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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11308 is a reply to message #11307] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 11:49   |
 james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
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"It is a good thing to give thanks unto The LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High:"
Ps.92:1
“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 #11326 is a reply to message #11308] |
Sun, 24 August 2014 18:56 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
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MY BOASTING...
"Thus saith The LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am The LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith The LORD."Jeremiah 9:23-24
***Strong's Hebrew Dictionary definition of the word glory used in this scripture means to boast.
So God is telling us not to allow anything to puff us up in pride, nothing we own, our strength, or our own wisdom; we should boast of nothing apart from knowing God. Also notice it doesn't say "know about Me", it says, "know Me".
In John 17:3 Jesus tells us: "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent."
I'm reading a book by J.I.Packer, "Knowing God", written in 1973.(Mark, I know you'll appreciate me expanding my reading material to include one of your favorite authors. <grin> ) There's some good insight and information in it and I want to quote him on a simple but very true truth.
"How can we turn our knowledge about God into knowledge of God? It is that we turn each truth that we learn about God in matter for meditation before God, leading to prayer and praise to God."
I visited a different church this morning and wouldn't ya know it, the pastor was preaching/teaching on this same topic The Lord has been encouraging me on. A point he had today was concerning taking no thought for tomorrow (don't worry); at every temptation to worry, fret, and look to 'self' we were encouraged to instead direct our thoughts and begin to worship God, and as we come to a place of knowing God more and more we'll find it natural to worship and praise Him instead of worrying.
Our God is a great God, full of mercy and grace, longsuffering and patient, righteous and Holy, kind and faithful...so worthy of ALL our worship and praise.
As the psalmist says, " I will bless The LORD at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth..."
“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 #11327 is a reply to message #11326] |
Mon, 25 August 2014 19:29 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." Romans 15:13
“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 #11328 is a reply to message #11327] |
Mon, 01 September 2014 12:02 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Heb. 10:35-36
“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 #11329 is a reply to message #11328] |
Sun, 07 September 2014 19:13 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name."
Hebrews 13:15
“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 #11332 is a reply to message #11329] |
Wed, 10 September 2014 17:02 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
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"These things have I 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
“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 #11334 is a reply to message #11332] |
Thu, 11 September 2014 22:27 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
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Patience...
"For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Hebrews 10:36
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:2-4
"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Bur if we hope for what we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." Romans 8:24-25
Patience is necessary, in our growth as followers of Christ as well as in dealing with those around us.
Love is displayed when we're patient with others, quick to be forgiving and to think the best.
Patience in the midst of trials teach us endurance and allows us to focus on The Lord and be sure we're grounded in Him and His Word.
Patience is included in true faith as we wait for the manifestation of what we're believing God for.
Fruit is produced and matures only as we learn to patiently yield to The Holy Spirit, for it is Him that produces the fruit in us.
“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 #11335 is a reply to message #11334] |
Sat, 13 September 2014 12:13 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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God's mystery revealed...
"Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Col.1:26-27
Let the wonder of that sink in as we meditate on His Word and worship our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...Christ in us. The creator of the universe who freely and willingly gave Himself for our salvation lives within us, His presence should be all we could ever want or need for everlasting joy and peace. He is SO worthy of ALL our attention, worship, and praise.
Blessed be the Name of The LORD, praise You Jesus, thank You, thank You, thank You!
“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 #11337 is a reply to message #11335] |
Mon, 15 September 2014 13:53 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Attitude Towards God...
Duty..................Desire...................Delight
Before I start sharing what I believe The Holy Spirit shared with me, let me say that I'm only encouraging and desiring to edify others because we're told to encourage and edify one another, not because I've arrived at perfection in The Lord and am 'preaching' at anyone.
In my daily devotion and time with The Lord I try to always ask The Holy Spirit to grant me understanding and wisdom from God's Word, to teach me and instruct me as to the way I should live. But I find myself, at times, doing so out of duty, habit, just to make a 'check mark' on my list of daily reading His Word. I DO NOT want to EVER take His Word for granted or find myself bored with God. So as I was praying about this,(my attitude toward God and His Word) these scriptures were brought to mind and as I meditated upon Him and His Word.
Duty: First we are told to love and obey God, to fear and follow Him...
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecc. 12:13
And to study His Word...
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing The Word of Truth." II Tim. 2:15
Desire: But God wants it to be from the heart...our desire.
"Yea, in the way of Thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for Thee, the desire of our soul is to Thy Name, and to the remembrance of Thee." Isaiah 26:8
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of The Word, that ye may grow thereby." I Peter 2:2
Delight: God and His Word is our delight, it's what is and should be our satisfaction.
"Delight thyself also in The LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Ps.37:4
"But his delight is in the law of The LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." Ps.1:2
So while we're told to study His Word and to follow and obey Him as our Christian duty; God is looking at our hearts, He is seeking those who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth...from the heart. Let's examine our hearts and draw near unto God, to delight in Him and His Word, to desire Him and His presence above all else. What a wonderful gift we've been given, let us be thankful and not take for granted what Jesus did for us...and share this Good News with others.
[Updated on: Mon, 15 September 2014 14:07]
“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 #11338 is a reply to message #11337] |
Mon, 15 September 2014 23:08 |
Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia |
Senior Member |
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Hi James,
Enjoying & appreciating your words in the Lord, (as usual). Now nothing wrong with habit, I believe when it is a good one. However I know what you mean, as we don`t want to take our precious Lord for granted. I like to meditate on different attributes & names of the Lord & go `deeper,` into what they mean & not just say the word.
I think I am getting inspired to post something soon on this very topic of our Lord.
All the best to everyone, Marilyn.
Marilyn C
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11339 is a reply to message #11338] |
Tue, 16 September 2014 12:59 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Has Better Advice Ever Been Given?
"My son, attend to My Words, incline thine ear unto My sayings.
Let them not depart from thine eyes, keep them in the midst of thine heart.
For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Proverbs 4:20-23
“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 #11340 is a reply to message #11339] |
Thu, 18 September 2014 14:29 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Perfecting Holiness...
How important is holiness in a Christians' life? So important that without it no man shall see The LORD. Hebrews 12:14 How do we go about 'perfecting holiness'? We start by prayer, asking The Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in obedience to God as He's revealed it in His Word. We yield and surrender our lives to the cross daily as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God. We separate ourselves from the wickedness of this world, not being unequally yoked together with them (unbelievers). We turn from all uncleanness and filthiness of the flesh and turn our affections upon things above. We offer sacrifices of praise and worship as we grow in the knowledge of His Glory as revealed in the face of Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 4:6
God gave us promises that are based (or conditioned upon) on our obedience. And just to be clear, our salvation is by grace, a gift that can't be earned based on Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary; but many of the promised blessings are conditioned upon our willingness to obey.(remember the Old Testament? blessings or curses...'choose ye this day'...)
Here is a passage of scripture that both instruct us in His will(holiness), and how to do it, as well as what the results of obedience will bring.(relationship with our Father)
"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 the living 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.
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 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
“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 #11344 is a reply to message #11342] |
Tue, 23 September 2014 18:25 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Choices When We Face Adversity...
"For this thing I besought The LORD thrice, that it might depart from me.
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong." II Corinthians 12:8-10
Recently I heard a pastor make this statement, "Sin is more often born out of times of prosperity than in time of adversity." I've found that to be true in my own walk with The Lord; not that I forget God when things are going well, it's just that I get much closer when faced with adversity. Troubles drive me to Him in a way, and with focus, due to the desperation in seeing that in and of myself I'm helpless and my only hope is in Him. This runs against the wisdom of man, in fact I'm sure it's viewed as foolishness, the very idea of being glad/rejoicing/taking pleasure in the midst of trials and tribulation, infirmities and distresses. Because the world without Christ can't understand the wisdom of God and His designed plan of salvation. It's the surrendering of ourselves and acknowledging our utter dependence upon Him that allows The Holy Spirit work in and through us. Our weakness and the realization of it, removes 'self' as our confidence and places Christ where He should be...our sufficiency.
In this, we can rejoice, we can rest, we can be glad because we learn from experience that Jesus Christ alone is worthy of our praise, worship, and focus. Our God is a good God, He loves us so much that He doesn't forsake us when we stray from Him, as a Father He gently and mercifully allows things in our lives that give us opportunity to make the choice to seek Him, to cry out to Him and contritely and humbly surrender to his will for our lives, which is...constant fellowship, focus, and faithfulness with and to 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 #11362 is a reply to message #11344] |
Mon, 13 October 2014 18:31 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Spiritual Warfare...
Eph. 6:10-18
Paul, in exhorting and instructing believers, uses the example that people could relate to since they were used to seeing soldiers dressed in armour. And while we know that righteousness isn't a physical breastplate, or salvation a helmet, he's telling us that having the understanding of (and living with that understanding as part of our daily lives) Christ's righteousness, and our minds renewed through salvation, and walking in the truth, speaking The Word, and living in faith...then we use that as our defense against the darts of the enemy.
I was jolted by a statement a Bible teacher made recently, he said that he didn't want to step on anyone's spiritual toes but he had known fellow Christians who daily prayed, as part of their morning devotional with The Lord, for The Lord to cover them with this armour (helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, loins gird about with truth, feet shod with the message of The Gospel, shield of faith, sword of The Spirit, praying in the spirit) each and every day [I'm one who has done this many, many times]. He pointed out, and rightly so I believe, a Christian should NEVER put down their armour, that the enemy attacked at night just as in the day and we should never be without our armour. It made me stop and think...which was probably his purpose in sharing it. He pointed out how soldiers didn't remove their protection at night knowing that the enemy could attack at any given time and they'd be defenseless, so his question to those who daily did this was..."Why did you ever put it down? In order to have to daily ask for God to cover you with it implies that you must have removed it each night".
The teaching was sound and went into depth concerning Satan and his wiles, demons, and evil wickedness all around us in our society. The more I seek to be teachable and humble, the more I realize that HEF (and those of us following his teaching) didn't have the market cornered on spiritual truths; God reveals truth to all those hungering and seeking to follow Him with obedient hearts, including teachers and pastors within the very denominations many of us (me included) wrote off as a harlot system of men...I know for a fact that there are God fearing, humble, born again believers within that system.
Actually I think Satan uses this very thing as part of his attack against The Kingdom of God, dividing people through pride and self righteousness...
Amazing Grace............ that saved a mess like me.
“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 #11368 is a reply to message #11362] |
Fri, 17 October 2014 13:11 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Paul, in addressing the believers in this Epistle, can't be there in person to encourage and exhort them, but he does pray for them daily and uses the means of communication available(letters/epistles) to build them up in their faith.
"And The LORD make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable at the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ with all His saints." Thessalonians 3:12-13
This is something we can do one for one another, pray for and encourage, and love each other in The Lord.
“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 #11369 is a reply to message #11368] |
Sat, 18 October 2014 00:24 |
Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia |
Senior Member |
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Thank you, James,
That word is very encouraging - knowing that others are praying for me/us & also exhorting - for me/us to do the same also.
It reminds me of the passage I love, when Paul wrote to the Ephesians.
`...every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself (by the Holy Spirit) in love.` (Eph. 4: 16)
What a privilege, what a responsibility.
Blessings, Marilyn.
Marilyn C
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11371 is a reply to message #11369] |
Tue, 21 October 2014 14:01 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Recognizing The Truth, Believing The Truth, Loving The Truth...
How grateful we should that God gave us hearts to recognize His Truth [The Gospel}, to believe it and love it.
That's something to shout about, to rejoice in, and give thanks continually for.
It's not something to ever take for granted or boast of because it was by His choice and calling that we have this precious gift.
II Thessalonians 2:10-14
“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 #11375 is a reply to message #11371] |
Thu, 23 October 2014 16:35 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Often we hear these phrases, "the end game" or "the bottom line" or maybe "the crux of the matter", words describing getting to the heart of the matter or the purpose of what's being spoken of.
In Paul's letter to Timothy he sums up the purpose of the Law or what it leads one to if embraced and followed...love out of a pure heart, a clear conscience, and true faith.
It's not always the purpose or motivation of some to bring others to this place, we're being warned to watch out for this and steer clear lest these false teachers bring people into bondage, create doubt, and deceive.
"Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith[so do].
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and faith unfeigned:
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling.
Desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully."
I Tim. 1:4-8
“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 #11385 is a reply to message #11375] |
Fri, 07 November 2014 14:54 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Thoughts on the brazen serpent, Hezekiah, and worshipping God ...
We find in Numbers where God instructed Moses to make a image of a serpent on a pole for the people of Israel to look upon for healing when bitten by serpents in the wilderness. Also the serpent on the pole is mentioned by Jesus in the book of John. But in II Kings we're told that Hezekiah destroyed the brazen serpent that Moses had made because the people were worshipping it, burning incense to it. These are the only three places in The Bible where the brazen serpent on the pole is mentioned.(to my knowledge)
So because of disobedience God sent serpents among the people and they were being bitten and dying, in His mercy He commanded Moses to fashion the brass serpent on a pole and to instruct Israel to look to the image on the pole for healing. An act of faith, like dipping in the river Jordan seven times for the healing of leprosy; it's not the brass snake or the Jordan river that heals, it's God healing when He is obeyed in faith. Yet we find that just a few hundred years later Israel had made the brazen serpent in to a god and was burning incense to it in a form of false worship.
Hezekiah was a good king, he did that which was right in the sight of God. He removed the high places, cut down the groves, and destroyed false gods that prior kings had allowed. He destroyed the brazen serpent that Moses had made and he restored worship of the One true God. When facing death he turned unto God and God heard his petition and added fifteen years to his life. But when Isaiah told him the good news that he wasn't going to die instead of taking the promise of God as the truth, he sought a sign to confirm that it would come to past even as God had spoken it. He got his sign, but we see that he later revealed the treasures of the kingdom to the Babylonians and God wasn't pleased with this and they came under the captivity of Babylon.
All this is recorded and given for our learning and instruction, that we not follow in the sins and mistakes that Israel made. A constant reminder to NOT FORGET God and not to lose focus on who we worship and why. It's never about the creation (us) but The Creator, God (Father/Son/Holy Spirit), to behold His Glory, to worship Him and Him alone.
“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 #11402 is a reply to message #11385] |
Tue, 18 November 2014 18:45 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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OUR GOD IS MERCIFUL...
Among the many blessings we have to be thankful for [Thanksgiving}, God's Mercy has to be at the top of any list. His Love for us is shown in His Mercy, His Grace is shown in Mercy...And Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary, redeeming/reconciling us to God, shows the extent of that mercy/love/grace.
" He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His Mercy toward them that fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us."Psalms 103:10-12
“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 #11404 is a reply to message #11402] |
Wed, 19 November 2014 14:45 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."Hebrews 13:5
“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 #11411 is a reply to message #11404] |
Fri, 21 November 2014 14:22 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Give thanks unto The LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people.
Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him, talk ye of all His wondrous works.
Glory ye in His Holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek The LORD.
Seek The LORD and His strength, seek His face continually."
I Chronicles 16:8-11
“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 #11442 is a reply to message #11411] |
Tue, 02 December 2014 12:40 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.
That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lust of men, but to the will of God."I Peter 4:1-2
“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 #11446 is a reply to message #11442] |
Sun, 07 December 2014 12:52 |
james
Messages: 2142
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
There is no better time to thank, praise, and rejoice in The Lord than right now, I encourage anyone reading this to do just that...rejoice and be glad in this day which The Lord has given us. It's given us to glorify Him, and our worship and praise, obedience and devotion, is what He desires of us. We're going to worship and praise Him for all of eternity, let's start practicing now.
Praise You Jesus, thank You for the greatest sacrifice possible, Your life given for our redemption...Blessed be Your Holy Name.
“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 #11452 is a reply to message #11446] |
Thu, 11 December 2014 15:01 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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A Divided Nation...and Divided Hearts...
In reading through II Chronicles we find the history of Israel during the times of kings reigning over them, some were godly kings and others were evil kings. Solomon's son Rehoboam was a good king (not always perfect, but he was willing to confess his sins and humble himself before God) and he reigned over Judah from Jerusalem after Solomon died.
But there was another king who reigned over Israel at the same time named Jeroboam who was evil. He had false priests offering sacrifices unto idols and pagan gods, and constantly warred against Rehoboam and Judah.
But we find in the 12th chapter of II Chronicles that Rehoboam forsook the Law of The LORD after he had established his kingdom and lead all Israel with him. The king of Egypt came against Jerusalem and Rehoboam humbled himself and the people repented and God showed them mercy.
Then in chapter 13 we see after Rehoboam had died that Jeroboam once again came against Judah to war against them. The armies of Jeroboam were defeated and there were five hundred thousand (500,000...that's half a million Jewish soldiers) slain because the kingdom of Judah trusted in The LORD for deliverance and the kingdom of Israel were wicked and rebellious trusting in their might. also Jeroboam was struck down by The Lord and died.
I see in these three chapters (11-13) people rebelling against God, humbling themselves before God; trusting in their own might, trusting in God; divided by sin, yet still God shows mercy and delivers those whom will seek Him in repentance. And He destroys those who will not surrender to His will and walk in obedience. The history of Israel in the times of the kings seemed to follow this pattern, a good king then a bad king, obedience to God and then disobedience, worship of God and then worship of false gods and idols.
Let us be diligent not to fall into these patterns of behavior, may we take heed to the warnings and admonishments given us in The New Testament concerning these traps laid by the enemy. The key lesson given, I believe, can be found in verse one of chapter twelve. It tells us that after Rehoboam had established his kingdom and strengthened himself, he forsook the law of The Lord.(II Chronicles 12:1) That's the temptation, when all is going well people tend to forget God, at least not be as diligent in seeking Him. Yet let some adversity come our way and it's "Oh God, help me". Yes, He allows things to happen in our lives to get our attention back on Him, He chastens those who are His, He tries our faith in order for US to see if it's real or just words confessed. He's merciful and longsuffering and forgiving when we repent and turn from sin...but His will is obedience from a heart of love for Him. May we learn from the examples given us.
[Updated on: Sat, 13 December 2014 14:16]
“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 #11454 is a reply to message #11452] |
Sat, 13 December 2014 15:08 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Continuing thoughts from the lives of the kings of Israel...
As I read and meditate on the acts of the various kings of Israel/Judah I see a more and more the reason The Lord reminds us to learn from studying their example. King Asa, who started out as a good king (he even removed his own mother from being queen because she built and worshipped an idol in the grove). When the king of Ethiopia came against Judah he called upon The Lord and they were delivered. Judah had rest from war and prospered under the leadership of Asa.
Then, for whatever reason, after over 30 years of peace and trust in God, when Israel's king Baasha came against Judah, Asa sought help from the king of Syria. And although they won God wasn't pleased with them and sent a prophet to speak unto Asa, reminding him of His deliverances in the past and condemning the calling on Syria for help in time of need ..."For the eyes of The LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars." II Chronicles 16:9
And so Asa put the prophet in prison...and then Asa got a disease in his feet and rather than seek The LORD as he had in his younger life, he refused to turn to God for help and died.
Over and over we see men who started out in their walk with God as obedient, humble, hungry for God's presence, giving Him all the glory, leading their nation in worship of God, destroying false idols and images...only to depart from God in their latter days. Solomon allowed his many wives to draw him away from God to the worship of idols. His son Rehoboam turned from God after he had strengthen himself and his kingdom. And Asa went from being a man/king who was so zealous for God that he even removed his mother from queen and cried out unto God for deliverance when his kingdom was assaulted by the Ethiopians, to refusing to even seek God when he was dying.
Sin hardens the heart of man; it brings deception, it opens the door to discouragement and despair, it erodes faith to the point that one forgets all the blessings that God has bestowed in the past...if sin is allowed to come to fruition without repentance, it results in death. How many times have we heard the saying, "It's not how you start the race but how you finish"?
God grant us grace to be teachable, humble, quick to repent, and always in remembrance of what You've done in the past and what You have promised for the future, hearts that recognize the enemies wiles and are quick to cry out unto You for deliverance when under assault, always giving You the glory, honor, and thanksgiving knowing You who have made the promises will fulfill them, In Jesus' Name, Amen.
“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 #11461 is a reply to message #11454] |
Wed, 17 December 2014 20:30 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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The Solution...Look to Jesus
Often in our walk with The Lord we find ourselves not knowing what to do or how to do it. Sometimes it seems the enemy has the upper hand and God has forgotten us. But He hasn't forgotten us or forsaken us, He is still offering wisdom, comfort, peace, and safety. He desires our undivided devotion, trust, and obedience.
During the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, the Moabites and Ammonites came against Judah and the king had the nation fast and seek The Lord because they were outnumbered and it appeared overwhelmed. After crying out to God before all the people Jehoshaphat made this declaration...
"...neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee."II Chronicles 20:12
Brothers and sisters, when the enemy comes in like a flood (and there are times when he will) God promises deliverance, The Standard we're instructed to look to, Jesus Christ will be there...rest in that and trust in it.
Remember the old song, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"...encourage yourself and worship The King of Kings, The Lord of Lords; behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
“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 #11463 is a reply to message #11461] |
Thu, 25 December 2014 13:35 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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This is the day that The LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it
“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 #11464 is a reply to message #11463] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 14:57 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Pride in the life of two kings...
"Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18
Pride is a sin God hates, it lifts a man up in his own mind to a place of deception and nothing good ever comes from it. In II Chronicles 32 there are two kings described, both allowed pride in their lives at some point, yet they dealt with it differently and their endings reflected it.
Sennacherib was king over Assyria and Hezekiah was king over Judah. Sennacherib in pride and foolishness came against Jerusalem to war against Judah and king Hezekiah. He railed against God announcing in pride of his great conquest among all the other nations he had defeated and their gods. He blasphemed God and tried to turn the hearts of the people from trusting God. Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed for deliverance and God sent an angel and Assyria and Sennacherib was defeated and returned to their own country in shame. And his end came about at the hands of his own people, his pride broken and in shame...because he came against The one true God and His chosen people.
Hezekiah too allowed pride in his life later on. He was given an additional 15 years to life by God after his sickness, but he didn't give glory to God as he should have; pride entered his heart. Yet we're told in II Chronicles 32:26 "Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of The LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah."
And later in the chapter we're told that Hezekiah was buried in the chiefest of the sepulchers of the kings and he was honored by Jerusalem at his death.
Two kings, different endings due to different choices made in dealing with pride in the heart. Pride blinds, but if a person will humble themselves and turn to God in repentance He will restore, defend, and deliver them.
“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 #11470 is a reply to message #11464] |
Tue, 06 January 2015 15:21 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Examples of God's Sovereignty with Three Persian Kings...
Years after Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed Jerusalem and the temple and taken most of Israel captive into Babylon, the Persians were in power and Cyrus was their king. God stirred Cyrus' heart to rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem and he made a decree for it to be done.(Ezra 1:) And the Israelites who wanted to rebuild went and started work on it; but there were adversaries who opposed them and frustrated the work all the days of Cyrus. They even wrote letters to the king leading to the stoppage of work.(Ezra 4:)
Then years later Darius was king and the Jewish leaders sent a letter to him asking that he search the records to find the decree that Cyrus had made to build the Temple and to allow them to start again the work on the Temple. He did, and he not only gave his blessings on the work (giving them back the gold and silver stolen by Nebuchadnezzar) but he told anyone opposing and hindering the work they would be punished.(Ezra 6:) And the Temple was completed.
Then in the reign of Artaxerxes he not only allowed anyone who wanted to go to Jerusalem to worship God, to go, he decreed that whatever Ezra needed for sacrifices and the Temple was to be given him by the inhabitants of the land. The vessels of gold and silver were to be taken back from Babylon and put into the Temple. And the Temple was once again the place of worship of God by the children of Israel. Ezra wrote about God's sovereignty in putting in the hearts of these kings of Persia to build again the Temple at Jerusalem.
"Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem." Ezra 7:27
“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 #11476 is a reply to message #11471] |
Tue, 13 January 2015 15:16 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Paul's Message of Hope...
When Paul was in Antioch preaching in the synagogue to the Jews, he went over the history of the Jews and quoted prophecies pertaining to Jesus as The Messiah. Then he summed up the good news of salvation...
"Be it know unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." Acts 13:38-39
“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 #11477 is a reply to message #11476] |
Thu, 15 January 2015 16:04 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Repentance requires action...
After Ezra had oversaw the rebuilding of The Temple in Jerusalem and it was rededicated unto The Lord,(and that included burnt offerings and sacrifices by the Levite priests who had been purified in the manner given by Moses) they also kept The Passover feast. They had to be feeling good about themselves and full of joy being back in Jerusalem and free to worship God in the place of their forefathers.
Then comes the revelation unto Ezra that the people of Israel, and the priests, and even the Levites had been living in disobedience by having taken women to wife from among the pagan nations around them. Not only had many taken foreign wives, they had children by them. Ezra apparently not aware of this and when he found out he was crushed in his heart and begin to cry unto The Lord and confess their sins.
The congregation gathered together to seek how to correct their trespasses. One man spoke up and said, "We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet there is hope in Israel concerning this thing. Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them,..." The people agreed to this and they started doing it. Imagine the heartaches, not only were they putting away their wives, they were doing the same with their children. There is a long list of those who had taken strange wives including priests and leaders of the people; after the names are given, the final verse in the last chapter of Ezra reminds us of the cost of repentance and obedience. "All these had taken strange wives: and some of them wives by whom they had children." Ezra 10:44
This should be a reminder to Christians today; first, don't disobey to start with, but if we do there is hope.(I John 2:1-2) But with the confession/repentance must come actions, we must turn from our sins. This isn't preached a lot anymore, many have taken the message of Grace and misinterpreted it into just a 'get out of jail free' card without corresponding actions of repentance {turning from self/sin unto Jesus as not only Saviour, but also as LORD.)
This isn't written to suggest anyone divorce their spouses and dump their children if they aren't of the same lineage and nationality as themselves; we are free from the Law given Moses, Jesus' sacrifice did away with that. But it does show the high cost of obedience; Jesus said that a follower of Him must be willing to abandon ALL to be His disciple, including self and family. He had many 'hard' sayings, and many after hearing them turned and followed Him no more.
“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 #11478 is a reply to message #11477] |
Tue, 20 January 2015 17:08 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Seasons and Times...
The writer of Ecclesiastes writes in chapter three:
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
verse four says:
"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;"
In reading Ezra and Nehemiah we see a nation [Israel] who has been dispersed and scattered, brought into captivity and bondage; then we see them allowed to return to Judah and Jerusalem to rebuild and restore the city walls and the Temple of The Lord. They become aware that they have sinned against God in taking strange wives and not worshipping God in the way He had instructed through Moses. They repented in putting away the strange wives and returned unto The Lord in worship through burnt offerings and keeping of the feasts, they began once more to pray and fast, they wept and mourned over their sins.[repent]
Later in Nehemiah 8:9-10 they were going to have a feast, the people are told by Ezra and Nehemiah that they were celebrating The Lord and His day of feast, to be joyful.
"And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto The Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of The Lord is your strength."
Turning from sin is essential in our relationship with God; mourning, weeping, praying, fasting, and seeking mercy is what God responses to. He promises to forgive and restore us when we trust in His Mercy and Grace [Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary/shed blood/atonement]. That repentance and restoration frees us to joyfully walk in His strength, resting in His promise and faithfulness.
There are many examples throughout The Bible of men sinning against God and turning away from Him in every way imaginable. Yet, there are equally as many examples of His Mercy and Grace given men then they repent and turn back unto Him. What a time of joy when we receive forgiveness and restoration into fellowship, knowing full well we don't deserve it one iota.
Oh, the Grace and Mercy of God.......Who loved us and gave Himself for us.
“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 #11485 is a reply to message #11478] |
Tue, 27 January 2015 15:15 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Such a Time As This...
What better example of God's predetermined plan of mercy and grace than the history of Esther. The Jews were still in exile and under the rule of king Ahasuerus. He had a wife (queen Vashti) who displeased and embarrassed him so he determined to replace her with another. Mordecai, a godly Jewish man, had raised Esther (Hadassah) and she was a very beautiful Jewish maiden who was chosen by the king to become his queen.
Haman, who hated the Jews, especially Mordecai who not would bow down to him, went about getting the king to make a decree that would destroy the Jews. He was an evil man who even built a gallows that he intended to hang Mordecai on.
Esther was informed by a messenger (Hatach) that she should seek favor of the king to intervene on behalf of the Jews. Mordecai reminded her she was also a Jew and would also be destroyed if she was discovered to be a Jew.
"Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to this kingdom for such a time as this?"Esther 4:13-14
She was allowed into the king's presence and found favor in that he offered her whatever she desired of him. She held a banquet and invited the king and Haman, there she exposed Haman's evil plan to destroy her people and the king used the same gallows Haman had built for Mordecai, to hang him on.
And once more God delivered His chosen people out of the hand their enemies. It's wonderful to see how He does it, He raises up people to be used at the appointed times. A simple little Jewish girl without parents becomes a queen and is used to save her people,; all orchestrated by God.
[Updated on: Tue, 27 January 2015 20:44]
“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 #11489 is a reply to message #11485] |
Thu, 29 January 2015 20:58 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Why Praise God?
Because He tells us to...Because He alone is worthy of praise...Because we love Him...Because of the knowledge of who He is.........
Today I listened to a teaching by Tom Hamilton titled, "God Is Going To Be Praised" and he mentioned several reasons why people (Christian) don't really enter into praise of God. Sin, guilt, fear of what others might think, not really knowing God, and oppression; were a few things pointed out that prevented freedom of expression to worship and praise God. Sin will always be a barrier and the guilt of that sin on a person's conscious breaks the fellowship. Not knowing who God is through The Word and the revelation of His Glory by The Holy Spirit causes one to only half heartedly enter into praise and worship.
But as I got to thinking of scriptures on praising and worshiping God (and there are hundreds) I was reminded, as Tom titled his sermon, God is going to be praised. Whether it be me, you, someone else, or stones, He is going to be praised. It is a privilege and an honor to praise our God and Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
David didn't seem to ever tire of praising The Lord, he realized the significance and purpose. Gratitude and love are reasons for praise, fellowship in His presence come by praise and prayer.
Let us be reminded of the opportunity given us to offer praise, the time could come when we can't.
"The dead praise not The Lord, neither any that go down into silence.
But we will bless The Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise The Lord." Ps. 115:17-18
“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 #11505 is a reply to message #11489] |
Mon, 09 February 2015 18:46 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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A Reminder of Our Calling...
"Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherein we ourselves are comforted of God." II Corinthians 1:2-4
“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 #11519 is a reply to message #11505] |
Mon, 16 February 2015 17:03 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Our Faithful God...
"Know therefore that The Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations." Deuteronomy 7:9
"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.
It is of The Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion , saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him.
The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of The Lord." Lamentations 3:21-26
“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 #11521 is a reply to message #11519] |
Fri, 20 February 2015 14:47 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Job, faithful in trials...
Has anyone ever experienced trials like unto Job? He lost everything except his life; his children were killed, all he had materially was destroyed, he was struck with incredible boils that was painful beyond description, his friends turned on him and questioned his integrity, his wife instead of encouraging him advised him to curse God and die.
Yet Job held fast to his hope in God (even though he didn't understand what and why he was going through such adversity) and His Word. He believed that it was for his good and that God's Word was more important as spiritual food than the physical food the body requires.
"But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
My foot hath held His steps, His way have I kept, and not declined.
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:10-12
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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