated before, this forum can be used to reach people for Jesus, as well as encourage and lift up one another. This is possibly the only connection some of us may have with other believers; and then again I also believe that God can and will, use what He directs us to share with someone who may read this 5 years down the road, to touch their lives. Ministry can take on more than one form, some have the gift to boldly proclaim The Gospel to huge crowds; while others may be better equipted to share one on one...either way, only The Holy Spirit can convict a person of sin and lead them to repentance, we can only plant the seeds.(and even that, is by the Grace of God)
And while I'm on this subject, I do believe God has directed me to share words of encouragement and scriptures from time to time as He leads or gives it to me, so if it sometimes appears that I keep posting biblical principles, admonishments, encouragements, and warnings; without anyone responding or commenting, it's because I believe He has a purpose in directing me to do it, so I will continue as long as I am lead to do it...( and no one needs to feel pressured to respond unless you want to...)
obtw: a simple awesome truth: JESUS loves me, this I KNOW, for The Bible tells me so...
Blessed be the Name of The Lord...for ever
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #5994 is a reply to message #5981] |
Tue, 28 July 2009 16:04 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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" Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises..." ~ II Peter 1:4
Yesterday's devotional by Charles Spurgeon really was encouraging and put into simple words God's faithfulness to fullfill His promises. He, Spurgeon, speaks of how when dealing with anyone making us promises, we should look at their character and ability to fullfill those promises.
'Besides meditating upon the promises, seek in thy soul to receive them as being the very words of God.' That it is God Himself, who cannot lie, who speaks to us. He is unchangeable, and He has not altered the thing which has gone out of His mouth, nor is He lacking in power to perform His Word. He, who framed the very heavens and earth, has given us these great and precious promises.
'Therefore, seeing that it is The Word of a God so true, so immutable, so powerful, so wise, I will and must believe the promise.'
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6039 is a reply to message #5994] |
Wed, 12 August 2009 14:01 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jesus, our peace...
" Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." ~ John 14:1
" Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." ~ John 14:27
" These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33
There is nothing like walking in peace, KNOWING that the peace of Jesus dwells in our hearts. The opposite of peace is fear, anxiety, and worry; when we allow fear in, peace leaves. We can't be in fear and be in faith; faith and peace go together. When we're walking in relationship with Jesus,(which only comes through faith) we have peace. Allowing fear, worry, anxiety, doubt into our hearts means we've taken our eyes off Jesus and The Word of God.
What did Jesus say in John 16:33? "In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
I bear witness that His Word is true; I have personally experienced anxiety and worry; and had no peace until I repented and sought mercy from God(which He graciously gave). We serve a God who loves us enough to die for us, overcoming the world and all it's fears, worries, and problems; though we live in it, we can have the peace of Jesus if and when we're "in Him"
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6054 is a reply to message #6039] |
Sat, 22 August 2009 14:18 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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" I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel...
I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell(sheol); neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." ~ Psalms 16:7-11
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6082 is a reply to message #6054] |
Sat, 12 September 2009 16:55 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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PRAISE JESUS
Jesus is SO worthy of our praise, He works in the hearts of man to turn them as He desires. I want to encourage anyone reading this, that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us; even when we stumble, He is there to lift us up. The Word speaks of us 'taking heed' lest we fall, which is God trying to help us so that we don't fall, but even if we do, He is faithful and just to forgive us of all our unrighteousness.
"There is therefore NOW no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." ~Rom.8:1
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6084 is a reply to message #6082] |
Sun, 13 September 2009 12:24 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jesus, our liberty...
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." ~ Gal.5:1&13
Many Christians struggle with what Jesus came to do, The Word tells us that He came to set the captives free. We were the captives, captive to our carnal lust, captive to sin, captive to the law that we couldn't keep. Paul wrote in Romans 8 verse 6, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.(John 10:10)
Some use the word liberty to justify carnal actions, saying that Jesus has set them free and they're free to do as they pretty much please. And often times those who are seeking to obey The Spirit and walk a separated, holy life before The Lord, are charged with being legalistic and under bondage. And that's not to say that many are under bondage and walk in legalism, believing that by their works they are justified, making the Grace of God of no effect in their lives.
Being set free and given liberty, is not freedom to sin, God forbid. It's not freedom to go back to the carnal ways of the world and the flesh, from which Jesus died to liberate us from. We're set free to be able to FREELY chose righteousness. We're free to follow Jesus; to, in love, serve one another; to walk in holiness.
Romans 8 verse 1 is not there so we can do as we please and tell ourselves we're free in Christ and our sins don't condemn us; the second part of the verse qualifies who are not condemned...those who are IN Christ Jesus, and walk NOT after the flesh, but after The Spirit.
We can't walk after the ways of this world and use them as the standard of righteousness. Our standard is God's Word and The Holy Spirit guiding us, revealing to our hearts that which is holy and unholy. As Christians, we shouldn't be trying to see how closely we can emulate the world, without losing our salvation; but rather, we should be striving to see how much like Jesus we can be. Will that bring perscution? Yes, it will even bring false accusations from the religious community, with charges of legalism and bondage. But to walk in liberity is to walk in The Spirit, and we know that ..."For as many as are lead by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Rom.8:14
Do we all struggle with the temptations and cares of this world, yeah, to some degree. What did Paul say in Rom 7 about wanting to obey God and the battle between the flesh and the spirit? It's only by walking in the spirit that we can overcome the flesh, and we're only able to to that because of the LIBERTY we have in and through Jesus.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Jesus our Liberty [message #6086 is a reply to message #6084] |
Sun, 13 September 2009 16:01 |
sparkles
Messages: 246
Registered: March 2008 |
Senior Member |
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Excellent post James! I very much enjoyed the balance in Christ you presented. As some would say there are certain freedoms we have as citizens of the United States, but as christians, followers of Jesus Christ, we do not have those same freedoms. For example a person is allowed to get drunk as long as they don't drive or endanger someone, but as a christian we are not free to get drunk and have it be okay.
Our Lord requires us to walk in purity and holiness, and be separate from the worlds and its ways.
Romans 8: 2-6 "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and by a sacrifice for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
And it is peace when you can walk away from someone sharing a dirty joke, or from not going with the crowd and laughing and making fun of someone who isn't where everyone else is. There is a joy and peace when one can minister and be kind to the ones rejected by the world, just because they are different. Did not Jesus say in I Cor. 1:27-31
"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; Ahd base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chose, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
Truly, Jesus is our liberty to walk as He walked, and to minister to those for whom he died.
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| Re: Jesus our Liberty [message #6088 is a reply to message #6086] |
Mon, 14 September 2009 14:30 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Some more thoughts on liberty and what is a balanced approach to Christian life. We see that Jesus has set us free, but there are many warnings about becoming entangled again into bondage. So how do we stay free? What are ways we can open doors to become caught up in sin once we've been set free?
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith The Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith The Lord Almighty." ~ II Corth.6:14-18
So we see that being involved in the ways of this world, fellowshiping with darkness, we are NOT walking in the liberty Jesus purchased for us with His own Blood. We also know that we have to live IN this world; but we don't have to be LIKE THE WORLD. How do we distinguish between righteousness and unrighteousness, between light and darkness, between spiritual and the flesh? By measuring everything against what God's Word says and, this is SO important, walking in The Spirit. If we walk in The Spirit, stay filled with The Spirit, always listening to The Holy Spirit, He will lead and guide us into ALL TRUTH. There is no 'grey' area with God, it's either right or wrong, good or bad, black or white.
Do I have all the answers? NO, but The Holy Spirit dwelling within me does, and I/we, have been given these precious promises and He has promised to complete the work within us that He has started.
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." II Corth. 7:1
That's part of being set free, that is the liberty that was bought for us, that frees us to walk in The Spirit and in LOVE, serve one another.
If anyone is struggling with bondage or legalism, or bitterness about the past; still blaming Bro. Freeman for these problems, I encourage you to seek The Lord to open your eyes to what The Holy Spirit was and IS trying to work in our lives. We can't try to hold on the the world and it's ways and be sold out to Jesus; we can't be like everyone else, liked by everyone, be friends with everyone, and walk in The Spirit as God has commanded us. The message of the crucified life/deeper life is just as valid today as it was 2,000 years ago when Jesus taught it, and 35 years ago when we first heard it through HEF. That is LIBERTY, freedom to chose the cross, freedom to turn from sin and serve God from our HEARTS. Not because somebody TOLD us to, or because of peer pressure, but because Jesus has set us free and we WANT to follow Him.
AMEN LORD, Help us to be doers and not just hears only...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Jesus our Liberty [message #6090 is a reply to message #6088] |
Thu, 17 September 2009 15:10 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Some more scriptures on what Jesus expects from us as followers of Him.
" I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1-2
We can't be transformed into the image of Christ if our minds haven't been renewed; and our minds can't be renewed if we're still servants to the flesh. And we can't overcome the flesh if we're constantly exposing ourselves to, and becoming involved in, the ways of this world. And it's through the LIBERITY we have been given in Christ that we're able to walk in the spirit and overcome the lust of the flesh.
Yep, we have been set free, and we DO have liberity in Christ; but it's only through and by Jesus we're truly free....
FREE to obey what His Word instructs us to do...NOT free to live as the world lives. The way IS narrow, and few there be that find it...it's not the time to be compromising the truths we've been given; it's time to ..." But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lust thereof." Rom.13:14
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Rom. 12:3
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Encouragement [message #6098 is a reply to message #6090] |
Wed, 23 September 2009 14:28 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"This is the day which The Lord hath made; we WILL rejoice and be glad in it." Ps.118:24
I believe The Lord would have us be encouraged and reminded, not to become weary in well doing, and to remember that the joy of The Lord is our strenght. We become weary when we take our eyes off Jesus and start to focus on our circumstances, or become entangled with our day to day affairs. By remembering that THIS is the day The LORD has made, and rejoicing in it and giving HIM praise and worship, thanking Him for His great mercies in our lives, we become spiritually energized.
Everyone is given 24 hours in each day, how do we chose to spend them?
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Revival for America [message #6105 is a reply to message #6098] |
Thu, 01 October 2009 12:24 |
james
Messages: 2143
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Joe Brenneman, pastor of the current FA, has just updated his 'blog' with a response to the 'movement' and 'call' through e-mails that are going around the country asking 'christians' to pray for revival for America.
Just click on PALTALK ROOM at the bottom of the page and then click on 'pastors blog' to read it.
He may not post very often, but when he does.......
btw: I agree with him.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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