Tag Archives: love

Ray Stedman

Ray Stedman – To Save Or Condemn?

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Read: John 3:16-36

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17)

This verse is a great guideline as to how we ought to talk about the gospel to people who do not know God, to those who are living careless, indifferent, often sinfully wretched lives. We ought not to come shaking our finger at them, pointing out how terrible they are and what evil things they are doing to themselves. We ought to come sensing the agony, the hurt, the inward shame, the loneliness, misery and anguish they are going through. That is the way God feels and that is the way we should feel too.

Paul puts this very beautifully in his second letter to the Corinthians: God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, (2 Corinthians 5:19). That is why in every vignette we have of Jesus in the gospels, where he is dealing with acknowledged, open, blatant sinners, we never hear a word of condemnation. Witness the woman at the well of Samaria. She had five husbands and was now living with a man outside of marriage. Jesus was courteous to her. He did not attack her, blame her, or judge her. There is no condemnation.

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Words of Hope

Words of Hope – Daily Devotional – Oh, the Possibilities!

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Read: 2 Peter 1:3-8

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (v. 4 NIV)

To sweeten the pot even further, Peter holds out some tantalizing possibilities for our lives when we know Christ better. It is possible, he says, to “participate in the divine nature.” Have you ever read anything like that? Not only pardon for sin and a peace that endures, not only a place in heaven and a profound sense of being loved, not only a deep assurance that all will be well and an energizing conviction that we have an important role in making things right, but also such a closeness with God that we somehow participate in God’s nature. What does that mean? We can understand that about as well as a toddler on a scooter understands flying to the moon in a spaceship. But it’s possible because it’s part of the grace and peace we have through knowing Christ.

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Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K.- Reverence Deserved

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Christmas has come and gone. Maybe you gave or received a gift that came with instructions. Did you put first things first and read the directions before doing anything else? First things first – it means to sequence tasks so your ultimate goal will be completed successfully.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 9:10

Apply this to your life in 2016. Plan to have a closer relationship with the Lord. You will want to make the right decisions when the tests of life come upon you. Understand that God gives wisdom only to those who approach life with a deep awe and fear of Him, to those who love Him with their heart and soul, and to those who recognize Him as Creator God whose plans stand firm. He will give you understanding and guidance when you show Him the reverence He so deserves.

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Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Uncomplicating Evangelism

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“Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not.” —2 Timothy 4:2

We overcomplicate this thing called evangelism. I’ve read that 95% of Christians have never led another person to Christ.

Let’s look at the basics: The Who, Where, Why, and When of Evangelism.

Who is called to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel”? Answer: We are.

Matthew 28:19–20 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

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Kids 4 Truth

Kids 4 Truth International – God Is Safety

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“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

When Corey was scared, there was only one place he wanted to be. If he had a nightmare, if thunder clashes woke him up, or if the tree branches outside his window looked like giant hands ready to grab him, he ran to his parents’ bedroom. In their room there was a small space between the wall and the bed, and Corey was allowed to sleep there on the floor when he was scared. Corey knew that if someone or something was going to get him, they would have to crawl over his dad first. And Corey knew that his father would never let anything bad happen to him.

Psalm 29:25 says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” The word snare means trap. Man isn’t strong enough to win every battle or defeat every bad guy. If we trust in men and not in God, we will end up being trapped someday.

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The Navigators

– Holiness Day by Day Devotional – The Heartbeat of the Godly

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Today’s Scripture: Psalm 42:2

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”

In Psalm 27:4, David expressed an intense desire for God: “one thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” David yearned intensely for God himself that he might enjoy his presence and his beauty. Because God is a spirit, his beauty obviously refers not to a physical appearance but to his attributes. David enjoyed dwelling upon the majesty and greatness, the holiness and goodness of God. But David did more than contemplate the beauty of God’s attributes; he sought God himself, for elsewhere he says, “earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you” (Psalm 63:1, NIV).

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The Navigators

The Navigators – Leroy Eims – Daily Discipleship Devotional – The Word Convicts of Sin

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Today’s Scripture: Genesis 6-9

What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? – Romans 3:3

Today’s passage concerning the Flood is directly related to a modern difficulty you may be facing. Maybe you’ve talked with someone about Christ, only to have them respond, “I don’t believe the Bible.” What does that have to do with the Flood, you ask?

Let me illustrate. I took a course on evolution in college. One of the professor’s stated objectives was to destroy the faith of any Christian in the class. So I began to witness to him. One day when I left the room, his lab assistant followed me and expressed interest in what I had been saying. I invited him to see the Moody Science film “Dust or Destiny,” which showed the remarkable wisdom in the creative acts of God.

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Moody Global Ministries

Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – ABSALOM: SHAME IN BROKEN RELATIONSHIP

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Read 2 Samuel 13:21-14:33

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the father illustrates our Heavenly Father’s ready forgiveness and restoration of His errant children. The parable also demonstrates what true repentance looks like when a prodigal returns.

Absalom was disillusioned with his father. For two years, King David had done nothing to address the disgrace brought on Absalom’s sister, Tamar. Absalom’s vindictive anger caused him to handle things much the way Cain had. He murdered his brother Amnon, and then fled into exile to escape punishment.

Perhaps David realized his own wrongful inaction by not dealing with Amnon’s treatment of Tamar. Instead of lashing out in anger toward Absalom, he longed to restore his wayward child. Joab used the woman from Tekoa to convince David he would be justified in bringing his son back from exile without the punishment of death. David humbly received Joab’s advice and allowed Absalom to return.

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Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Training Our Children

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Proverbs 22:6

From a very young age, children observe the behavior of the significant adults in their lives. What a wonderful opportunity this is to influence the next generation for Jesus Christ!

How do we train children in godliness? We start by investing time in their lives. Whether through activities, reading together, or quiet conversation, we can model Christian living through everyday activities.

Listening closely to them is another part of teaching our sons, daughters, and other children in our life. To influence them toward righteousness, we must know what they’re thinking—what’s important to them, what brings them joy, and what bothers them.

Protecting children through discipline is another aspect of godly parenting. When done with love, discipline helps them understand the wisdom of God’s boundaries and the importance of self-control.

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Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — The Best Kind of Happiness

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Read: John 8:31-38

Bible in a Year: Genesis 20-22; Matthew 6:19-34

If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. —John 8:31-32

“Everybody’s doing it” seemed like a winning argument when I was young. But my parents never gave in to such pleas no matter how desperate I was to get permission to do something they believed was unsafe or unwise.

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Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – Waiting for Light

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In ancient cities, sentinels kept vigil on the city walls throughout the night. Long, difficult hours of waiting and watching characterized the sentinel’s evenings. The watcher’s role was well understood as vital for the protection of the city and the welfare of its citizens. Morning, nonetheless, meant great relief, both for the watchmen who kept vigil throughout the darkness and for the city within the walls.

Making use of this laden imagery, biblical writers often juxtaposed the role of watchman waiting for morning and the work of the prophet. Through long, dark hours of slavery and exile, cultural stubbornness and crushing despair, the prophets kept watch, calling out injustices, calling forth awareness, peace, repentance, and the unimaginable love of a God who would not let go. Jeremiah cried out, “This is what the LORD says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But you said, ‘We will not listen.’” Isaiah expanded the imagery of the sentinel’s watch even further, suggesting watchful eyes throughout the kingdom of God, servants who hold vigil day and night, watching for light even when presently surrounded by darkness. “Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion.”(1)

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John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Strength for Today – The Importance of Humility

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“Walk . . . with all humility” (Ephesians 4:2).

Humility is fundamental to spiritual growth and blessing.

It’s no secret that family problems are on the rise. Husbands and wives can’t get along. Children rebel against their parents. Unfortunately, most of the proposed solutions deal only with the peripheral issues instead of the central issue, which is pride. There will never be unity or happiness in a family without humility.

Humility is not only essential in families; it is also a basic ingredient for all spiritual blessing. The book of Proverbs is rich with such teaching. “When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom” (11:2). “Before honor comes humility” (15:33). “The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life” (22:4). James tells us, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (4:6). Too often we forget how important humility is.

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Wisdom Hunters

Wisdom Hunters – Stop Doing 

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“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:41-42

American culture is plagued by hyperactivity without productivity. We think being busy equals importance or a frantic pace is a path to success. Like a pack mule loaded down with an overabundance of supplies, we pack our calendar to the breaking point. We play mind games with ourselves that busyness is what’s best for our family, when in fact the real outcomes are: relational emptiness, health challenges and irritable emotions. We even justify being over active for Jesus.

Perhaps a wiser start to the year is a stop doing list. As Jesus instructed Martha, we need to take an inventory of our activities and ask what is really needed. What has served its purpose for a season, but is now unnecessary, even an obstacle to what’s best? Let go of emotional attachments and embrace some margin for meaningful relationships. Is it time to stop a sports program, a long commute or a tired volunteer role? Become better with contemplation and strategic availability.

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Turning Point

Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – God’s Job Description

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If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

2 Timothy 2:13

Recommended Reading

Romans 3:1-5

A young man was in an outpatient drug rehab program, meeting with a counselor weekly. Some weeks he had to report that he had succumbed to drug use since their last meeting. “Do you want to get off drugs?” his counselor would ask. Hearing “Yes” as an answer she would say, “Then I will be here for you until you succeed.” When he asked why she didn’t give up on him, the counselor would reply, “My job doesn’t depend on your faithfulness. It’s my job to be faithful regardless.”

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Girlfriends in God

Girlfriends in God – Surrender

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Mary Southerland – Today’s Truth

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:1-2

Friend to Friend

I will never forget the day I discovered that our son is not perfect. In fact, I came to the horrifying realization that he is a sinner – just like his mother.

Jered was about six months old and crawling everywhere. I had just returned from running errands and was busy putting groceries away in the kitchen. Jered seemed content as he played with his toys, occasionally taking a break to terrorize our two cats.

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Ray Stedman

Ray Stedman – Born From Above

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Read: John 3:1-16

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said,Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him. Jesus replied, Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. (John 3:1-3)

Notice how Jesus cuts right across Nicodemus$apos; inquiry with a sharp and penetrating sentence that must have gone like a sword thrust right into his heart. Observe what Jesus is saying in this startling word to Nicodemus. A new birth is absolutely essential to enter the kingdom. John uses a very interesting word here that is translated anew, or again. It is the Greek word, anothen, which means again or to do something a second time. It often points to a radical new beginning which comes from above. It signifies God must do this. It is speaking of something radical, a new beginning. It is a second birth, but it comes from above. It is God that does it, not man; and it results in a new creation, a new beginning.

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Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – True Source

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British nature enthusiast Bear Grylls, who starred in both TV series Man vs. Wild and Born Survivor, believed in God as a child. It was at age 16, though, when Grylls lost his godfather that he climbed up in a tree and gave his heart to the Lord. Now he knows his faith is the key to his daily survival.

For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 8:35

“I really, desperately have learned in my life that I need my faith, and I’m just not strong enough on my own. I try to start every day by kneeling down and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, I ain’t got it all right, and I’m nervous about today. I will give it my all, but will you help me?’” said Grylls.

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Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie –Just Look Around

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Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. —1 Peter 5:6

When God is looking for a man or a woman to use, He often goes out of His way to find someone who will say, “I’m the last person You would want to choose.”

The Lord might say to that person, “Actually, you are the first person I wanted to choose because you think you’re the last person I would want to choose.” People who think they are qualified, people who think they can do it all and know it all, disqualify themselves. Why? Because “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

Sometimes people tell me they want to be in ministry, and they want my advice regarding how they can get into the ministry. Ministry is everywhere. Jesus said, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35).

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Kids 4 Truth

Kids 4 Truth International – God Is Powerful

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“Ah Lord God! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.” (Jeremiah 32:17)

Scientists tell us that there are at least 70 sextillion stars in the universe. Wow! That’s the number 7 followed by 22 zeroes!

Scientists also tell us that the Pacific Ocean holds 192 quintillion gallons of water and that the surface of the sun is 16 times hotter than boiling water.

Have you ever stopped to think that there is always enough oxygen for everyone in the world to breathe every day? In fact, by the time you are ten years old, you’ve taken about 74 million breaths.

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The Navigators

The Navigators – Jerry Bridges – Holiness Day by Day Devotional – Preach the Gospel to Yourself

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Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1

“I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel.”

To preach the Gospel to yourself means that you continually face up to your own sinfulness and then flee to Jesus through faith in his shed blood and righteous life. It means that you appropriate, again by faith, the fact that Jesus fully satisfied the law of God. In both its precepts and penalty, he fulfilled the law of God in its most exacting requirements. And he did this in our place as our representative and our substitute. He is your propitiation, so that God’s holy wrath is no longer directed toward you.

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