10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM - Religion (6) - Nairaland
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Open Heavens Daily Devotional 01/08/15 / Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional, January. 2014 / ****Daily Devotion- Our Daily Bread By Les Lamborn**** (2) (3) (4)
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 5:36am On Oct 30, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 6:16am On Oct 31, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 7:08am On Oct 31, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread Ruth's Story Read: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A1%E2%80%9313]Romans 10:1–13[/url] Bible in a Year: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+22%E2%80%9323%3B+Titus+1]Jeremiah 22–23; Titus 1[/url] Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13 Ruth cannot tell her story without tears. In her mid-eighties and unable to get around much anymore, Ruth may not appear to be a central figure in our church’s life. She depends on others for rides, and because she lives alone she doesn’t have a huge circle of influence. But when she tells us her story of salvation—as she does often—Ruth stands out as a remarkable example of God’s grace. Back when she was in her thirties, a friend invited her to go to a meeting one night. Ruth didn’t know she was going to hear a preacher. “I wouldn’t have gone if I knew,” she says. She already had “religion,” and it wasn’t doing her any good. But go she did. And she heard the good news about Jesus that night. Now, more than fifty years later, she cries tears of joy when she talks of how Jesus transformed her life. That evening, she became a child of God. Her story never grows old. It doesn’t matter if our story is similar to Ruth’s or not. What does matter is that we take the simple step of putting our faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection. The apostle Paul said, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9). That’s what Ruth did. You can do that too. Jesus redeems, transforms, and gives us new life. To learn about having a relationship with Jesus, read Following Jesus. Belonging to Christ is not rehabilitation; it’s re-creation. By Dave Branon INSIGHT The redemption provided by Christ is the only basis for receiving eternal life. Why is it impossible to be saved through our own good works? Dennis Fisher Tags: salvation , spiritual transformation , Stories of Faith |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 6:44am On Nov 12, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 7:31am On Nov 12, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread Read: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+2%3A1%E2%80%9310]2 Chronicles 2:1–10[/url] Bible in a Year: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+51%E2%80%9352%3B+Hebrews+9]Jeremiah 51–52; Hebrews 9[/url] The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. 2 Chronicles 2:5 My husband recently celebrated a milestone birthday, the kind that ends in a zero. I thought hard about the best way to honor him on this important occasion. I discussed my many ideas with our children to help me home in on the best one. I wanted our celebration to reflect the significance of a new decade and how precious he is to our family. I wanted our gift to be in keeping with the importance of this milestone in his life. King Solomon wanted to give to God a much greater gift than a “big birthday” would merit. He wished for the temple he built to be worthy of God’s presence in it. To secure raw materials, he messaged the king of Tyre. In his letter, he remarked that the temple would be great “because our God is greater than all other gods” (2 Chron. 2:5). He acknowledged that God’s vastness and goodness far exceeded what could ever be built with human hands, yet set about the task anyway out of love and worship. Our God is indeed greater than all other gods. He has done wondrous things in our lives, prompting our hearts to bring Him a loving and precious offering, regardless of its external value. Solomon knew his gift wouldn’t match God’s worth, yet joyfully set his offering before Him; we can too. Lord, You are indeed a great God, matchless in worth. May my offerings be pleasing in Your sight. The most treasured gift we can give to God is our love. By Kirsten Holmberg Tags: love for God, temple , worship |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 7:12am On Nov 13, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 7:22am On Nov 13, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread MULTIPLIED GENEROSITY Read: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+8%3A1%E2%80%939]2 Corinthians 8:1–9[/url] Bible in a Year: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+1%E2%80%932%3B+Hebrews+10%3A1%E2%80%9318]Lamentations 1–2; Hebrews 10:1–18[/url] See that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7 Cheryl was in for a surprise as she pulled up to deliver her next pizza. Expecting to arrive at a home, she instead found herself outside a church. Cheryl confusedly carried the pepperoni pizza inside, where she was met by the pastor. “Is it fair to say life hasn’t been easy for you?” the pastor asked her. Cheryl agreed it hadn’t. With that, he brought out two offering plates that church members had filled with money. The pastor then poured over $750 into Cheryl’s delivery bag as a tip! Unbeknownst to Cheryl, the pastor had asked the pizza shop to send their most financially strapped driver over. Cheryl was stunned. She could now pay some bills. When the first Christians in Jerusalem faced poverty, it was a church that rushed to their aid. Though in need themselves, the Macedonian Christians gave sacrificially, considering it a privilege to do so (2 Cor. 8:1–4). Paul cited their generosity as an example for the Corinthians, and us, to follow. When we use our plenty to supply another’s need, we reflect Jesus, who gave away His riches to meet our own spiritual poverty (v. 9). Cheryl told all her customers about the church’s kindness that day, and, following its example, donated the rest of the day’s tips to others in need. An act of generosity multiplied. And Christ was glorified. Lord, You meet our needs in surprising ways sometimes. Use us to do that for others as well. Our generosity meets needs and glorifies Jesus. By Sheridan Voysey INSIGHT The believers in Jerusalem were suffering because of a severe famine (see Acts 11:28–29), and the Macedonians—though needy themselves—responded with generous financial aid (2 Cor. 8:1–5). The Corinthians had enthusiastically offered help, but they were slack in carrying it out (8:10–11; 9:1–3). Paul reminded them that God had blessed them abundantly so that they could be generous and share that abundance (8:14–15; 9:8–11). He challenged them to honor their promise completely (8:6–12; 9:5) and quotes Psalm 112:9 to encourage their generous giving (2 Cor. 9:9). How might God be leading you to show generosity today? Sim Kay Tee Tags: generosity , giving |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 5:48am On Nov 14, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 6:58am On Nov 14, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread Read: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3%3A1%E2%80%938]1 John 3:1–8[/url] Bible in a Year: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+3%E2%80%935%3B+Hebrews+10%3A19%E2%80%9339]Lamentations 3–5; Hebrews 10:19–39[/url] See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 Recently, we took our twenty-two-month-old granddaughter, Moriah, overnight for the first time without her older brothers. We lavished lots of loving, undivided attention on her, and had fun doing the things she likes to do. The next day after dropping her off, we said our goodbyes and headed out the door. As we did, without a word Moriah grabbed her overnight bag (still sitting by the door) and began following us. The picture is etched in my memory: Moriah in her diaper and mismatched sandals ready to depart with Grandma and Grandpa again. Every time I think of it, I smile. She was eager to go with us, ready for more individualized time. Although she is as yet unable to vocalize it, our granddaughter feels loved and valued. In a small way, our love for Moriah is a picture of the love God has for us, His children. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). When we believe in Jesus as our Savior, we become His children and begin to understand the lavish love He bestowed on us by dying for us (v. 16). Our desire becomes to please Him in what we say and do (v. 6)—and to love Him, eager to spend time with Him. Dear Lord, thank You for loving us so much that You died for us and rose again that we might have eternal life with You. Help us to be examples of Your love to all we meet. Share this prayer from Facebook.com/ourdailybread . How deep is the Father’s love for us! By Alyson Kieda INSIGHT Another great statement on God’s love is found in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This dovetails with the key verse in today’s devotional because God’s love that declares us His beloved children is made available to us by Jesus’s sacrifice on our behalf. He has proven His love on the cross and lavishes that love in relationship—revealing a divine love that could not be satisfied any other way. John 3:16 says that God gave His Son for us. His unquenchable love for us could only be satisfied by doing everything it took to reconcile us to Himself. Bill Crowder Tags: God's love , love , love for God , quiet time |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 5:43am On Nov 15, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 5:58am On Nov 15, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread HOW MUCH MORE Read: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11%3A5%E2%80%9313]Luke 11:5–13[/url] Bible in a Year: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+1%E2%80%932%3B+Hebrews+11%3A1%E2%80%9319]Ezekiel 1–2; Hebrews 11:1–19[/url] If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 In October 1915, during World War I, Oswald Chambers arrived at Zeitoun Camp, a military training center near Cairo, Egypt, to serve as a YMCA chaplain to British Commonwealth soldiers. When he announced a weeknight religious service, 400 men packed the large YMCA hut to hear Chambers’s talk titled, “What Is the Good of Prayer?” Later, when he spoke individually with men who were trying to find God in the midst of war, Oswald often quoted Luke 11:13, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” The free gift of God through His Son, Jesus, is forgiveness, hope, and His living presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit. “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (v. 10). On November 15, 1917, Oswald Chambers died unexpectedly from a ruptured appendix. To honor him, a soldier led to faith in Christ by Oswald purchased a marble carving of a Bible with the message of Luke 11:13 on its open page and placed it beside his grave: “How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” This amazing gift from God is available to each of us today. Father, You are the giver of all good gifts. We thank You for the great gift of the Holy Spirit who lives in us and guides us in Your truth today. Learn more about the legacy of Oswald Chambers at utmost.org . God’s gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives is available to each of us today. By David C. McCasland INSIGHT Would you want a God who gave you everything you asked for? Or would that be a bit frightening? While Jesus was teaching His disciples how to pray (Luke 11:1–4), He described God as being like a loving Father who would not give them a scorpion if they asked for an egg. Was He just assuring us that God is good? Or was He gently suggesting something about us? Was He hinting that sometimes we don’t know how to pray for our own good? (Rom 8:26). Maybe that’s why He promised that His Father would share His Spirit with those who trusted Him for what is best (Luke 11:13). Mart DeHaan Tags: forgiveness , gifts , salvation |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 6:47am On Nov 16, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 7:01am On Nov 16, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread In His Presence Read: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+89%3A1%E2%80%9317]Psalm 89:1–17[/url] Bible in a Year: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+3%E2%80%934%3B+Hebrews+11%3A20%E2%80%9340]Ezekiel 3–4; Hebrews 11:20–40[/url] Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. Psalm 89:15 The seventeenth-century monk Brother Lawrence, before a day’s work as cook in his community, would pray, “O my God . . . grant me your grace to stay in your presence. Help me in my labors. Possess all my affections.” As he worked, he kept talking to God, listening for His leading and dedicating his work to Him. Even when he was busiest, he would use intervals of relative calm to ask for His grace. No matter what was happening, he sought for and found a sense of his Maker’s love. As Psalm 89 confesses, the fitting response to the Creator of all who rules the oceans and is worshiped by hosts of angels is to lift up our lives—our whole lives to Him. When we understand the beauty of who God is we “hear the joyful call to worship”—whenever and wherever we are, “all day long” (vv. 15–16 NLT). Whether it’s standing in store or airport lines, or waiting on hold minute after minute, our lives are full of moments like these, times when we could get annoyed. Or these can be times when we catch our breath and see each of these pauses as an opportunity to learn to “walk in the light of [God’s] presence” (v. 15). The “wasted” moments of our lives, when we wait or lay ill or wonder what to do next, are all possible pauses to consider our lives in the light of His presence. GUEST WRITER Adapted from a book of Brother Lawrence's work by Harold Myra. See dhp.org/practice. Every moment can be lived in God’s presence. By Harold Myra INSIGHT This Messianic psalm reflects on the eternal covenant that will ultimately be realized through King David’s descendant, the Lord Jesus Christ. It develops themes of God’s love and protection for His covenant people, laying the foundation for worshiping God wherever we are. What opportunities can you take today to praise God? Dennis Fisher Tags: praise , prayer , quiet , worship |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 7:03am On Nov 17, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 7:31am On Nov 17, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread Read: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A10%E2%80%9319]Philippians 4:10–19[/url] Bible in a Year: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+5%E2%80%937%3B+Hebrews+12]Ezekiel 5–7; Hebrews 12[/url] You were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. Philippians 4:10 Marilyn had been ill for many weeks, and many people had encouraged her through this difficult time. How will I ever repay all their kindnesses? she worried. Then one day she read the words of a written prayer: “Pray that [others] will develop humility, allowing them not only to serve, but also to be served.” Marilyn suddenly realized there was no need to balance any scale, but just to be thankful and allow others to experience the joy of serving. In Philippians 4, the apostle Paul expressed his gratitude for all those who shared “in [his] troubles” (v. 14). He depended on people to support him as he preached and taught the gospel. He understood that the gifts provided for him when he was in need were simply an extension of people’s love for God: “[Your gifts] are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (v. 18). It may not be easy to be the one on the receiving end—especially if you’ve usually been the first one to help other people. But with humility, we can allow God to gently care for us by a variety of means when we need help. Paul wrote, “My God will meet all your needs” (v. 19). It was something he had learned during a life of trials. God is faithful and His provision for us has no limits. Dear Lord, thank You for caring for us through Your people. May we graciously give and receive help. Receive love. Give love. Repeat. By Cindy Hess Kasper INSIGHT Paul was a tentmaker by trade and often worked to support himself while he ministered to people in various cities (see Acts 18:3). However, at times Paul relied on the giving and generosity of others (see Phil 4:14–16). He also encouraged generosity among the churches, calling on members of the global body of Christ to meet each other’s needs (see 1 Cor. 16:1–4). Many times God provides for us through the giving of others. Reflect on how God has provided for you or used you to meet the needs of others. J.R. Hudberg Tags: humility , serving |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 3:16am On Nov 19, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 3:19am On Nov 19, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread Hide and Seek Read: Ezekiel 8 Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 8–10; Hebrews 13 In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 “You can’t see me!” When small children play “hide and seek,” they sometimes believe they’re hiding just by covering their eyes. If they can’t see you, they assume you can’t see them. Naïve as that may seem to adults, we sometimes do something similar with God. When we find ourselves desiring to do something we know is wrong, our tendency may be to shut God out as we willfully go our own way. The prophet Ezekiel discovered this truth in the vision God gave him for his people, exiled in Babylon. The Lord told him, “Have you seen what the elders of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? They say, ‘The LORD does not see us’” (Ezek. 8:12). But God misses nothing, and Ezekiel’s vision was proof of it. Yet even though they had sinned, God offered His repentant people hope through a new promise: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you” (36:26). For us, God met the brokenness and rebellion of sin with His tender mercy at the cross, paying the ultimate penalty for it. Through Jesus Christ, God not only offers us a new beginning, but He also works within us to change our hearts as we follow Him. How good is God! When we were lost and hiding in our sinfulness, God drew near through Jesus, who “came to seek and to save” us (Luke 19:10; Rom. 5:  .Thank You for Your kindness to me, Lord. Help me to seek You and follow You faithfully today. God knows us completely . . . and loves us just as much. By James Banks Tags: mercy , salvation , sin |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 3:23am On Nov 19, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 3:28am On Nov 19, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread Seeing Masterpieces Read: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A11%E2%80%9318]Psalm 139:11–18[/url] Bible in a Year: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+11%E2%80%9313%3B+James+1+]Ezekiel 11–13; James 1[/url] You knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 My father creates custom quivers designed for archers to carry their arrows. He carves elaborate wildlife pictures into pieces of genuine leather, before stitching the material together. During a visit, I watched him construct one of his works of art. His careful hands applied just the right pressure as he pressed a sharp blade into the supple leather, creating various textures. Then he dipped a rag into crimson dye and covered the leather with even strokes, magnifying the beauty of his creation. As I admired my dad’s confident craftsmanship, I realized how often I fail to acknowledge and appreciate my heavenly Father’s creativity manifested in others and even in myself. Reflecting on the Lord’s magnificent workmanship, I recalled King David’s affirmation that God creates our “inmost being” and that we’re “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:13–14). We can praise our Creator in confidence because we know His “works are wonderful” (v. 14). And we can be encouraged to respect ourselves and others more, especially when we remember that the Maker of the Universe knew us inside and out and planned our days “before one of them came to be” (vv. 15–16). Like the pliable leather carved by my father’s skilled hands, we are each beautiful and valuable simply because we are God’s one-of-a-kind creations. Each one of us, intentionally designed to be unique and purposed as God’s beloved masterpieces, contributes to reflect God’s magnificence. Lord, thank You for creating us in Your perfect love. Please help us to see ourselves, and others, as Your unique masterpieces. God masterfully creates each person with uniqueness and purpose. By Xochitl Dixon INSIGHT Like a potter, God shaped man from clay (Isa. 64: and breathed into him the breath of life (Gen. 2:7; Job 33:4). Humans are the only creatures privileged to have the breath of God, setting us apart from other creatures, for only humans are created “in the image of God” (Gen. 1:27). Each person is a unique individual, possessing the mental, emotional, and spiritual consciousness of our Creator and the capacity to have a personal relationship with Him. The Old Testament patriarch Job may be the first person to acknowledge that “[God’s] hands shaped me and made me. . . . [You clothed] me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews” (Job 10:8, 11–12). The prophet Jeremiah proclaimed that God had preordained his destiny and life even before he was formed in his mother’s womb! (Jer. 1:5). David, celebrating himself as one of God’s masterpieces, says that he has been “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God (Ps. 139:13–16).Do you see yourself as God’s masterpiece? Reflect on how God has uniquely created you. Sim Kay Tee Tags: creation, creator , God |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 5:31am On Nov 21, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 5:35am On Nov 21, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread Take a Number Read: John 14:15–27 Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 14–15; James 2 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. John 14:27 We have an ancient cherry tree in our backyard that had seen better days and looked like it was dying, so I called in an arborist. He checked it out and declared that it was “unduly stressed” and needed immediate attention. “Take a number,” my wife, Carolyn, muttered to the tree as she walked away. It had been one of those weeks. Indeed, we all have anxious weeks—filled with worries over the direction our culture is drifting or concerns for our children, our marriages, our businesses, our finances, our personal health and well-being. Nevertheless, Jesus has assured us that despite disturbing circumstances we can be at peace. He said, “My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Jesus’s days were filled with distress and disorder: He was beleaguered by His enemies and misunderstood by His family and friends. He often had no place to lay His head. Yet there was no trace of anxiety or fretfulness in His manner. He possessed an inner calm, a quiet tranquility. This is the peace He has given us —freedom from anxiety concerning the past, present, and future. The peace He exhibited; His peace. In any circumstances, no matter how dire or trivial, we can turn to Jesus in prayer. There in His presence we can make our worries and fears known to Him. Then, Paul assures us, the peace of God will come to “guard [our] hearts and [our] minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). Even if we’ve had “one of those weeks,” we can have His peace. Dear Lord, thank You that I can come to You with every care and Your peace will guard my mind. In the midst of troubles, peace can be found in Jesus. By David H. Roper INSIGHT Thank God that you can take your cares to Him in prayer and ask Him to help you commit your situation to His care. Tags: anxiety , peace, trust in God |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 5:40am On Nov 21, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 5:55am On Nov 21, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread Helicopter Seeds Read: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A23%E2%80%9333]John 12:23–33[/url] Bible in a Year: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+16%E2%80%9317%3B+James+3]Ezekiel 16–17; James 3[/url] Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24 When our children were young, they loved trying to catch the “helicopter seeds” that fell from our neighbor’s silver maple trees. Each seed resembles a wing. In late spring they twirl to the ground like a helicopter’s rotor blades. The seeds’ purpose is not to fly, but to fall to earth and grow into trees. Before Jesus was crucified, He told His followers, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. . . . [U]nless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:23–24). While Jesus’s disciples wanted Him to be honored as the Messiah, He came to give His life so we could be forgiven and transformed through faith in Him. As Jesus’s followers, we hear His words, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me” (vv. 25–26). Helicopter seeds can point us to the miracle of Jesus, the Savior, who died that we might live for Him. Lord Jesus, we are amazed by Your love. Give us grace to serve You today as we long to do. Jesus calls us to give our lives in serving Him. By David C. McCasland INSIGHT Our passage today occurs shortly after Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On that day Jesus rode into town on a donkey’s colt as a large crowd, who had traveled to the city to celebrate the Passover, threw palm branches on the road before Him shouting, “ ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ” (John 12:12–15). Though Jesus came as a king, He knew that the people cheering Him on were expecting a savior to free them from Rome, not a savior who would suffer for their sins. He was the kernel of wheat who must die so His kingdom could grow (v. 24). Alyson Kieda Tags: Jesus , serving , sharing the gospel |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 6:17am On Nov 22, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 6:24am On Nov 22, 2017 |
OUR DAILY BREAD MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE Read: Psalm 98 Bible in a Year: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+18%E2%80%9319%3B+James+4]Ezekiel 18–19; James 4[/url] Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music. Psalm 98:4 Back when I was searching for a church to attend regularly, a friend invited me to a service at her church. The worship leaders led the congregation in a song I particularly loved. So I sang with gusto, remembering my college choir director’s advice to “Project!” After the song, my friend’s husband turned to me and said, “You really sang loud.” This remark was not intended as a compliment! After that, I self-consciously monitored my singing, making sure I sang softer than those around me and always wondering if the people around me judged my singing. But one Sunday, I noticed the singing of a woman in the pew beside me. She seemed to sing with adoration, without a trace of self-consciousness. Her worship reminded me of the enthusiastic, spontaneous worship that David demonstrated in his life. In Psalm 98, in fact, David suggests that “all the earth” should “burst into jubilant song” in worship (v. 4). Verse one of Psalm 98 tells us why we should worship joyfully, reminding us that “[God] has done marvelous things.” Throughout the psalm, David recounts these marvelous things: God’s faithfulness and justice to all nations, His mercy, and salvation. Dwelling on who God is and what He’s done can fill our hearts with praise. What “marvelous things” has God done in your life? Thanksgiving is the perfect time to recall His wondrous works and give God thanks. Lift your voice and sing! Lord, thank You for who You are and for what You’ve done. Worship takes the focus off us and places it where it belongs—on God. By Linda Washington INSIGHT Psalm 98 is jubilant in its invitation to praise God. In verses 4–6, the psalmist exalts God as King. He enlists the harp, trumpets, and horn to accompany the human voices lifted in praise and adoration of the sovereign King. In verses 7–9, God is praised for being the righteous Judge. Marvelous word pictures are used to magnify His justice. The fullness of the sea is to roar, the rivers are to clap their hands, and the mountains are to be joyful together. Voice, instruments, and nature join in to praise God. We too can enter into this same spirit by joyfully worshiping the Lord for His mighty power and holy character. Today ponder how you can worship God who is both our Creator and righteous Judge. Dennis Fisher Tags: joy , praise, Sunday worship , thanksgiving |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 11:43am On Nov 23, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 6:52am On Nov 24, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 6:55am On Nov 24, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 8:57am On Nov 24, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread The Heart's True Home Read: [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A10%E2%80%9311]Ecclesiastes 3:10–11[/url] Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 22–23; 1 Peter 1 [God] has . . . set eternity in the human heart. Ecclesiastes 3:11 We had a West Highland Terrier for a number of years. “Westies” are tough little dogs, bred to tunnel into badger holes and engage the “enemy” in its lair. Our Westie was many generations removed from her origins, but she still retained that instinct, put into her through years of breeding. On one occasion she became obsessed by some “critter” under a rock in our backyard. Nothing could dissuade her. She dug and dug until she tunneled several feet under the rock. Now consider this question: Why do we as humans pursue, pursue, pursue? Why must we climb unclimbed mountains, ski near-vertical slopes? Run the most difficult and dangerous rapids, challenge the forces of nature? Part of it is a desire for adventure and enjoyment, but it’s much more. It’s an instinct for God that has been implanted in us. We cannot not want to find God. We don’t know that, of course. We only know that we long for something. “You don’t know what it is you want,” Mark Twain said, “but you want it so much you could almost die.” God is our heart’s true home. As church father Augustine said in that most famous quotation: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” And what is the heart? A deep void within us that only God can fill. Help me, Lord, to recognize my deep longing for You. Then fill me with the knowledge of You. Draw me near. Beneath all our longings is a deep desire for God. By David H. Roper INSIGHT Ecclesiastes was written by one who calls himself “the Teacher” and identifies himself as the “son of David, king in Jerusalem” (1:1). In this book, Solomon shows that a life not centered on God is without meaning and purpose (1:14; 2:11). He also shows how and why God must be a part of our lives. In chapter 3, he paints a picture of a life trapped between birth and death, experiencing the mundane repetition of life’s recurring seasons and cyclical activities (vv. 1– . Such a life is both frustrating and burdensome (v. 10). But Solomon hints that life is not supposed to be like this. We were made for far grander things—God created us for Himself “in his own image” (Gen. 1:27). And God has “set eternity in the human heart” (Eccl. 3:11). We were created for fellowship with the eternal God. C. S. Lewis, in his bookMere Christianity, put it this way: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” Without God, life will be purposeless and meaningless. What are some ways that our culture offers false fulfillment? Sim Kay Tee Tags: desire , God |
| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 3:35pm On Nov 26, 2017 |
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| Re: 10 TACTICS OF THE ADVERSARY & POWER TOOLS FOR CHRISTIANS TO OVERCOME THEM by Nobody: 3:56pm On Nov 26, 2017 |
Our Daily Bread God Knows Read: Matthew 6:1–4 Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 27–29; 1 Peter 3 Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:4 When Denise met a hurting young woman in her church, her heart went out to her and she decided to see if she could help. Every week she spent time counseling her and praying with her. Denise became her mentor. However, some church leaders didn’t notice Denise’s efforts and decided to assign a church staff member to mentor the woman. No one, they commented, seemed to be taking care of her. While she was not expecting any credit, Denise couldn’t help but feel a little discouraged. “It’s as if I wasn’t doing anything at all,” she told me. One day, however, the young woman told Denise how grateful she was for her comfort. Denise felt encouraged. It was as if God was telling her, “I know you’re there for her.” Denise still meets with the woman regularly. Sometimes, we feel unappreciated when our efforts don’t get recognized. Scripture, however, reminds us that God knows what we’re doing. He sees what others don’t. And it pleases Him when we serve for His sake—not for man’s praise. Perhaps that’s why Jesus gave us an example by telling us to do our giving “in secret,” so that “your Father, who sees what is done . . . will reward you” (Matt. 6:4). We need not look to others for recognition and praise; we can take heart that God knows when we’re faithful in serving Him and others. Lord, forgive me for the times when I crave others’ recognition and praise. Help me to serve for Your glory alone. God sees everything we do for Him. By Leslie Koh INSIGHT In the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6–7), after Jesus’s strong caution against hypocrisy He gives us the proper motivation for our service to Him. Our reason to share with open hands and to raise our hands in prayer is out of love for the Father, who is the source of all that is good. The approval of the Father is better than any praise we may receive from others. It is the reward from Him that we should desire and pursue. Because God sees everything we do and knows the motives of our heart, how might we seek to please Him this week in our service? J.R. Hudberg Tags: care, love for others , serving |
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