VoyForums
[ Show ]
Support VoyForums
[ Shrink ]
VoyForums Announcement: Programming and providing support for this service has been a labor of love since 1997. We are one of the few services online who values our users' privacy, and have never sold your information. We have even fought hard to defend your privacy in legal cases; however, we've done it with almost no financial support -- paying out of pocket to continue providing the service. Due to the issues imposed on us by advertisers, we also stopped hosting most ads on the forums many years ago. We hope you appreciate our efforts.

Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your contribution is not tax-deductible.) PayPal Acct: Feedback:

Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):

[ Login ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, 4 ]

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 13:34:50 02/19/25 Wed
Author: c
Subject: Supplementary Teachings 10/2024 (UPDATED to 2025!!!!)

Supplementary Teachings 10/2024 (UPDATED to 2025!!!)

Beside the Still waters 12/13/24

What defines a man?

(edited)

2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

What is it that defines a man? Repeatedly we see men who once were godly succumbing to sin and defeat. Often we ask what happened. While we may not be able to pinpoint the exact details, we can be sure of one thing. Somewhere they did not keep their heart for God. This is crucial because a man's heart is what defines him. “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,” Jesus said in Matthew 15:19. The wise man wrote, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23); and again, “A sound heart is the life of the flesh” (Proverbs 14:30).

Let's look at the thought process that destroys men. It operates in an uncleansed heart. It says that a “small” disobedience or impurity does not matter. It fails to realize not only that each “minor” misdeed is followed by reaping, but also that the reaping includes an even greater problem – a weakened moral life. The difference between a righteous man and one who is “mostly” righteous is in the depth of his commitment to God. If a man is only partially committed, he will not be able to stand when the real test comes. His moral uncertainty, however slight, will weaken his response.

...The difference between a vessel of honor and a vessel of dishonor is in whether the heart is pure or impure. Only a man with a pure heart can be a vessel of honor. He will be a true man of God because he is cleansed and ready.

Marvin Joel Eicher

Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? ...He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart. - Psalm 24:3-4

-----------------------------------=

Our Daily Bread 11/1/24

Time well spent

(edited)

...”Be very careful then, how you live,” he wrote, “not as unwise but wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). God's wisdom instructs us to fill our days with intention and care, employing them to practice obedience to Him, to love our neighbor, and to participate in Jesus' ongoing redemption in the world. Sadly, it's entirely to ignore wisdom's instruction and instead use our time foolishly (v. 17), frittering away our years in selfish or destructive pursuits.

The point isn't to obsessively fret about time but simply to follow God in obedience and trust. He will help us make the most of our days.

Winn Collier

---------------------------------=

Our Daily Bread 11/8/24

God's timing

(edited)

Mag had been looking forward to her planned trip to another country. But, as was her usual practice, she prayed about it first....Mag, however, believed in committing everything to Him. This time, she felt Him prompting her to cancel the trip. She did, and later – when she would have been there – an epidemic broke out in the country. “I feel like God was protecting me,” she notes.


As we pray about the decisions in our life, using our God-given faculties and waiting for His leading, we can trust His timing, knowing that our wise Creator knows what's best for us. As the psalmist declared, “I trust in You, LORD...my times are in Your hands” (Psalm 31:14-15).

Leslie Koh

-----------------------------=


Today in the Word 11/7/24

The Windows of Heaven

2 Kings 7:1-20

(edited)

It is easy to misinterpret our circumstances when we are blinded by fear and disappointment. Sometimes our sin conceals what the Lord is doing in our lives. We believe He is against us, when in fact, His strong discipline is meant to draw us to Him!

...The wicked king of Israel blamed Elisha and sent a man to kill him! He thought that since God had sent a trial, he could not trust that same God to deliver. He would deliver Israel himself by killing God's prophet!

But the king failed to remember that the God of Israel used war and suffering to discipline His people, demonstrate His glory, and draw hearts back to Himself. He promised He would do this when He made the covenant with Israel (Deuteronomy 28:25-53). The suffering did not mean the LORD was against them; it meant they needed to repent and wait on the LORD, because the LORD was for Israel.

Steven Sanchez

--------------------------=

intouch.org Daily devotion 11/3/24

Steps of obedience

Psalm 119:147-148

(edited)

Yesterday we studied the importance of trusting and waiting on God. Today, let's look at three additional requirements:

1. Meditating. If we want to know the mind of God, we must meditate upon His Word (Psalm 119:27). We do not need to pick the “right” verses in order to know His will. He has the power to direct us from any portion of the Bible. Our part is to pursue wisdom through Scripture over a sustained period of time.

2. Listening. We must make an effort to learn how to recognize the prompting of the Holy Spirit. If we are studying a passage of Scripture, He will shed light on its meaning so we can understand how God is directing us. Or He will bring to remembrance a passage we have learned and reveal how it applies to our situation (John 14:26).

3. Walking. One final lesson regarding obedience is that sometimes we must walk even when the way is unclear.


----------------------=

intouch.org Daily devotion 4/7/24

Seek the Lord

(edited)

A close relationship with the Lord doesn't happen accidentally. It requires continual, deliberate decisions to pursue Him. Intimacy can't be achieved in an inspiring weekend conference, nor can it be accomplished by reading a chapter or two of the Bible and praying indifferently. Seeking God is a lifetime commitment – day by day, year by year.

Too many believers are satisfied to have a shallow, superficial relationship with the Lord....

God doesn't need anything from you, but He desires your loving devotion and intimate fellowship....It will cost you time and effort, but the rewards are worth any sacrifice.

-------------------------=

intouch.org Daily devotional 11/17/24

How to apply God's principles

Psalm 119:17-24

(edited)

The process for applying scriptural principles is often misunderstood. It's not simply three steps: hear, believe, apply. We must also explore and discover before we take action.

To explore a biblical principle means studying Scripture to understand what the surrounding context is, what its lesson means for your life, and what it reveals about God. Furthermore, we must consider how all this relates to the rest of the Bible.

As we journey further into Scripture to explore, the new concept rises off the page and becomes real to us. We discover how the principle works and how to apply it to our life. As we do, God's rich truth becomes our own. The more we take into our heart and mind, the better they can impact us from the inside out.

...A principle is yours when you explore the truth, discover its place in your life, and apply the concept so that God can make it work.

-------------------------=

intouch.org Daily devotion 11/19/24

Overcoming failure

Romans 7:15-20

(edited)

Victory is God's will for the life of a believer. But sometimes we can find ourselves repeatedly falling into the same sin. If we want to do what is right, why do we continue to miss the mark?

One reason is incomplete repentance. It is possible for us to experience grief, embarrassment, and shame over sin without being truly repentant. Repentance isn't a matter of weeping or feeling guilty; rather, it's a change of mind about sin so that we no longer hold on to our perspective but instead agree with God's viewpoint. When we do this, the heart turns in the opposite direction from persistent wrongdoing (Proverbs 28:13).

The second reason for failure is an inadequate view of our identity in the Lord. We, as children of God, have Christ living within us. When we grasp this truth, we will recognize that sin does not fit who we are, and we'll stop rationalizing our offenses. Our genuine repentance is based upon an honest and biblical understanding of our identity.

When we put these two truths together, we create a powerful tool against temptation. Our Father wants us to be victorious, and we triumph when we remember that Jesus Christ is the source of our life.

----------------------=


From the Pastor's heart

Dr. Charles Stanley

November 2024

(edited)


Paul's example provides three basic principles for living above our circumstances. I'm not saying your situation will improve if you practice these principles, but God will change you so you will be able to live with joy and contentment even if the trial remains.

First, focus on the Lord, not your circumstances or their effect on you. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)....If you will keep your focus on Christ, you too can rejoice through hardship.

Second, focus on the good that God is doing through the situation....

Did you know that a godly response to your difficulties is a powerful witness to a watching world? Instead of dwelling on the negatives, look for opportunities to share the Gospel. Thank God that He's positioned you to demonstrate Christ's sufficiency in the midst of your trials. Your godly response is an encouragement to fellow believers. They can draw strength from your example of faithful endurance.

What good is the Lord doing in your most difficult challenges? It's hard to see while you're going through them, but God's Word assures us that He uses trials to benefit us (Romans 8:28)....He designs our hardships to humble us, increase our faith, mature us spiritually, and make us more like Christ.

Third, submit yourself to God's will. Paul didn't know whether he would be released or killed in prison, but his expectation and hope was that “Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21). Whatever God chose to do about his circumstances was not Paul's main concern. His priority was to exalt Christ by being faithful in whatever situation God placed him.

Is that your desire? Are you seeing your situation as the means God is using to accomplish His will in your life? Have you discovered the joy in submitting to Him? Difficulties don't have to defeat you. Rather than focusing on your feelings and disappointments, keep your eyes on the One Who is your life. He loves you and walks with you every step of the way so you can live above your circumstances.


--------------------=


intouch.org Daily devotion 12/5/24

Jesus' offer of peace

Romans 5:1-11

(edited)


What gives us peace? Most people would say inner tranquility is dependent upon circumstances – like a solid relationship with a spouse, a well-paying job, or good health. But what happens when a couple fights, the company lays off employees, or sickness saps the body? Then, the serenity we thought we had crumbles, because peace rooted in good situations isn't really peace at all.

Jesus is the only One Who offers a deep, lasting contentment that is unshakeable. However, we cannot experience that genuine sense of calm unless we are living in His will....

When the Holy Spirit lives within us, we can approach each day confidently and serenely, but that happens only through a relationship with the Savior....


----------------------------------=


intouch.org Daily devotion 12/6/24

Peace beyond comprehension

Philippians 4:6-7

(edited)


From a human perspective, having a quiet spirit in a storm of trouble doesn't make any sense. We're “supposed” to become anxious – it's only natural. But our God is supernatural, and He is living inside us in the form of the Holy Spirit, so we can remain peaceful.

….We must keep our eyes and our faith focused upon the Lord. As Isaiah writes, “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You” (26:3).

...It is easy to become fixated on a situation and how it has disrupted our life. But peace comes from choosing to trust that God will bring about a resolution in His time and in His way.


--------------------------=

intouch.org Daily devotion 12/7/24


The power within

Acts 1:6-8


(edited)


...The world doesn't need more festive decorations or empty songs. Instead, it needs to witness godly families loving one another, businesspeople working with integrity and frugality, and believers serving their neighbors.

By showing peace instead of anxiety, or patience instead of frustration, a Christian bears witness to the beauty of God's good news. The strongest Gospel message doesn't necessarily come from a pulpit; it comes from wherever you work, live, and relax – because of Jesus Christ in you....be mindful of the message you preach through your words and actions.


-----------------------------------=


intouch.org Daily devotion 12/8/24

Our Prince of peace


Isaiah 9:6-7


(edited)


How can Jesus be our Prince of Peace when we feel everything but peace? To understand why the Lord was given this title, we must first understand what it means. Jesus did not come to do away with all conflicts – not yet, anyway....One day He will return to earth and rule as King in an environment of external harmony. But He said that in this present life, we'd have trouble (John 16:33).

When Christ came to earth, His goal was to bring us peace by reconciling us to the Father. His death on the cross paid our sin debt in full, and our relationship with God is restored. Now Jesus offers us divine peace – an inner serenity that fills our heart and mind no matter what is going on in our circumstances.

Is your life characterized by a quiet assurance that guards your thinking and emotions all day long? Try setting aside time each day to fix your eyes upon Jesus. Then let Him heal your heart and calm your spirit.


---------------------------=


intouch.org Daily devotion 12/12/24


Experiencing God's Goodness


Psalm 31:19-24


(edited)


When life is pleasant, it's easy to praise God because His kindness is evident. But we may have difficulty recognizing pain and trouble as an expression of His loving care....

We may not always feel that God is acting favorably toward us...But as we seek God and grow closer to Him, we learn His character and ways. Then we'll begin to see evidence of His goodness in all situations – even our trials. And in His love and wisdom, He'll use those trials to help shape our character.

Today, when God allows something we don't like, let's seek Him, pour out our heart, and listen earnestly. In doing so, we'll find that our gratitude and trust will grow.

We live under the umbrella of God's goodness. When circumstances and emotions tell you otherwise, rely on what you know. Throughout the day, look for signs of His loving care for you. Then, as your perspective changes, you will see the signs of His goodness everywhere you turn.


---------------------------=


intouch.org Daily devotion 12/18/24


The reason for our boldness


Philippians 1:19-20


(edited)


Most Christians are very familiar with the Gospel. However, we're often still reluctant to share our faith....It can feel intimidating.

But remember, God has given us the most important news in the world. We can't let fear or ignorance keep us from sharing the only message that can change a person's eternal destiny....Often, the reason we're ashamed or scared to talk about our faith is that we're concerned about ourselves. But if we express genuine interest in those around us and ask God to open a door to share our faith, He will answer that prayer.

We tend to be motivated by temporal activities that eventually fade away. But souls are forever, and people need to know the Savior. Look for opportunities to reach out to those around you – strike up a conversation; ask how they're doing. Be on the lookout for the chance to share the love of Christ.


--------------------------------=


Turning Points Daily Devotional February 2025

Happy People are thankful People

by Dr. David Jeremiah


(edited)


p 15


Growth in God

The more we understand and appreciate the goodness of God and the grace of God, the more will grow in contentment – a state of happiness, satisfaction, and sufficiency.

There is an important part of contentment that must be understood. Try to notice it in Paul's words: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). The keyword in this verse is “learned.” That is, we don't become happy, satisfied, and sufficient immediately upon becoming a Christian. It takes time to experience and embrace the goodness and grace of God and respond with gratitude. Paul himself said that he “learned” to be content as evidenced by the fact that he wrote these words while in prison!

So how do we learn to be content? By going through life's circumstances with an attitude of gratitude for what God has done, can do, and will do in every situation. What the Bible calls sanctification, maturity, and growing in grace.

...In other words, happy people are those who trust God with every circumstance in their lives.


------------------------=


Turning Points Daily Devotional February 2025

Happy People are selfless People

by Dr. David Jeremiah

(edited)

p 19


In his book on happiness, Randy Alcorn quotes these lines from a novel he read: “When your unhappy, you get to pay a lot of attention to yourself. And you get to take yourself oh so very seriously. Your truly happy people...don't think about themselves very much.....Unhappiness is the ultimate form of self-indulgence.”

Focusing on others helps us feel joy....

Jesus tells us to be happy in His Own Jesus-like way. Happy people are focused on others. We find joy and fulfillment in meeting other people's needs and being merciful through helping others and forgiving them, by being peacemakers and calming quarrels that are brewing around us, by helping someone who is weak, and by doing what is right.


----------------------------=


Turning Points Daily Devotional February 2025

Happy People are grounded People

by Dr. David Jeremiah

(edited)


p 9


So to be grounded is to have a strong foundation. Just as tall buildings need a strong foundation to withstand the stress of their environment, so we need a strong foundation to withstand the stress of life in our world.


p 10


...We know from experience that circumstances are the greatest obstacle to human happiness. If we are grounded in Christ and His Word, we will not be moved by the circumstances that we encounter....

Being grounded begins with a relationship with Christ. But staying grounded involves a relationship with God's Word....So we begin to build a happy life by beginning a relationship with Jesus, and we continue by growing spiritually through His Word.


---------------------=


growingchristians.org


(edited portion of a teaching lesson)


https://www.growingchristians.org/talks/psalms119d/


Psalm 119:129-176


The Final Verses of this Alphabetic Acrostic Psalm



Psalm 119:176 I have gone out of the way like a wandering sheep; make search for Your servant; for I keep Your Teachings ever in mind.


12:14 (minutes in)


In verse 176, we see that the psalmist confessed that he had wandered astray like a lost sheep – that can happen to believers. The key to getting back to close fellowship with the Lord is to turn to His Word – as the psalmist did.


-----------------------=


Our Daily Bread

1/16/25


Exodus 13:17 God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”


Easy and Hard


(edited)


Mark was a promising young pastor. Then one morning his son, Owen, collapsed and died while kicking a ball with him. Mark was devastated and still grieves the loss. But through his pain he's become a more compassionate pastor. I've mourned with Mark and wondered if his trial illustrates an insight A.W. Tozer noted: “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” I fear that's true.

Then again, perhaps it's not that simple...


God uses both easy and hard paths to grow His people and bring Him glory...God is building our faith through every test, whether easy or hard. When life is easy, rest in Him. When life is hard, let Him carry you.

Mike Wittmer


----------------------------------------=


intouch.org Daily devotion


10/28/24


Giving Jesus the first place


(edited)



Philippians 2:9-11


When Christ has first place in our life, we will experience many blessings. These include...


- A Quiet Spirit. As we turn our attention to the Lord and meditate on His Word, He "leads [us] beside quiet waters," where we find rest for our soul (Psalm 23:2). A quieted heart and mind make us better able to discern what God is saying to us.

- A Stronger Faith. Studying Scripture will enlarge our view of God and give us insight and direction. Our faith will grow as we follow His guidance and watch how He works on our behalf.

- A Purified Heart. Like a mirror, the Bible reflects back to us who we truly are and reveals where we need to change. When we confess our sin, God promises to cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

- A Prepared Mind. God wants to prepare us for the future - both the joyous times and the hard ones. Through the Holy Spirit's ministry, we will be equipped for whatever life brings (2 Peter 1:3).

----------------=


Today in the Word February 2025

Practical Theology

Fighting Temptation

by Dr. John Koessler

“The key to resisting the tug of sin's desire begins with seeing ourselves in the light of Christ's work.”

(edited)


Many Christians think willpower is the key to overcoming temptation. They believe that all we need to do is to try harder. In Romans 6, the apostle Paul reveals a different strategy. He shows us how to fight temptation with truth. One reason we yield to temptation may be that we do not understand the change that has occurred from being in Christ. As a result, we respond to sin as if its power still enslaves us. Our instinct to rely on our own strength is a kind of muscle memory in the spiritual realm.

...Sin is no longer our master because Christ's death and resurrection have enabled us to “serve in the new way of the Spirit” (Romans 6:9,7:6).

The key to resisting the tug of sin's desire begins with seeing ourselves in the light of Christ's work. This involves an exercise of faith. Step one is to believe that Christ's death and resurrection were for us: ....Step two is to engage in a mode of faith that Paul describes as "reckoning" (Romans 6:11). As one New Testament scholar observes, the word "reckoning" is "not a pretending ('as if'), nor a mere ideal, but a deliberate and sober judgment on the basis of the Gospel."

Step Three is a reality check; we remember how yielding to temptation has affected us in the past. In Romans 6:20-21, Paul asks: “What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of?”...When you struggle with temptation's pull, think before you react. Recall what the Bible says is true about you. Remember how sin has already treated you. Then, act accordingly.


-------------------------------=


Today in the Word 2/28/25

Conquering Temptation

Luke 4:1-13

(edited)

Following and imitating Christ is the key to fighting temptation....Notice Jesus quoted Scripture against every temptation....He recognized clearly that the temptations came from satan....

Jesus also knew that the devil wouldn't give up (Luke 4:13)...And as long as we're in the process of sanctification, our “flesh” or “sin nature” will pull us in the wrong direction.

...Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1), which is our goal as well....

Brad Baurain


-------------------------=


Today in the Word February 2025



Q&A

Questions & Answers

by Dr. Rosalie de Rosset – Professor Emeritus, Moody Bible Institute

(edited)

Q: How do I resist temptation?

A: ...Any full response must involve practicalities. We aren't magically delivered from temptation by quoting a verse. The way we live as Christians matters....including what we do from the time we get up until the time we go to bed.

...It means looking at what you do in your spare time as well as your work; it means thinking about what you read and watch, how much and when you use your phone, your relationship to food, to social media, to work, to friends, and to family. If we aren't thoughtful about our small decisions as well as the bigger ones, our wills will weaken, causing fissures that will compromise the infrastructure of our spirit when we face the temptations that inevitably arise. We simply won't be in shape.

….Our choices, made each and every day, can help guard us from temptation.


--------------------------------=


Beside the Still Waters 1/2/25

Who is on the Throne?

1 Thessalonians 5

(edited)


Recently in a sermon, a young minister asked this question: “Who is on the throne?” He referred to the saying, “If Christ is on the throne, self is on the cross. If self is on the throne, Christ is on the cross.” So who is reigning in our life?

With Christ on the throne and self on the cross, we will be overcomers in this world.

Wayne Miller


-----------------=


intouch.org Daily devotional 1/28/25


Why we need Spiritual Discernment

Philippians 1:1-10

(edited)


Things aren't always what they seem....Many people make decisions based on feelings or judge situations by what appears to be ideal. Thankfully, God has given every believer a spirit of discernment to help us determine what's best.

….A spirit of discernment is essential for living in His will.


--------------=


intouch.org Daily devotional 1/29/25

The Protective Power of Discernment

2 Peter 3:14-18

(edited)


Spiritual discernment protects us from deception. Sin is often dressed up to look tempting and appealing. But if we think what looks good and feels right must be okay, we're in danger of being misled by the enemy.

...Ignoring an agitation in our spirit – or spiritual “static” - is a step onto a bad and harmful path. We need a clear connection to the Holy Spirit to have assurance that our choices are aligned with God's will.

...if the Holy Spirit within us sends us a signal not to pursue it, then we shouldn't – for some reason, God doesn't want us in that situation. And although we can speculate, we may never know what danger we avoided by being obedient.

...This comes only from a clean heart and discerning spirit (Colossians 1:9-14). An astute believer is one who makes prayer, repentance, and biblical training a regular part of his or her routine.


------------------------------=


intouch.org Daily devotion 12/29/24

Let the Spirit Guide Your Thinking

For a better tomorrow, surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit today.

December 29, 2024

Romans 8:5-8

The way we think determines how we behave. If we want to conquer our sinful tendencies, we must learn to see ourselves as God sees us—new creations no longer under the mastery of sin. Because of the presence of Christ’s Spirit, we have the capacity to be “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37 NKJV).

All who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior receive the gift of the Helper—God’s Holy Spirit (John 14:26). As we place ourselves under His control, He releases divine power into our life. To be Spirit-led also requires diligence on our part, both to resist temptation and to maintain our surrendered state.

For us to become conquerors, we should regularly spend time with the Lord and focus our mind on spiritual things (Phil. 4:8). In that way, we’ll learn to discern God’s will so we can choose what’s suitable (Matt. 5:3-11) and reject what’s ungodly (Gal. 5:19-21). The longer we are led by the Spirit, the more sensitive we’ll be to His warnings about temptation and the greater our ability to follow and obey Him.

As we close out 2024, give yourself a gift: Surrender to the Lord and experience the victories He gives to those who are Spirit-filled.


----------------------=


intouch.org - Daily Devotion January 13, 2025

Learning to Pray God’s Way

God may include delays as part of His perfect answer to our prayers.


Luke 18:1-8

We like to keep things uncomplicated: Follow a few steps and reach the preferred result. Prayer, however, cannot be reduced to such an easy formula. It isn’t some transactional activity where repeating certain words brings the desired solution. It’s ongoing communication with the Heavenly Father and involves listening, speaking, and acting on what we hear from Him.

God has promised to answer His children’s prayers, but He often waits before responding. He does so for many reasons:

Preparation. Sometimes God has to make us ready for what He wants to give us. We may have attitudes or behaviors that aren’t aligned with His will (James 4:3).

Spiritual growth. The Lord may use delays to test our faith or deepen our relationship with Him.

Timing. God’s timetable often doesn’t match ours. He knows what He wants to accomplish in and through us.

God includes delays as part of the believer’s prayer life. In certain situations, we—like the persevering widow in Luke 18:1-8—have to keep knocking before the Lord gives us His answer.

Jesus calls us to a lifestyle of “asking, seeking, and knocking”— a lifestyle of trust in the Father’s promise to answer His children.


-----------------------------------=


Our Daily Bread

3/13/25

A New Heart in Christ

(edited)


Brock and Dennis were childhood friend's, but as they grew up, Brock showed little interest in Dennis' faith in Jesus. Dennis loved his friend and prayed for him because he knew the path he was going down was dark and depressing. In praying for Brock, Dennis adapted the words of the prophet Ezekiel: “Please God, remove from Brock a heart of stone and give him a heart of flesh” (SEE Ezekiel 11:19). He longed that Brock would walk in God's way so he would flourish.

Ten years later, Dennis was still praying faithfully. Then he received a call from Brock: “I just gave my life to Jesus!” Dennis rejoiced, tears brimming, to hear his friend exclaim that he'd finally come to the end of himself and trusted God with his life.


No matter how far we've turned from God, He delights to give us warm and loving hearts....

Amy Boucher Pye


----------------------=


Our Daily Bread

3/27/25

When They Don't See

(edited)


This tale by H.G. Wells, “The Country of the Blind,” would likely resonate with the prophet Samuel. Toward the end of his life, his “sons did not follow his ways” in loving and serving God (1 Samuel 8:3). Their spiritual blindness was mirrored by “the elders of Israel” (v.4), who told Samuel to “give us a king” (v. 6). They'd all turned their eyes from God and faith in Him....

It can hurt when those we care for reject God in spiritual blindness. But there's hope even for those whom “the god of this age has blinded” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Love them. Pray for them. The One Who “made His light shine in our hearts” (v.6) can do the same for them.

Tom Felten


-----------------------------=


Our Daily Bread

3/20/25

Joy in Jesus

(edited)


...It's not wrong to pursue happiness. That desirable state of mind, however, ebbs and flows with our moment-by-moment circumstances, and fulfillment of one person's desires can crush the happiness of another.

Jesus points us to something better....Then He promised, “No one will take away your joy” (v. 22).

This kind of joy is more than a good feeling based on desirable things happening to us. It grows out of doing the will of our Father in Heaven. Jesus also said, “Seek first [God's] Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Happiness can slip away with the next unpleasant circumstance. The joy that comes from following Jesus can thrive despite those circumstances.

Tim Gustafson


------------------=


Beside the Still Waters


2/13/16

(edited)


…just these nine thought-provoking words: “It will not always be as it is now.”

If we are overwhelmed by trials and difficulties, the Scriptures remind us that this too shall pass.

However, if our life has been quite routine, blessed, and comfortable, we need to remember the warning, “Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, Who brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt… (Deuteronomy 6:12).

Change is inevitable in this life, but there is an eternity ahead when change will no longer exist.


Pete Lewis


-----------------------------=


Today in the Word - March 2025

Today with Mark Jobe

Shake the Box

From the President of Moody Bible Institute

(edited)


p 3

Are you a "forgetter" or a "rememberer"?...In crisis, forgetters turn to God, but when things go well, they pray less. In contrast, when life is good, rememberers give God glory. The more they achieve, the more humble they become....


...remember how God has been faithful to us, over and over again...Say to God, "You have been faithful. I will not forget what You have done and what You have taught me."


--------=


Today in the Word

Practical Theology

Obedience and Love

by Dr. John Koessler

(edited)

p 4


"God's love is the foundation for our obedience. Obedience is answering in love."

God's call to obey is not a "to do" list. Nor is it a transactional relationship where we earn God's love by sheer effort. It is an invitation to respond to the love God has already shown.

Obedience springs from love, and that love has its origin in God. "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Our obedience has its starting point in God's persistent love and grace....We love others because God loves them...

------------=


Today in the Word

Q&A

Questions & Answers

(edited)

p 37


by Dr. Mikel Del Rosario, Professor of Bible and Theology

Q: Isn't it bigoted to tell people about Jesus or say that Christianity is true?

A: ...Many Christians hesitate to talk about their faith for fear that they will be misunderstood....

...Do we ever come off as less than loving in our witness? Together, we can diminish the popular misconception that evangelism is bigoted by treating our engagement with unbelievers as part of a loving ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:20). Let's listen patiently. Let's work to understand people and the issues they face so we can have better Gospel conversations.

...let's be prepared to gently and respectfully share the reason for the hope we have in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15).

---------------=


Beside the Still Waters 3/19/25

A Childlike Spirit

(edited)


Jesus said, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 18:3)...We are called to be Childlike but not childish...

When someone mistreats us, it is easy to respond in a wrong way. Can we freely forgive as Jesus taught, or do we hold grudges? Real forgiveness is more than saying nice words; it is an attitude of the heart...Children generally forgive freely without any memory of the wrong.

Do we have a Childlike trust in God, or do we try to help Him by worrying and fretting about things? Yes, we do have legitimate concerns to take care of. But after we have done our part, we should "be careful for [anxious] for nothing" (Philippians 4:6). In this way we can have a Childlike spirit while still being responsible adults.

Denver Yoder

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. - 1 Corinthians 14:20).

-------------------=


Turning Points Daily devotional 1/19/25

Psalm 25 for 2025

Keep His Commandments

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. Psalm 25:10

(edited)


You will no doubt experience something this year that will make you wonder, “Why?”...In any case, unplanned events always make us wonder why God has allowed them.

...We would assume that God's ways are mercy and truth to everyone, not just to those who follow Him. But there is a difference between how people view God's ways. Those who trust in Him find mercy and truth in what God allows, those who don't trust in Him are more likely to find randomness and arbitrariness in God's ways.

...Even when we don't see mercy immediately, in time we will. Prepare your heart now to trust God with what this year holds.

Turning Point

Obedience to God's will is the secret of spiritual knowledge and insight.

Eric Liddell


-------------------------------=


Helpful Reminders continued


1. You can't predict what the Heavenly Father is going to do – you can't predict the Heavenly Father's responses, methods, and priorities. Proverbs and the Word give some clues about likely outcomes, but the pathways to those outcomes may be full of unexpected and unpredictable twists and turns and ups and downs and long-drawn out delays.



Romans 11:33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!


Isaiah 55:8,9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways

And My thoughts than your thoughts.”



2. There are victories that seem "substantial" for various reasons.


Then...

There are "victories" that seem "shaky", "iffy", on quicksand, etc.


Similarly....


Some possibilities seem "certain", "very likely", "predictable"...


Then...


some possibilities seem "very unlikely","risky", "dicey", etc...


Whatever the case may be....what remains pertinent regardless:


"Things are not always what they seem"


(also: Things will not always remain as they currently are)


3. Whenever you discover something flawed whether within yourself or a situation you are faced with involving others or the world, you have to balance giving yourself time to adjust to how you are going to approach tackling your issues and other types of situations with, on the other hand, taking action after praying about the situation. You should not emphasize just jumping into handling situations or jumping into criticizing yourself for needing improvement (and time to improve), but then you shouldn't drag your feet about handling situations, either. Give yourself time and patience and understanding to a certain point. Don't rush but also don't fool yourself into permitting delay after delay after delay. Be thoughtful, prayerful, hopeful, and balanced.

-------------------------------=

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]
[ Contact Forum Admin ]

Forum timezone: GMT-8
VF Version: 3.00b, ConfDB:
Before posting please read our privacy policy.
VoyForums(tm) is a Free Service from Voyager Info-Systems.
Copyright © 1998-2019 Voyager Info-Systems. All Rights Reserved.