Real Christian discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Archived Devotionals
>
May 2017
date
newest »
newest »
Monday, May 1
“The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.” Mark 1:15 (ESV)
Today, you are a week closer to looking into the face of Jesus than you were last Monday.
My pastor said the above yesterday and it really stuck with me.
Look around you at how much changes in a week. If you worked in the garden last week, what was planted is now sprouting up from the ground. A baby learned to roll over. A child that was just learning his letters can now write his name. The foundation of the house is now completely framed. A senior in high school graduated and had his 18th birthday and is considered a man. Storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and fires destroyed homes, towns, and people. Somebody in your town died. Somebody in your town was born. Hopefully somebody in your town was born again. Will somebody in your town step up and say "God, I am yours, help me to lead the way to you in my every word and action. Give me the courage to proclaim Your Name from the rooftops and in the basements of the places I live, work and play. Give me the courage to bring Your Word to the people I see, the ones I know and love and the ones I don't know or don't like. Give me a willing heart to pray for every person that crosses my path. Help me to overcome the quaking fear in my gut to speak up, speak out and speak to those around me about Jesus and His Sacrifice for us. God help me to grow in faith, knowledge, understanding, wisdom and compassion in the coming week. Lord, may I look back on this week next Monday and be able to see the progress that has been made in me toward Your Kingdom just as the owner can see the progress the builder has made on his house. After all, together through Your Saving Grace, You and I are building my mansion in Heaven and You should be able to look at me and see the progress that has been accomplished in me this week. God, I know You knitted me together in my mother's womb, but I am frayed around the edges and I need you to darn the holes in my soul so that I will be ready to meet Jesus.
And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
The countdown began on the day of Crucifixion. Each day time vanishes and is gone forever. TIME is running out. Accept Jesus Christ as Your Savior and start working to complete His Great Commission to us.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I AM with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
May God bless you, guide you, lift you up and complete you this week. Amen
“The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.” Mark 1:15 (ESV)
Today, you are a week closer to looking into the face of Jesus than you were last Monday.
My pastor said the above yesterday and it really stuck with me.
Look around you at how much changes in a week. If you worked in the garden last week, what was planted is now sprouting up from the ground. A baby learned to roll over. A child that was just learning his letters can now write his name. The foundation of the house is now completely framed. A senior in high school graduated and had his 18th birthday and is considered a man. Storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and fires destroyed homes, towns, and people. Somebody in your town died. Somebody in your town was born. Hopefully somebody in your town was born again. Will somebody in your town step up and say "God, I am yours, help me to lead the way to you in my every word and action. Give me the courage to proclaim Your Name from the rooftops and in the basements of the places I live, work and play. Give me the courage to bring Your Word to the people I see, the ones I know and love and the ones I don't know or don't like. Give me a willing heart to pray for every person that crosses my path. Help me to overcome the quaking fear in my gut to speak up, speak out and speak to those around me about Jesus and His Sacrifice for us. God help me to grow in faith, knowledge, understanding, wisdom and compassion in the coming week. Lord, may I look back on this week next Monday and be able to see the progress that has been made in me toward Your Kingdom just as the owner can see the progress the builder has made on his house. After all, together through Your Saving Grace, You and I are building my mansion in Heaven and You should be able to look at me and see the progress that has been accomplished in me this week. God, I know You knitted me together in my mother's womb, but I am frayed around the edges and I need you to darn the holes in my soul so that I will be ready to meet Jesus.
And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
The countdown began on the day of Crucifixion. Each day time vanishes and is gone forever. TIME is running out. Accept Jesus Christ as Your Savior and start working to complete His Great Commission to us.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I AM with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
May God bless you, guide you, lift you up and complete you this week. Amen
You are welcome Joe. They are for me as much as they are for anyone else.
Thank you Fran, we try to encourage each other here and I am happy that my words have done just that.
3 May 2017Rita Faye,
What a very beautiful message! Thank you, honey!
With love,
C.
The TruthDevotional for Tuesday 2 May 2017 / 7 Iyyar 5777 / 22 Day of the Omer (Posted in the early morning of 3 May 2017)
For time sake, I would just like to post one of my favorite passages. Please read over these words and think on them...
2 Peter 1:2 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
2 Peter 1:3 According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
2 Peter 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
2 Peter 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
2 Peter 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth."
We know the truth, but it sure helps to be reminded. That is why I really appreciate the devotionals, and other comments here. It IS encouraging when God's people share what God and His word means to them. And when He prompts us to speak, let us not keep silent. He WILL give us the courage to share His word and our testimony with others as we look to Him!
God bless you all! Take care! And please know that you are in my prayers!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
C.
Thank you for your kind words to me and for your devotions. I look forward to reading the daily devotion and I always connect with them in some way. Usually the message contained within is one that I need to hear.
God Bless You
Thank you for your kind words to me and for your devotions. I look forward to reading the daily devotion and I always connect with them in some way. Usually the message contained within is one that I need to hear.
God Bless You
Devotional for Thursday:I read this article from a September 1962 issue of Our Daily Bread that has blessed my heart about our Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
The WONDERFUL CHRIST
Isaiah 9:6
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and his name shall be called WONDERFUL, counsellor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."
The Lord Jesus Christ is to be found everywhere in the Scriptures: In the Pentateuch we receive the Foreshadow of Christ, in the Prophets the Foretelling of Christ, in the Psalms the Feelings of Christ,in the Gospels the Facts of Christ,and in the Epistles the Fruits of Christ.
Considering who He was, and what He did, no other title could better describe Jesus than the one assigned to Him by the Prophet Isaiah who exclaims in awe and adoration, "His name shall be called WONDERFUL"!
Someone has written that Christ is wonderful because He is:
1. The Way- men without Him are like Cain,wanderers and vagabonds.
2. The Truth- men without Him are liars like the devil.
3.The Life - men without Him are dead in trespasses and sins.
4. The Light - men without Him walk in darkness and know not whither they go.
5. The Vine - men who are not in Him are withered branches prepared for the fire.
6. The Rock - men not built on Him are carried away by the floods of judgement.
7. The Bread and Water of Life - men without Him will hunger and thirst through all eternity.
8. The Alpha and Omega - for without Him there is neither beginning of good, nor end of misery.
A famous Doctor wears a button with a question mark on it as a springboard for witnessing by asking those who notice it, "What is the greatest question in the world?" and after receiving some answers - health, money,success... he would inform them, "the biggest question in the world is: 'What think ye of Christ?' " Then he would proceed to give a few words of testimony concerning his wonderful Savior.
Jesus means everything to me!
Friend, what does Jesus really mean to you???
Thank you for reading.
Blessings!
May all Real Christians keep themselves strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
C. wrote: "The TruthDevotional for Tuesday 2 May 2017 / 7 Iyyar 5777 / 22 Day of the Omer (Posted in the early morning of 3 May 2017)
For time sake, I would just like to post one of my favorite passages. P..."
Thank you so much my Dear Friend for this very Important Reminders!
Thank you too for your PRAYERS and be assured of mine for you and for our dear Real Christian friends.
Keep yourself strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Blessings!
Rita Faye wrote: "Monday, May 1“The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.” Mark 1:15 (ESV)
Today, you are a week closer to looking into the face of Jesus than you..."
A great Encouragement indeed!
Thank you very much Rita Faye!
Blessings!
Always be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Thank you Arnie for this devotion. I like "Christ is Wonderful because..." . I hadn't heard it put together like that before.
Please know that God puts power in your devotions and they strengthen me each time I read them. I look forward to the day we meet face to face.
Go with God my friend!
Please know that God puts power in your devotions and they strengthen me each time I read them. I look forward to the day we meet face to face.
Go with God my friend!
Monday, May 8
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the United States, so I thought it was fitting to post these verses on a woman who fears the LORD.
Proverbs 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
The daily chores of a wife and mother have changed over the last two centuries but the old saying "a woman's work is never done" is still very much true.
Ephesians 6:2 "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise),
As you go through this week, pray for mothers and grandmothers.
Honor the women in your life who are mothers. Your mother may be gone, but there are still women in your life that are mother figures to you, celebrate them.
Psalm 139:13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
Did you ever consider that God could have knitted you together and delivered you to your parents, like the old legends say, by storks? God chose to knit you together in your mother's womb. He also chose to send His Son to us through a woman's womb.
There are many scriptures that mention a mother and her children.
1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
Psalm 113:9 He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!
It is clear that God values the relationship between Mothers and their children. So celebrate the Mother in your life. It doesn't matter if you were born of her womb, adopted, foster child, step-child or a good friend that she treats as one of her own; celebrate her, pray for her. Tell her that you love her, she may not know how much she means to you.
God Bless all Mothers
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the United States, so I thought it was fitting to post these verses on a woman who fears the LORD.
Proverbs 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
The daily chores of a wife and mother have changed over the last two centuries but the old saying "a woman's work is never done" is still very much true.
Ephesians 6:2 "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise),
As you go through this week, pray for mothers and grandmothers.
Honor the women in your life who are mothers. Your mother may be gone, but there are still women in your life that are mother figures to you, celebrate them.
Psalm 139:13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
Did you ever consider that God could have knitted you together and delivered you to your parents, like the old legends say, by storks? God chose to knit you together in your mother's womb. He also chose to send His Son to us through a woman's womb.
There are many scriptures that mention a mother and her children.
1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
Psalm 113:9 He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!
It is clear that God values the relationship between Mothers and their children. So celebrate the Mother in your life. It doesn't matter if you were born of her womb, adopted, foster child, step-child or a good friend that she treats as one of her own; celebrate her, pray for her. Tell her that you love her, she may not know how much she means to you.
God Bless all Mothers
9 May 2017Hi Rita Faye,
A very thoughtful devotional. Thank you! I know Mother's Day will be a bitter sweet day for so many, but knowing God makes all things in this life bearable.
God bless you too honey!
With the love of Christ,
C.
God's DelightDevotional for Tuesday / 9 May 2017 / 14 Iyyar 5777 / 29th Day of the Omer
Jeremiah 9:23-24 “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.”
It’s not that God is against money, power, or wisdom; but God must be first in our lives, and we must live for Him and delight in His word. And depending on our relationship with the Lord, will determine whether He delights in us. God's judgement of us is ultimately all that really matters.
Consider the testimony of a man who truly knew the Lord.
Mark 8:34 “And when He (Jesus) had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Consider this from a man who met the Lord, after He had gone to Heaven.
Philippians 3:7 “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Philippians 3:9 And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Philippians 3:10 That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death;
Philippians 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”
Consider this wonderful verse, which is my prayer for our "Real Christian" community. And may God's love, joy, and peace be very evident among us.
Psalms 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
God be with you! You all are in my prayers!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
Arniegamilong wrote: "Devotional for Thursday:I read this article from a September 1962 issue of Our Daily Bread that has blessed my heart about our Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
The WONDERFUL CHRIST
Isaiah 9:..."
What a WONDERFUL and timeless devotional. God bless you my dear brother! Thank you for your devotion to our dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! He is truly all that we need in this world, and in the world to come. May our lives be a reflection of His love in our hearts.
I praise God that He spared your life, my dear friend! I cannot stand the thought of losing you in this life, but I know we will meet face to face one day in that glorious place that God has prepared for us, and all who love Him too!
You and your loved ones are in my prayers--always!
With the love of Christ,
C.
C. wrote: "Arniegamilong wrote: "Devotional for Thursday:I read this article from a September 1962 issue of Our Daily Bread that has blessed my heart about our Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
The WONDE..."
As always my Dearest Friend, your prayers are a great blessing for us, especially in trying times like this...
We are so grateful to you and to those Real Christians praying for us!
To God be the glory! He still answers prayers, and will continue to do so until the time that prayers is no more needed - when we all get to heaven!
Take care and be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
C. wrote: "God's DelightDevotional for Tuesday / 9 May 2017 / 14 Iyyar 5777 / 29th Day of the Omer
Jeremiah 9:23-24 “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty m..."
Amen! my Dearest Friend!
I remember a song in this regard- "Jesus Is All the World To Me", and I praise and thank the Lord to see this Truths live-out in your life my Dear Friend! May we will always look up to our Lord, because only Jesus can satisfy our souls!
Great Devotionals my Dear Friend.
Thank you!
Rita Faye wrote: "Monday, May 8This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the United States, so I thought it was fitting to post these verses on a woman who fears the LORD.
Proverbs 31:10 An excellent wife who can fin..."
Thank you so much for this very Hearty devotional Rita Faye!
Praise the Lord for our MOTHERS!
My mother is in a wheelchair as of now, and she is in another island quiet far from us... but our PRAYERS always envelopes her with our love and care and appreciation and gratefulness!
Lord bless our Mothers...in Jesus name.
Amen
Arnie, I pray that your mother is in good health and that you will get to see her soon.
Devotional for ThursdayMore on MOTHERS:
Exodus 2:2-4
"And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.
And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.
And her sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him."
Hebrews 11:23
"By faith Moses, when he was born,was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment."
The Mother of Moses...do you know her name?
Moses' mother often slips our notice when we consider the life of the great patriarch. Her name, Jochebed is not as recognizable as, say, Sarah's or Rachel's or Esther's. Yet, more than any other person, she set the foundation for Moses' valiant faith. And she did this in one of Israel's most trying times.
Behind the great life of Moses is a mother who has a wonderful trait that we can describe in one word, along with the other mothers in this world: GIVING.
From the time a precious child is conceived, a mother's giving begins. she gives her own body in the growth of her forming child... She gives birth...She gives nourishment...She gives attention...She gives milk...She gives baths...She gives care...She gives hugs...She gives toys...She gives spankings...She gives haircuts...She gives Band-aids...She gives clean clothes...She gives her hand for chewed gum...She gives allowances...She gives permission...She gives rides...She gives advice...She gives a smile...a frown...a kiss...
When was the last time you kissed her?...and say "I love you" to her?... "Thank you" too?
Lord...thank you for our Mothers! Please take good care of them, and let them know we are grateful.
Thank you so much for my Mother. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Lord!
May God bless all MOTHERS in the world, especially those who rely on Him everyday.
Thank you so much for reading.
Blessings.
Please always be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Monday, May 15
We are studying Colossians at church and I wanted to share the message but Paul said it better than me so I am sharing some of the verses that we studied. The book of Colossians is only 4 chapters and would be worth taking the time to read.
2:2-3 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
v. 6-7 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
v. 9-14 For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross.
3:1-4 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ Who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in Glory.
3:12-17 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
May all the Blessings of God be given to you, and may the Glory of God shine through you always.
We are studying Colossians at church and I wanted to share the message but Paul said it better than me so I am sharing some of the verses that we studied. The book of Colossians is only 4 chapters and would be worth taking the time to read.
2:2-3 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
v. 6-7 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
v. 9-14 For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross.
3:1-4 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ Who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in Glory.
3:12-17 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
May all the Blessings of God be given to you, and may the Glory of God shine through you always.
Hi!Rita Faye, I especially love this part: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
What we set our affections on truly determines where our heart is. And what is so wonderful with God, if we see that our heart is not right with Him, He can cleanse our heart and change our desires if we are willing to be obedient to God and His holy word.
Pastor Arnie, I thank you and Rita Faye for your devotions. I appreciate the words of wisdom you take the time to share with us. Pastor Arnie, I really appreciate your thoughts about mothers, and I especially liked your perspective about Moses mother.
You said: "Behind the great life of Moses is a mother who has a wonderful trait that we can describe in one word, along with the other mothers in this world: GIVING."
This reminds me that our Lord is the ultimate "Giver." He gave His life, so that we could live forever with Him! Praise God!
I have been out of town lately... Two of my daughters graduated from different colleges this past weekend and I have been so busy going to the ceremonies and other events. They both have worked so hard--with honors! :) And I am so thankful they have accomplished their goals. Now will begin another chapter in their lives....
Please know that you all are in my prayers, and I truly appreciate your prayers for me and my family! May the Lord bless you all at this Real Christian community--always!
With the love of Christ,
C.
The Doorway into Darkness...Devotional for Tuesday 16 May 2017 / 21 Iyyar 5777 / 35th Day of the Omer
I published the following article over twenty years ago, but it is still very relevant, and even more so Today. Please read it with a heart to understand...
THE GRAND DELUSION
6 May 1997 /19 IYYAR 5757
Article VIII
by C. Read
"I TRULY believe we are living in the final days as foretold in the Holy Scriptures. It is an exciting time to be alive but it is equally distressing to see some of things taking place in Jesus’ name.
The Lord has revealed that there will be a falling away in the last days--A departure from the truth which will cause many people to eagerly embrace what is false rather than what is true.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 “Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”
It is obvious for those who have eyes to see that there has been a great forsaking of the true gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as was handed down by the holy apostles and prophets.
Satan’s been working very hard these days because he knows his time is coming to a close very soon.
You will know this is true because the world will get more and more wicked as you see the Day approaching.
Moreover those who are unaware of the Devil’s tactics don’t give him credit for many of the things that he does. And he prefers it that way! He masquerades as a Christian! He says that he loves the Lord Jesus! He pretends to serve the Lord Jesus! He claims that he would actually die for the Lord Jesus!
And he uses “man” to make these proclamations by the power of Satan and through the spirit of anti-Christ!
“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; Insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24:23-24
Satan’s primary objective is to steal, to kill, and to destroy. And his main target is God’s people! You may not be able to see him but he works in the children of disobedience!
So don’t underestimate his power and abilities; and don’t think for a minute that he won’t try any way he can to get to you!
He is very sly, wily, crafty, and quite cunning; and he uses underhanded and calculated methods to secretly introduce his lies and deceptions. And he only operates in Darkness!
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
God will send a strong delusion to all those who reject the truth and take pleasure in unrighteousness. So please do not take sin lightly. Sin is the doorway into Darkness, and due to “sin” many refuse to believe on the One whom God has sent!
After all “sin” is the very reason why our Lord and Saviour suffered and died. But praise God He rose again! And it is only through Him that we can truly know the hidden “sins” of the heart.
The Appointed Time is closer than it has ever been and on that day the Devil will be put down! But until then it is extremely important to guard yourself and your loved ones.
“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: But for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:22
On the Final Judgment Day all will know for certain who is of God and who is not. It’s just a matter of Time!
Only that which was founded upon the word of God will stand, but those who are under the Grand Delusion will be greatly disappointed on that great and dreadful Day of the Lord.
The Holy One has come to reveal the lies and deceptions of the Wicked One but you may not be able to see Him. He only works in the children of obedience.
So don’t underestimate His power and abilities either! And don’t think for a minute that He won’t save those who truly love and belong to Him!
He is very loving, kind, gentle, compassionate, merciful, and so forgiving! He is truly an awesome God!
He uses honesty, sincerity, and truth to present Himself to us. And He only operates in the True Light!
However there is just One way that He can come into your life. That doorway is Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Christ!"
C. wrote: "Hi!Rita Faye, I especially love this part: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
What we set our affection..."
Wow! Congratulations My Dear Friend C! for your two daughters!
The Lord is so gracious in blessing you with wonderful daughters who did an honorable job! May the Lord continue to bless them in the next step they will take to reach their goals in life! May their lives glorify our Dear Lord Jesus Christ and our Almighty Heavenly Father!
To God be the glory!
Praying for them, and praying for you, as always!
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
In the love of Jesus
C. wrote: "The Doorway into Darkness...Devotional for Tuesday 16 May 2017 / 21 Iyyar 5777 / 35th Day of the Omer
I published the following article over twenty years ago, but it is still very relevant, and..."
My Dearest Friend C...
When I think about that dreadful Day of Judgment, my heart feels so much sorrow and pain for those who chose to believe the lies of the devil instead of listening to the Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ!
The time draws very near for our Lord Jesus' coming again, and what would this generation become if he comes today!?
May the Lord bless our efforts to warn as many people as His grace leads us so that they might recognize the TRUE LIGHT in Jesus!
Thank you so much for this reminders my Dearest Friend, which is truly very relevant at this point in time!
May the Lord continue to bless you and use you mightily for His glory and honor!
Blessings
Devotional for Thursday:STRENGTH in WEAKNESS
John 16:33
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
In JESUS- peace!
In the world- tribulation!
What a contrast!
Jesus had been preparing His disciples for their great disappointment at His going to the cross. They have expected Him to set up His kingdom, but now He announces His death and departure, and they are troubled.
Jesus comforts them with the promise of the Holy Spirit (verses 7-15) and His coming intercessory work at the right hand of the Father (verse 28). However, he also speaks to them of the trials and sufferings they will have to endure during His absence (verse 32).
Then Jesus tells them how they can have peace IN HIM while experiencing tribulation IN THE WORLD. This is the lesson we too must learn.
I read this observation:
"No LIFE is lived without times of hardship, pain, and discouragement. All of us are not equally troubled, but no matter how great our trial, there are always others more greatly afflicted.
"People in famine-stricken lands see their children waste away and die for want of bread. People with material comforts many times know the rack of mental distress. Yet, those with fewer hardships are not the most favored. Overcoming handicaps and meeting obstacles with courage make character. It is not the difficulties, but the power gained by rising above them, that builds greatness and a place of leadership. The lives of many great men and women of history were filled with struggles and failures. They met adversity with an unwavering belief that their lives were of greater moment than their difficulties. To them, hardships and discouragements are foes to overcome. They fought, and with each victory gained power for life and accomplishment."
" The hardest climb up the mountain is fully rewarded by the beauty of the scene beyond."
In the world - tribulation...
In JESUS - peace!
May this will give comfort and encouragement to all REAL CHRISTIANS!
Blessings.
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, always!
Thank you for reading.
Monday, May 22
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
This weekend my husband complained about all the rain we have been getting.
Usually we have had about 18 inches for the year by the end of May, this year we have had over 32 inches. The average yearly rainfall is about 43 inches. The last several years we have been below the average rainfall and were experiencing moderate drought. We needed the rain that we have gotten. We have been fortunate to have had only minor flooding in low lying areas.
Johnny forgot about the wildfires that plagued our area in November. The biggest, the Gatlinburg fire, was a couple of hours away and it is easy to forget the devastation when you don't see it everyday. He forgot how much we prayed for rain just 6 months ago.
We humans, want what we want when we want it and we don't like to wait for anything. So the rain coming now is something we complain about. We forget how desperate we were just a few short months ago and we forget to thank God for His Blessing of the rain.
Johnny complained about the rain, but we need the rain so the hay will grow. He didn't think about how tired he is and that he needed a weekend of relaxation. He was only thinking about the fences that need mending and the ruts that have been washed into the road by the rain. We see only what we want to see, but God sees all, He knows what we need and when we need it. Remember to thank God for His Blessings, even if you don't like His Timing, especially if you don't like His Timing. Thanking God for His Blessings instead of complaining about when they come is something we all need to learn to do or at least do more of it.
I know that some of you are still experiencing droughts or have been flooded and I am stilling praying for you, but you have experienced your own blessings that you have complained about or have been too busy to notice. Take a look around you and count your blessings. Thank God for each and every one of them. The blessing may be as simple as that can of tomatoes in the back of the cabinet you didn't know you had but needed for your favorite recipe for Sunday dinner, or the traffic being lite so you can get your toddler home to the bathroom before he has an accident. What blessing have you neglected or forgotten to thank God for Today?
I thank God for this website and for each one of you.
Have a Blessed week.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
This weekend my husband complained about all the rain we have been getting.
Usually we have had about 18 inches for the year by the end of May, this year we have had over 32 inches. The average yearly rainfall is about 43 inches. The last several years we have been below the average rainfall and were experiencing moderate drought. We needed the rain that we have gotten. We have been fortunate to have had only minor flooding in low lying areas.
Johnny forgot about the wildfires that plagued our area in November. The biggest, the Gatlinburg fire, was a couple of hours away and it is easy to forget the devastation when you don't see it everyday. He forgot how much we prayed for rain just 6 months ago.
We humans, want what we want when we want it and we don't like to wait for anything. So the rain coming now is something we complain about. We forget how desperate we were just a few short months ago and we forget to thank God for His Blessing of the rain.
Johnny complained about the rain, but we need the rain so the hay will grow. He didn't think about how tired he is and that he needed a weekend of relaxation. He was only thinking about the fences that need mending and the ruts that have been washed into the road by the rain. We see only what we want to see, but God sees all, He knows what we need and when we need it. Remember to thank God for His Blessings, even if you don't like His Timing, especially if you don't like His Timing. Thanking God for His Blessings instead of complaining about when they come is something we all need to learn to do or at least do more of it.
I know that some of you are still experiencing droughts or have been flooded and I am stilling praying for you, but you have experienced your own blessings that you have complained about or have been too busy to notice. Take a look around you and count your blessings. Thank God for each and every one of them. The blessing may be as simple as that can of tomatoes in the back of the cabinet you didn't know you had but needed for your favorite recipe for Sunday dinner, or the traffic being lite so you can get your toddler home to the bathroom before he has an accident. What blessing have you neglected or forgotten to thank God for Today?
I thank God for this website and for each one of you.
Have a Blessed week.
Thank you so much for the encouraging words Rita Faye and Pastor Arnie! I thank God for this website, and each one of you too! God bless and keep you all!
WAIT UPON THE LORD!Tuesday Devotional ~ 23 May 2017 / 28 Iyyar 5777 / 43rd Day of the Omer
(Posted after midnight on 24 May 2017)
According to the Hebrew calendar, and the Biblical account of Passover and the Resurrection, this past Sunday was 25 Iyyar 5777 / 40th Day of the Omer, which is the commemoration of when Jesus was taken up into heaven in a cloud, as His disciples looked on in utter amazement. Please prayerfully consider this account of that wondrous day.
Acts 1:1 “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Acts 1:2 Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen:
Acts 1:3 To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me.
Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Acts 1:7 And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:9 And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.
Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
Acts 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.”
If you really think about it, our faith is the result of the obedience of other faithful men, and women, who were fully committed to God and prayer. Most importantly, due to the obedience of Jesus Christ to the will of God the Father, His supreme sacrifice secured our salvation.
Moreover, if the apostles, and the other disciples who were with them, had not waited in that upper room, as they were instructed, they would not have experienced the great outpouring of God’s Spirit, and thus, would have forfeited the ability to fulfill their mission of sharing the gospel "unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Only by God’s power, and His Spirit, can we fulfill the call He has placed upon our lives as Real Christians. According to God’s word, the end of our faith is not just the “salvation of our soul,” but our life in Christ should be a reflection of God working in us, which will cause us to direct others to Christ, as we are led by His Spirit, so they might be saved too.
Please read the following passage, but disregard the italics/words in brackets, and consider what God is saying. (Note: The italics are words supplied by the KJV editors in the translation process, but they were not in the original manuscripts. And at times they do alter the meaning and intentions of the Author.[For the purposes of this forum, I have put the italicized words in brackets, since the software requires them to be entered manually.])
1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [Him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls.”
We are surely surrounded by such a “great cloud of witnesses,” and it was due to their obedience that they were granted, first of all, the honor of knowing God, and then were given the great privilege of serving the Lord. May our lives truly be a demonstration of faithful obedience to the will of God, until He comes back for us!
“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5
James 5:7 "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until He receive the early and latter rain.”
We live in a wicked world, and the days are very evil, but this I say, you can trust the Lord! He is true and faithful—always! He IS coming back one day! And may God be with you and your loved ones as you wait upon the LORD!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
C. Thank you for this devotion. Through God, may we all have the faith, courage, and patience of the first generation Christians.
Rita Faye wrote: "C. Thank you for this devotion. Through God, may we all have the faith, courage, and patience of the first generation Christians."Amen! Let that be our prayer my dear sister in Christ!
C. wrote: "WAIT UPON THE LORD!Tuesday Devotional ~ 23 May 2017 / 28 Iyyar 5777 / 43rd Day of the Omer
(Posted after midnight on 24 May 2017)
According to the Hebrew calendar, and the Biblical account of Pa..."
Thank you so much my Dear Friend C for this encouragement and reminder! Even so, come Lord Jesus! We are faithfully,patiently,joyfully waiting for you!
Devotional for ThursdayPLEASING GOD
Colossians 1:11
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness."
It is a very touching scene to see a graduate from college who was given the highest honor in the class, and after receiving the medal, he proceeded to the poor parents in the audience's seat and placing the medal on his mother's neck and kiss her cheek to say "Thank You Mama and Papa... I did all these for you." The mother then placed her small hand upon the big, rough hand of her husband and squeezing it, whispered, "It's worth all the cost,isn't it?" Their radiant faces reflect the joy that their son's success brought them! He had done well in school because he wanted to please the ones who had sacrificed so much to help him gain an education.
In much the same way, we, Real Christians should "walk worthy of the Lord" because of all He has done for us! When we do, what joy we bring to his heart! In view of our Lord Jesus Christ's sacrifice at Calvary, pleasing him should be our highest motivation.
When you do what you please...does what you do please God?
Please be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Thank you for reading.
Blessings!
Monday, May 29
John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Today is Memorial Day in the United States, a time to remember and honor those brave men and women that have served in our military and fought and died for our freedom. Take time today, wherever you are, to thank the people that you know that have served in the military and remember those that were killed. We all owe the safety of our countries to the brave few who have served and we need to let them know how grateful we are to them. Say a prayer for current military members and for retired military especially those still struggling with health and mental issues due to service.
I ask that this week you pray for a different group each day.
Tuesday pray for our government leaders and their support staff that they may have a heart for God and seek Him in all that they do. Pray that they make laws that honor God.
Wednesday include all first responders in your prayers. We could not function on a daily basis without the police, firemen, rescue personnel, doctors, nurses, and support staff. Also pray for the men and women that come out during disasters to keep our electricity and phones working and our roads clear and the aid workers that help the community long after the disasters happen.
Thursday pray for all the workers that manufacture, produce, harvest, haul and sell our food and the products we can't live without. Pray also for those that maintain the buildings, cars, roads and equipment we use.
Friday pray for the children that they are loved and surrounded by people that will teach them about God and that they give their lives to God. Pray also for the parents that work within the home and the daycare workers, teachers and grandparents that raise our children.
Saturday pray for the ministers, evangelists, missionaries, worship teams, and church support staff. Pray for the retired, disabled, and poor. Pray also for any people that I neglected to include in my list.
Sunday thank the Person that gave His Life for all of us, Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
Thank God for His Love, Grace, and Mercy and for each day that He gives us because each day is a blessing.
John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Today is Memorial Day in the United States, a time to remember and honor those brave men and women that have served in our military and fought and died for our freedom. Take time today, wherever you are, to thank the people that you know that have served in the military and remember those that were killed. We all owe the safety of our countries to the brave few who have served and we need to let them know how grateful we are to them. Say a prayer for current military members and for retired military especially those still struggling with health and mental issues due to service.
I ask that this week you pray for a different group each day.
Tuesday pray for our government leaders and their support staff that they may have a heart for God and seek Him in all that they do. Pray that they make laws that honor God.
Wednesday include all first responders in your prayers. We could not function on a daily basis without the police, firemen, rescue personnel, doctors, nurses, and support staff. Also pray for the men and women that come out during disasters to keep our electricity and phones working and our roads clear and the aid workers that help the community long after the disasters happen.
Thursday pray for all the workers that manufacture, produce, harvest, haul and sell our food and the products we can't live without. Pray also for those that maintain the buildings, cars, roads and equipment we use.
Friday pray for the children that they are loved and surrounded by people that will teach them about God and that they give their lives to God. Pray also for the parents that work within the home and the daycare workers, teachers and grandparents that raise our children.
Saturday pray for the ministers, evangelists, missionaries, worship teams, and church support staff. Pray for the retired, disabled, and poor. Pray also for any people that I neglected to include in my list.
Sunday thank the Person that gave His Life for all of us, Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
Thank God for His Love, Grace, and Mercy and for each day that He gives us because each day is a blessing.
My my, I have quite a bit of catching up to do! I've been offline for a while for reasons beyond my control but i'm here now and i'm glad to be back. Even when i'm not actually here online y'all continue to be blessings to me and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless and keep you all. Thank you all for taking time to share these wonderful words and providing food for thought. Hopefully, i'll be able to be here for my devotional on Sunday. Lucky me, I get the blessings of all your devotionals all at once! I'm looking forward to exploring God's words with you all once again.
Welcome back Lee, you have been missed
Thanks Rita. I've missed you all as well.
Beautiful devotion Rita!I am so glad to see you are back Lee! God bless you honey!
Pastor Arnie, I hope all is well! Thank you for your wonderful words!
May all of us be thankful, and strive to be pleasing to God! Amen!
CHRIST HAS COME!Devotional for Tuesday: 30 May 2017 / 6 Sivan 5777 / PENTECOST
Ten days ago (20-21 May 2017 / 25 Iyyar 5777 / 40th Day of the Omer), was the commemoration of when Jesus was taken up into a cloud as His disciples “looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up” and disappeared out of their sight. They were told to “wait for the promise of the Father,” and ten days later God fulfilled that promise!
Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
This year most Christians will observe Pentecost on 4 June, but so that you may understand my views regarding this extremely important holy day, I will share some thoughts from an article I wrote many years ago that will explain why the “tradition of men” are not necessarily according to the Holy Scriptures.
The original article was entitled:
“May Your Name Be Inscribed in the Book of Life,”
published on 10 Tishrei 5766 / 12 October 2005.
As I have grown closer to God in my walk with Him, He has changed many of my views over the years, and my beliefs about how to honor the birth of His beloved Son, the LORD Jesus Christ, is one such issue.
When I understood what God was saying through His prophet Jeremiah, the traditions that I learned as a child pertaining to Christ-mas, and even other holidays, just did not have the same appeal they used to have.
Jeremiah 10:2-4 says: "Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of Heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
Some say that Jeremiah was referring to an idol statue that they worshipped back then, but if you think about it, the Christ-mas tree, and all that goes with it, is indicative of the idolatry of Jeremiah's day.
There are varying opinions as to when the actual birth of Jesus took place, but I am certain He was not born in December. Consider what God's Word says about this miraculous event.
Luke 1:26-35 "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the LORD God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the Power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
Some say that passage refers to the 6th month of Elizabeth's pregnancy with John, but if you read it just as it is written, and without speculation, that amazing declaration took place during the 6th Jewish month of Elul, and herein is a plausible scenario of Jesus' birth.
On the first day of the 7th Jewish month, (Tishrei, late September or early October), the Shofar/Trumpet is blown during Rosh Hashanah, to signify that a momentous event is about to take place. Ten days later, according to the Scriptures, the "Day of Atonement" is commemorated, which is the Highest Holy Day on the Hebrew calendar, a.k.a. Yom Kippur.
Repentance and forgiveness is the primary focus of this very special day, and when the Temple in Jerusalem was still standing, it was the one day of the year that God allowed the High Priest, and only him, to go into the “holy place” to make atonement for his sins, and “for the errors of the people.” And I believe it was on this Holy Day that Jesus, the Son of the Living God, was miraculously conceived by the power of God's Spirit, "within the veil," where no eyes could see, except the "Holy Father."
And only through Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, whom God raised from the dead, and "Who is gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him," can we receive “atonement” for our sins.
Hebrews 4:14-16 "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the Heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
It is sad to see devout Jewish people praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem (via the Kotel), knowing that most of them do not even know Christ, the One who can truly save their souls. They have yet to understand that Jesus is the True Messiah, but I Am sure that they will at the "appointed time."
I am just amazed at how God ensured that the very day of Jesus' conception would be highly exalted by His people even though they do not understand the full significance. May God have mercy on those who truly love Him, whether they be Jew or Gentile, until they have “eyes to see” that it is Jesus, "In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace."
The subsequent holy day is the Feast of Tabernacles, a.k.a. Sukkot, which takes place on 15-21 Tishrei, and I am certain it would have been particularly joyous in Heaven, and among the "select few" on earth, who knew that the long awaited Messiah was now in the world, albeit a tiny "seed." Moreover, it is quite fitting to celebrate Jesus' arrival into this dark and dying world during this very special time; and to highlight its importance, God requires all nations to honor these special "Feast Days," or suffer the consequences.
Zechariah 14:16-19 "And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles."
To be continued...
CHRIST HAS COME!Part II
Devotional for Tuesday - 30 May 2017 / 6 Sivan 5777 / PENTECOST
One last stipulation for Jesus' birth to have happened as I have proposed is that it had to be a leap year. During leaps years, the 13th month of Adar II is added to the Hebrew Calendar. The Festival of Purim is celebrated during the month of Adar, and during leap years certain "traditions" celebrate this Holy Day during Adar I, a.k.a. Purim Katan or "Little Purim," and others celebrate it during the month of Adar II.
For those who don’t know, the Festival of Purim became a yearly celebration after God used a faithful young Jewish woman, named Esther, along with her uncle, to help save the Jewish people from annihilation. It was in those "days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies," and what a wonderful time for the Father to send His Son, the Saviour of the world, when this holy season had double significance!
Not only did God tell His "chosen people" to observe these days of Purim, and that "they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor," but according to the Scriptures (Esther 9:27-28), so were "all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days (14 & 15 Adar), according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year; and that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed."
(Read the entire book of Esther to know why Purim is to be remembered by all who love the God of Israel.)
Prayerfully consider these kind and gracious words from the One and only Saviour who can give us eternal "rest" from our enemies, and from the burdens of this world.
Matthew 11:27-30 Jesus said, "All things are delivered unto Me of My Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and He to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.
Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I Am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is Light."
So, if my calculations are correct, the final waiting period for the coming of the Messiah of Israel would have been during the “Counting of the Omer,” which counting began the day after the Feast of Passover, and ended fifty days later on 6 Sivan, during the Feast of Pentecost a.k.a. Shavuot, which is Today!
I have never heard of Jesus' birth portrayed in such a way as this, but I believe it was on the Holy Day of Pentecost that God's Son was born into this world, and it fits perfectly! And knowing that Almighty God gave Moses the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai during the 3rd Jewish month of Sivan, (May/June time frame), makes the timing of the birth of "the only begotten Son of God," even more profound!
This "Holy Day" is not only significant for faithful Jews, but it should be for all Real Christians as well, because it was at Pentecost that God sent the promise of the Holy Spirit to empower His people to be His witnesses, just as He said He would!
Acts 2:1-4 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Acts 2:16-21 "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; (Joel 2:28) And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the LORD come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be saved."
Irrespective of the day that God sent His "True Light" into this dark and dying world, all who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, should proclaim every day of the year: "Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth Peace, good will toward men!" Amen!
The "Baptist's" mission was to prepare God's people for the coming of the Messiah, when John proclaimed, "I Am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the LORD... Repent ye: for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand." Jesus IS coming back again, and that message is still the same Today!
John gave his life in service to the LORD, until he was brutally murdered; and based on my Timeline of events, he is the one who would have been born in the winter at the Feast of Dedication / Festival of Lights, a.k.a. Hanukah, during the 9th Jewish month of Kislev (December timeframe).
God's plans were made before the "foundations of the earth" were laid, and the debates about the birth of Jesus, will no doubt continue, but without controversy had the Messiah, never been born, mankind would be without hope, and "without God," in this world! But praise God, CHRIST HAS COME!
Ephesians 2:11-13 "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
And as Real Christians we must always remember what the beloved Apostle Paul wrote:
Romans 2:28-28 “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
There is much more I could say, but I will close for now. May God be with you my dear Christian brothers and sisters! You are in my prayers to the Lord—always!
With the love of Christ,
C. Read
Haven't heard from Aerykah so here is the devotional thread for June.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
C. wrote: "CHRIST HAS COME!Part II
Devotional for Tuesday - 30 May 2017 / 6 Sivan 5777 / PENTECOST
One last stipulation for Jesus' birth to have happened as I have proposed is that it had to be a leap year..."
Thank you very much my Dear Friend C for this comfort,encouragement, and constant reminders! When our comes, may He find us doing...
Blessings indeed!
Thank you and be assured of my constant prayers for you and for our dear Real Christian family!
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
correction: "When our Lord comes" i mean...
Lee wrote: "My my, I have quite a bit of catching up to do! I've been offline for a while for reasons beyond my control but i'm here now and i'm glad to be back. Even when i'm not actually here online y'all co..."Welcome back Lee...happy to see you again...looking forward to hearing more from you...
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Rita Faye wrote: "Monday, May 29 John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not..."
Thank you so much Rita Faye for this challenge... I felt so blessed to be able to pray for all these you mentioned here! To God be the glory! He is worthy to be praised from the rising of the sun til the going down of the same...
Thanks thanks
Devotional for ThursdayPICTURES OF LIFE
James 4: 14
" Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. FOR WHAT IS YOUR LIFE (emphasis mine)? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
I have five pictures of life here, among many that the Bible mentioned:
1. VAPOR...
our life is very short, so we need to make use of it for the glory of our Creator. This quote states it beautifully..."one life 'twill soon be passed; only what's done for Christ will last."
2. A RACE...
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the price? So run that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.I therefore so run,not as uncertainly;" 1 Corinthians 9:24-26
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the thrown of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2
Let us always run the race of life God's way, and sure enough we will receive a reward...
3.BOXING...
"...So fight I, not as one that beateth the air:"1 Corinthians 29:26
In a boxing match, beating the air is both useless and tiresome...getting worried about things we can pray for, and being discouraged about things we can bring in the thrown of God's grace are both self defeating and do not honor our Lord. Let us all stand up and fight the good fight of faith! Let us hit the enemy fatal by meditating upon God's word and applying it in our day to day living.
4.BATTLE...
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Ephesians 6:12
Let us be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might, and let us put on the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:13-17
"Praying always with all prayers..." verse 18
5.JOURNEY...
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand."Psalm 37:23-24
In the journey of life, we get tired, we stumble sometimes, also we fall, but in the midst of these failings and fallings, the hand of our Great God is always extended to us..."Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and i will give you rest." Jesus said.
Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." and so are we!
Please be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might!
Blessings!
Thank you.
I reposted Pastor Arnie's devotion on thread for June. Please make comments there.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Sunday: Lee
Monday: Rita Faye
Tuesday: C. Read
Wednesday: Robert?
Thursday: Arnie
Friday: open
Saturday: open