Real Christian discussion

Wow, a new month already? Well, I'm posting on behalf of the mods. No new topic was set so we're continuing the 'free topic' situation. You know your days, but just a reminder;
(Days...)
- Monday: Matt
- Tuesday: Tamara
- Wednesday: Hope
- Thursday: Mary K
- Friday: Rebecca
- Saturday: Urs
- Sunday: Lee-Lette
- Sunday Prayer: Anyone Welcome!

Enjoy the rest of your day/ evening/ morning/ whatever it is, wherever you are. :)

Thanks, Lee-lette!! :)

And thanks for re-posting the schedule too. Though I'm pretty sure you & Urs are the only ones on that list who are posting any devotions anymore... :/

Yes, thank you Lee-lette. I've been a lot more busy this summer then I thought I'd be.

 
Do You Pray Over Your Choices? ~*~ Saturday's Devotion

                           

The Consequences of Sin
Genesis 3:14-19

Christians tend to categorize sins, rating some as small and inconsequential, but others as huge and far-reaching in the damage they cause. In reality, no one sins in isolation. Each disobedience to God affects not only the sinner but also countless others in both the present and the future.

If we were to separate Adam and Eve's sin from its context, few of us would convict them of great transgression. All they did was swallow some fruit from a tree with a "do not eat" sign. Today people think nothing of ignoring commands--even biblical ones.

But God has a totally different view of our sins. Each one is followed by negative consequences. Adam and Eve's disobedience led to pain and frustration in two basic areas of fulfillment--relationships and meaningful work. The whole earth fell under sin's curse, and every person born since then has entered the world with a sin nature that alienates each one from the Lord.

That first rebellion plunged humanity into a terrible condition. Civilization is now plagued by countless ramifications of the innumerable sins committed by human beings throughout the ages. Is it any wonder the world is in such sad shape? Sin not only causes suffering; it robs us of God's best. The Garden of Eden is closed and locked to sinful mankind.

The good news of Christ's grace and forgiveness is our only real hope in this fallen world. Though unpleasant, focusing on sin's consequences is necessary at times to remind us of the greatness of our salvation and to move us to obey God, even in the small things. Each obedience is huge to Him.


Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. (c) 2016 All Rights Reserved.
 

Great devotion Urs.

Lee-lette wrote: "Great devotion Urs."
 
Thanks, Lovey! I hope it helps folks into their week ahead! :)
 

Hopefully it will :)

Aerykah wrote: "Thanks, Lee-lette!! :)

And thanks for re-posting the schedule too. Though I'm pretty sure you & Urs are the only ones on that list who are posting any devotions anymore... :/"

Sorry, I didn't see this. No problem :) Hopefully things will pick up soon. And don't be disheartened, all who God wants to be active in this period are active, if He wanted everyone here, they would be :)

Karis wrote: "Yes, thank you Lee-lette. I've been a lot more busy this summer then I thought I'd be."

Don't worry about it :)

 
Learning to Find Real Contentment ~*~ Friday's Devotion

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” - Philippians 4:11


Paul came to a place in his life--not a physical place, but a spiritual place--where he felt divine contentment. Most people think they know what this word “contentment” means, but let me tell you what it means in God’s Word--“self contained.”

In the context of this passage, we learn that Paul was thanking people for their love gifts to him, but he wanted them also to know that he was not dependent upon them because God had brought him to a place of sufficiency in Himself alone.

That is, Paul was able to say, “I have learned that I don’t need anything or anybody else, but the Lord. I have Him, and therefore, I am self-contained, not self-sufficient. I can do all things through Christ.”

Do you have contentment today in Christ alone?


      *from Love Worth Finding by Adrian Rogers
 

Great Devotion Urs. I've never looked at it that way. Most people have their life and then they have God to help them along but this devotion helped me to see that God should be our life, our sole reason to live, to have joy and to share the good news.

Thanks for your commentary Adrian.

I think Saint Paul is also talking about long-suffering. This is a concept that most non-Christians do not grasp. I think you have to be in a circle of fellowship to understand this. It points to the benefit of living, but not being happy. Life is not only about happiness but learning to be grateful with what you have. But I don't think this is pillar for anti-abundance, or a poverty mindset in an attitude as a Christian lifestyle.


Joao

Great encouraging comment, the puritans were great on this subject, thomas watson's 'the art of divine contentment' is a classic, I've read it on numbers of occasions.

 
Overcoming Obstacles ~*~ Saturday's Devotion
Joshua 6:1-5

The Lord has a beautiful plan for each believer’s life. But to thwart God’s purposes, Satan sprinkles obstacles in our path.

There are many types of hindrances, such as a difficult boss, contrary family members, and financial trouble. Anything that blocks a desired goal can cause anxiety and great frustration. But remember that no obstacle can touch you without God’s consent.

Consider Joshua’s army, which was no match for Jericho’s military. And the great wall protecting that city was an impossible barrier to cross. Yet God had promised the Israelites the land, and Joshua believed. He wasn’t fazed by what seemed unconquerable. Instead, he acknowledged the Lord’s power and sought His guidance.

Before Joshua even realized that God was at work, the Lord was preparing the city for destruction by instilling fear into kings throughout the region. Heaven’s directions included an unlikely battle plan, but because Joshua obeyed, God’s people triumphed.

Waiting can be difficult. And after a while, we might even begin to wonder if God will do anything at all--then it is easy to quit. But, as was true with Joshua, God has gone before us and is preparing the way. No matter how He chooses to handle the problem, His solution is always in our best interest.

Whenever you face an obstacle, you may experience great heartache. But even in the midst of pain, you can have full confidence in God. The most important part of each day is the time you spend alone with the Lord. He will encourage you with His love and give direction.


Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. (c) 2016 All Rights Reserved.
 

Lee-lette wrote: "Great Devotion Urs. I've never looked at it that way. Most people have their life and then they have God to help them along but this devotion helped me to see that God should be our life, our sole ..."
 
Yes! We have to make Him our ONLY. Everything else will fall into place. I'm glad it was there for you, Lovey! :)
 

Joe wrote: "Thanks for your commentary Adrian.

I think Saint Paul is also talking about long-suffering. This is a concept that most non-Christians do not grasp. I think you have to be in a circle of fellowsh..."
 
I think you are commenting to my devotion. :) Yes, that is a great point to bring up and add to this.
 

Thank you for your participation Joe and Gordon :) If you also want to express your views via devotionals, speak to one of the mods and they can work something out.

It's almost one am here so i'm just going to do my devotion now.

Peace Be Still.

Mark 4 vs. 35: 41 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...) tells the story of Jesus and His disciples attempting to cross over to the other side by way of the sea. On the way, Jesus took a nap and a great storm developed during this time. The disciples were panicked and rushed to wake Jesus. They asked him (in my words) 'Don't you care if we die?' and Jesus just got up and rebuked the wind saying "Peace be still" And just like that, the wind and the waves were calm. The disciples were astonished, asking among themselves 'What kind of man is this that even the wind and the waves obey Him?'

My message to you today is, no matter the storms that are raging in your life -the overwhelming situations, ungodly feeling and the struggle to remain faithful to God- He is always there with you and he can calm your storm with just a thought! The journey may be rough and the road seems long but let us chose the better part.

So what if we loose a few 'friends'? Or popularity or people treat you differently because you represent Christ. Christ's is the only approval we need and His love and compassion is more than enough. And He'll never put more on us than we can bear.

Though temptations, distractions and situation arise, DON'T GIVE UP. Have a wonderful day! :D

 
Oh, goodness, today got away from me! :O To be honest, it was simply awful, but here I am with late Thursday's devotion.

Those Who Hold Fast Will One Day Rule

“But that which ye have already, hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.” - Revelation 2:25-27


In these days there will be more temptation to get away from the Word of God, the blood atonement, and salvation by grace through faith. Churches will be under attack by seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. Here in Jesus’ message to Thyatira He says, “You hold fast till I come.”

Even though it seems to be tough, remember this, dear friend--the saints are going to have their day. Look in verse 26. One of these days Jesus is going to come and rule this world, and we are going to rule with Him.

If we suffer with Him, we'll also reign with Him (II Timothy 2:12). We are even going to judge angels (I Corinthians 6:3). It may not be long before Jesus comes and His millennial reign begins here on this earth. The Bible clearly says that it's going to be a powerful reign (v. 27).

Don't give up, don't let down. Hold fast, stick to it, stay with the Word of God. Hold fast that old truth. Hold fast to this old Book and don't let go.


      *from Love Worth Finding by Adrian Rogers
 

Lee-lette wrote: "It's almost one am here so i'm just going to do my devotion now.

Peace Be Still.

Mark 4 vs. 35: 41 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...) tells the story of Je..."
 
I didn't get the notice for this! :O

This is wonderful and I suppose the Lord knew best for when I needed to see it. ;) He always knows best. This is SO right on time for me tonight. My work day was awful, and for a bit I let the ugly happen in my heart. :( I am thanking the Lord for leading me right here tonight.

*hugs*
 

~Friday's Devotion~

Forgetting what the Purpose of Life is

"Yes, why are we here in the first place? It's to no use, right?"
Those are words I find myself thinking of every now and then. And I'm sure everyone else does too in some point of their lives!
Life can seem meaningless even for christians. Every day feels the same, every thing we do is something we've done before and will continue doing, it feels pointless. Why would God create us, just to watch us live a boring life and die?

The good news are that He wanted a family. Someone to love and care about. You would like to have children in some point of your life too (if you don't have already), watch them grow, be happy and frankly just care about them.

"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”" Gen. 1:27-28

We are here to take care of the Earth that God gave us; to multiply and serve Him with all our hearts and deeds.
We should never forget that He even sacrified His Son for us, the humans He had created from the dust of the ground! Therefore we owe Him our lives, our worship and time.
Spreading the Gospel and the news of His Kingdom should be our number one task.
Real happiness is the result of loving and serving our God and our brothers and sisters with our whole heart!
There will be ups and downs, but God is always with us no matter what, and as long as we remain faithful to Him, nothing can tear us apart from His protection!

"He who loves Me, he also obeys Me and gladly does My will, not only in words, but in deeds and truth; not only in confessing holiness with his mouth, but living for holiness, giving his life, soul and body as a sacrifice on the altar of holiness." (from Look, the Bridegroom is coming, Get ready!)

Blessings,
~Felicity

I might not be able to do next week's Friday-devotion, I'm going on a trip and will probably not have time to do a devotion.

Felicity wrote: "I might not be able to do next week's Friday-devotion, I'm going on a trip and will probably not have time to do a devotion."

I understand, Felicity :) Thanks for letting me know. Enjoy your vacation.

Urs wrote: " 
Learning to Find Real Contentment ~*~ Friday's Devotion

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” - Philippians 4:11

Philippians 4:11 became my verse for this week/maybe for this month. I am reading Morning & Evening C.H. Spurgeon, or rather listening to it as an audible book. I love it! I listened to Chapter 2 (the month of February 3 times because it had in many places so much I needed to know and learn. Spurgeon spoke about how Paul was probably an old gray haired man before he learned how to be totally content with his life. It's hard. Once you think you've got it.. something comes up and you know you have to pray some more. Another thing is planning ahead. I am a big planner, but God teaches us to live one day at a time, that we are not to worry about tomorrow, that He has provided for us today. This is a big one for me to work on.

 
Good Saturday Morning's Devotion

It’s You I Love

“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39


A wife borrowed her husband’s brand new car, and she wrecked it. It didn't hurt her, but she just demolished the car. She felt so bad. She reached in the glove compartment where they kept their insurance papers and got them out.

When she opened the papers, there was a note right in the middle written by her husband. I think it's one of the sweetest things I've ever heard. He had written, “Remember, Sweetheart, it's you I love.”

Isn't that great? He was saying, “This car is not important. Honey, you're the important one.”

I want to tell you, you may have wrecked your life, but God says, “It's you I love.” God loves you. Whatever comes your way today, you must believe that.


      *from Love Worth Finding by Adrian Rogers
 

Felicity wrote: "~Friday's Devotion~

Forgetting what the Purpose of Life is

"Yes, why are we here in the first place? It's to no use, right?"
Those are words I find myself thinking of every now and then. And I'm ..."
 
This is great to read on this early Saturday morning! Thank you! I needed to see this good piece of encouragement. :)
 

Urs wrote: " 
Good Saturday Morning's Devotion


It’s You I Love


“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor he..."


Thanks Urs. I've heard this devotion before but it is such a good reminder of how great God's love for us really is.

Carol wrote: "Urs wrote: " 
Learning to Find Real Contentment ~*~ Friday's Devotion

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” - Philippians 4:..."
 
That's a big one for me, too, Carol. Remembering that God has things planned out for me, and me working at what I think is just wasting time that I could be wholly be in His graces. I have to work hard at being still and listening.
 

Karis wrote: "Urs wrote: " 
Good Saturday Morning's Devotion


It’s You I Love


“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to c..."
 
Yes, hearing and reading devotions over and over is how we learn and keep it in our hearts, just like reading and hearing the Word over and over again. Unfortunately, we experience the same ugly things many times in life, and repetitive doses of lessons have never harmed a soul--especially the souls that haven't heard it yet. Glad it was there for you again, to gain from.  :)
 

#1
Hey Everyone! Just wanted to say a few words about the devotions I have been doing. I know that Mary Kate likes for them to be our very own, but lately life has just been so busy. My BIL's kidney transplant has had its ups and downs. My niece is getting married. My son just started Seminary school. All of that with the stresses at work has me stretched pretty thin. I felt that a good, trusted devotion was better than nothing at all. I did write to her about it, but haven't heard back yet. If she tells me to do differently from what I have been doing, then I will of course do as she says, but because I wanted to help out more, and do devotions on her day and mine, I knew that sharing from Dr. Charles Stanley and the late Mr. Adrian Rogers would always be great sources from the Word of the Lord. NO false teachings with either of those men, and that is a great concern in the Christian world. I hope this is something that everyone can accept, but if not, I can certainly step down.

#2 -- OK, on with the devotion!  :)

A Godly Response to Criticism ~*~ Thursday's Devotion
Proverbs 15:31-33

No one likes criticism, but encountering some is inevitable, so we need to learn how to respond in a godly way. Although you might be tempted to become defensive or angry, remain calm and listen. The words may hurt, but great benefits come to those who carefully consider what is said.

If we refuse to accept reproof, we'll limit our potential for Christlike character development and spiritual growth. Some of life's best lessons come through difficult experiences. If God allowed the situation, you can be sure that He wants to use it in transforming you into His Son's image. Whether the criticism is valid or not, whether it's delivered with kindness or harshness, your goal should always be to respond in a way that glorifies the Lord. Remember that you are responsible only for how you handle yourself, not for how the other person is acting.

When a criticism comes your way, be quiet and listen until the other person has finished. Make direct eye contact to show attentiveness and respect. When your critic finishes, thank him for bringing his concerns to your attention, and tell him that you will consider what he's said. Ask the Lord if the accusation is valid. Let Him search your heart and either affirm your innocence or convict you.

Every rebuke is an opportunity from God. It's a chance to let your Christian character shine by showing love to your critic. If he is angrily attacking you, your respect and kindness become a powerful testimony. Criticism is also an occasion to humble yourself and accept the Lord's correction.


Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.
 

Urs wrote: "#1
Hey Everyone! Just wanted to say a few words about the devotions I have been doing. I know that Mary Kate likes for them to be our very own, but lately life has just been so busy. My BIL's kidne..."

Thanks for sharing your concerns, Urs. I really appreciate your willingness to volunteer on this thread. I'm so grateful for all your help.

I understand being busy, so don't worry about the devotions. I know that we will all enjoy whatever devotions you decide to post. I'll keep you in my prayers as I think of you.

 
Building Muscles of Faith ~*~ Saturday Evening's Devotion
I Kings 18:22-36

"I wish I had great faith." These are words that almost every Christian has said at one time or another. But faith is like a muscle, which must be exercised in order to become strong; just wishing cannot make it happen.

Christians are to believe God, not only for salvation but for everything. Rather than a spiritual "plateau," faith is actually a process that involves increasing degrees of trust throughout life. Little faith hopes that God will do what He says; strong faith knows that He will; and great faith believes that He has already done it.

Elijah was a man of great faith. He saw increased challenges as opportunities for God to do His work--and the prophet believed Him for the supernatural. So can you. The Lord may not do every miraculous thing you ask of Him, but He does some extraordinary work in and through each person who is obedient and willing to trust in Him.

You may be thinking, I am not good enough for the Father to use me. The Scriptures are filled with examples of weak and flawed people whom the Lord used to achieve His purposes. He is looking, not for perfection, but for individuals willing to believe Him. He not only works through people of faith; He transforms them.

Start by reading God's Word to learn what He wants you to do. Each day's situations and needs are opportunities to trust Him. Ask the Lord to bring to mind verses that apply to your circumstances. Trust Him and do what He says--your faith "muscles" will grow, and He will be glorified.


Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. (c) 2016 All Rights Reserved.
 

Urs wrote: "#1
Hey Everyone! Just wanted to say a few words about the devotions I have been doing. I know that Mary Kate likes for them to be our very own, but lately life has just been so busy. My BIL's kidne..."

Don't worry about that, Urs-- it's perfectly fine. :)
If you messaged MK via Goodreads, I doubt you'll hear back from her at all because, the little bit that she is online, she's avoiding getting on GR because she doesn't want to get pulled into spending a lot of time on here & she knows that could easily happen. I feel I can speak for her & tell you that she wouldn't mind at all-- would, instead, only be very pleased to know that you're willing to do what you can & share what believe you should.
Know that we are praying for you & your family in the situations you mentioned.
Thank you for the devotions you share. May God bless you! :)

Aerykah wrote: "Urs wrote: "#1
Hey Everyone! Just wanted to say a few words about the devotions I have been doing. I know that Mary Kate likes for them to be our very own, but lately life has just been so busy. My..."
 
I didn't get this notice! :O I have gone through and checked my notifications a few times now--wonder what is going on. :/

Thank you! I appreciate you getting back to me. I did speak with her and feel better after what she said to me. There were a few "comments" made to my devotions that didn't seem genuine. Condescending, if you will, and I just thought maybe I should step down. Everyone is busy and going through stuffs, and I just thought something was better than nothing. Especially when it comes from very reputable sources--I am always careful of that. :)

This really warms my heart, and I appreciate your prayers so very much. Thank you, for reaching out to me. Very much. :)
 

 
Good Sunday Morning!

I know that today is Lee-Lette's day, but I missed Thursday and yesterday. In case she is busy, I wanted to go ahead and post. I just got a very sweet piece of encouragement from Aerykah--that I missed! :O--and just felt that I should post something. If Sweet Lee posts her devotion, this will just be extra goodness, to help lift us all up. ♥︎ I have been going through difficult stuffs at work, and life has been FULL. And I am so tired! I don't like feeling so tired all of the time. I will appreciate your continued support with prayer.


Handling Difficult Circumstances
Philippians 3:8-11

The apostle Paul understood how to handle tough circumstances. Even while he was confined in a prison cell, he kept his eyes on Christ and trusted firmly in the Savior. Therefore, despite being in chains, he was able to celebrate the Lord’s work in his life. In fact, the epistle he wrote from jail to the Philippians was filled with rejoicing (1:18; 2:18; 3:1).

Focusing on Christ is neither a natural reaction nor an easy one. Our instinct is to dwell on the situation at hand, searching for solutions or stewing over the pain and difficulty. As a result, troubles look scary and overwhelm us with a sense of defeat.

However, fear and defeat cannot live long in a heart that trusts the Lord. I’m not saying you’ll forget what you’re going through, but you can choose to dwell on His provision and care instead. He is the Deliverer (II Cor. 1:10). He is the Healer (Deut. 32:39). He is the Guide (Prov. 3:6). The believer who lays claim to divine promises discovers that God pushes back negative emotions. In their place, hope, confidence, and contentment take up residence (Phil. 4:11). You aren’t going to be happy about a difficult situation, but you can be satisfied that God is in control and up to something good in the midst of trouble.

The Lord’s principles and promises don’t change, no matter how severe or painful the situation is. Focus on Christ instead of the circumstances--God will comfort your heart and bring you safely through the trial. Then you can answer Paul’s call to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4).


Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. (c) 2016 All Rights Reserved.
 

@Urs- I totally understand about not getting notifications-- sometimes I don't get them either & it makes me wonder how many people have replied to something I said & I never got the notification... I don't know why that happens, but it can be pretty frustrating.

I agree: something is better than nothing. I don't often comment (usually because I have more to say than what I have time to type), but I do read the devotions & I appreciate you sharing them. :)

You're very welcome! :)

Urs wrote: " Handling Difficult Circumstances
Philippians 3:8-11"

Thanks so much for sharing this!! Again, I feel like I don't have time to say all I want to say... But I needed to read this so thank you for sharing it. :)

Aerykah wrote: "@Urs- I totally understand about not getting notifications-- sometimes I don't get them either & it makes me wonder how many people have replied to something I said & I never got the notification....."
 
Thank you, Aerykah, very much! :) This warms my heart and settles my feelings. I will soldier on! *hugs*

I love hugs of all kinds! x)

Also, could you please start a thread for September? Thank you! xD
 

Aerykah wrote: "Urs wrote: " Handling Difficult Circumstances
Philippians 3:8-11"

Thanks so much for sharing this!! Again, I feel like I don't have time to say all I want to say... But I needed to read this so th..."
 
You're welcome! :) I am glad it was there for you. I have been having an overwhelming time at work, and this is what I ran across when I went looking for something for us. I know it was God reminding me that I have to stay steadfast in His name. I have to remember to ask Him for His help, too, instead of trying to do it all on my own.
 

You're very welcome! :) And thanks for mentioning needing a new thread for Sept. I think I'm still stuck back in August. haha! ;)


Here's the new thread for September Devotionals .

Aerykah wrote: "You're very welcome! :) And thanks for mentioning needing a new thread for Sept. I think I'm still stuck back in August. haha! ;)


Here's the new thread for
September Devotionals
."
 
hehe! x) Welcome!