|
« TAP TO LOG IN
|
Play online chess!
Devotionals 6
« Back to club forum
| ||||||||
| From | Message | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
 Personal Religion / 1 Peter 1:15 (Inside & Out)Religion is imitation. The truest form of worship is to copy. All through heathenism you find that principle working. ‘They that make them are like unto them.’ Why are heathen nations so besotted and sunken and obstinate in their foulnesses? Because their gods are their examples, and they, first of all, make the gods after the pattern of their own evil imaginations, and then the evil imaginations, deified, react upon the maker and make him tenfold more a child of hell than themselves. Worship is imitation, and there is no religion which does not necessarily involve the copying of the example or the pattern of that Being before whom we bow. For religion is but love and reverence in the superlative degree, and the natural operation of love is to copy, and the natural operation of reverence is the same. So that the old Mosaic law, ‘Be ye holy as I am holy,’ went to the very heart of religion. And the New Testament form of it, as Paul puts it in a very bold word, ‘Be ye imitators of God, as beloved children,’ sets its seal on the same thought that we are religious in the proportion in which we are consciously copying and aspiring after God. biblehub.com Question: How are we reflecting the God we profess? |
|||||||
|
Romans 13:4 & The Question of Capital Punishment in Scripture Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (4) The sword.—Not apparently the dagger worn by the Roman emperors, but, in a strict sense, “the sword.” “To bear the sword” seems to be a recognised Greek phrase to express the power of the magistrates. It was carried before them in processions, and on other important occasions. It is clear from this passage that capital punishment is sanctioned by Scripture. At the same time its abolition is not excluded, as the abolition of slavery was not excluded, if the gradual development of Christian principle should seem to demand it. Whether or not capital punishment ought to be abolished, is a question for jurists, publicists, and statesmen. The theologian, as such, has no decision to give either way. biblehub.com |
|||||||
|
Peace/ Philippians 4:6 (God's Answer for Anxiety) Simple to understand devotional (if we have faith to believe) . . Instead of letting fear and anxiety control you, you can have peace by bringing your worries to God in prayer, thanking Him by faith for the answer, and trusting Him to work things out as only He can. So, what are you going to do? Worry and fret, or pray and have peace? The choice is yours. “God’s peace transcends all understanding.” app.wordforyou.com |
|||||||
|
God's word on Hypocrisy The Bible strongly condemns hypocrisy and addresses the concept of a dual-natured, or "double-minded," heart in several passages. Below, you’ll find key teachings from both Jesus and God the Father, as well as biblical insights into having a divided heart. What the Bible Says About Hypocrisy Definition of Hypocrisy: The Bible calls hypocrisy a sin. Hypocrisy means claiming to believe or support something while acting in a contrary manner, or judging others while being flawed oneself. The term comes from the Greek for "actor"—one who wears a mask. God the Father on Hypocrisy: Isaiah 29:13: “‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.’” Jesus later quoted this verse to criticize empty religious rituals. Psalm 50:16: God questions the wicked, “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips?” Jesus on Hypocrisy: Matthew 23: Jesus frequently rebuked the Pharisees and teachers of the law, calling them “hypocrites,” “whitewashed tombs,” and a “brood of vipers” for appearing righteous outwardly but being full of wickedness inwardly. Example: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, you outwardly appear righteous to others, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:27-28). Matthew 7:3-5: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned against judging others’ faults while ignoring our own: “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ... You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly...” Luke 12:1-3: Jesus warned, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy. Everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all”. Principle: True righteousness is not just about outward behaviors or following rules, but about the transformation of the heart—the inner person—by God’s Spirit. The Bible on a Dual Nature or “Double-Minded” Heart James 1:7-8: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do”. James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded”. Psalm 119:113: “I hate double-minded people, but I love your law”. A double-minded or dual-natured heart is characterized by indecisiveness, doubt, or trying to serve two masters (see Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:24). The Bible describes this as spiritual instability. Overcoming Hypocrisy and Double-Mindedness Submit daily to God (James 4:7). Renew your mind with Scripture. Seek integrity—doing what’s right when no one is watching. Let go of people-pleasing, and pursue sincere faith. |
|||||||
|
Psalm 84:5 In [a]whose heart are the highways to Zion!" [a] Lit their Great video for anyone who's found themselves stretched thin or cornered, scratching for an answer! When we find we're not enough, we'll find One Who is! This Teaching Clip made me think of you. Watch Psalm 84:5 by YouVersion: www.bible.com (2:15) From the YouVersion Bible study App Guided Scripture for today |
|||||||
|
Sincere faith 🙏 was the example Jesus Christ demonstrated throughout the Bible Gospels IMO. Luke 20:21 / "They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You [a]are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth." [a] Lit do not receive a face |
|||||||
|
As Jesus said. |
|||||||
|
"Hints Of God's Glory" / Rev 4:3 Revelation 4:3 Australian photographer Christian Spencer has spent more than twenty years taking pictures in the Itatiaia National Park in Brazil. One amazing aspect of his photography is that he’s captured the effect of sunlight passing through the open wings of the hummingbird. He found that the wings create a prism-like rainbow of colors when birds fly between the bright sun and his camera lens. Other photographers have also captured this in birds other than just the hummingbird. As we find hidden treasures in God’s creation, may we enjoy each one, knowing there’s so much more awaiting us in heaven. There, we will worship our Creator and praise Him forever: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (v. 11). The Daily Bread devotional today includes a brief overview of the wonders available for anyone who would explore 🙏 them; Finding evidence of the wonders awaiting God's followers and disciples of Christ Jesus 🙏. Instead of focusing on what science has theorized could be, believers can be strengthened in our faith (lives) through discovery of the concrete evidence of God's Creation as a matter of facts available today. Hints of God’s Glory odbm.org |
|||||||
|
God's glory The biblical understanding of "God's glory" is rich and multifaceted, rooted deeply in the nature and character of God Himself. According to Scripture, God's glory represents the totality of His divine attributes—His essence, majesty, holiness, power, and perfection—all manifested in a way that is perceptible to human beings. It is not merely a visible brilliance or honor but the very presence and revelation of God’s intrinsic nature. This glory was first revealed in the Old Testament through God's mighty acts, presence with His people, and attributes such as mercy, truth, and justice (Exodus 33:18-23; Psalm 29:3). Mercy, Truth and Justice, notice that gossip, half truths and slander are absent here. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and visible manifestation of God's glory. As Jesus declared in John 17:5, He possessed the glory He shared with the Father "before the world began," indicating His divine status. The Gospel of John specifically states that Jesus, "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). His miracles and transfiguration revealed this divine glory, making the invisible God knowable and approachable to humanity. Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and promised return display and fulfill the glory of God, showing God’s righteousness, grace, and power. Therefore, from Jesus’ perspective, God's glory is ultimately about revelation and relationship: God making Himself known through His Son, inviting people into the transformative experience of His presence. Believers are called to reflect and honor God’s glory in their lives by recognizing His greatness and living in obedience and worship. In essence, God’s glory is who He is, made manifest fully and supremely in Jesus Christ, revealing God's magnificent presence and character to the world. This glory will one day be fully unveiled in the new creation, filling the earth with the knowledge and radiance of the Lord (Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 21:23). |
|||||||
|
And for obvious reasons which I'm sure only a child could wonder at, right? |
|||||||
|
Admitting Erroneous Doctrinal Beliefs Indeed, Vic, often posted critical comments related to Calvinism which I didn't pay much attention to. Admitting when we are wrong about anything isn't an easy path for humans, but if a person is going to stay true to following Biblical principles and doctrines we had better be prepared to side with the Biblical narrative than that of ANY OTHER PERSON. Long story short I found the following link where all the major Calvinist theological heresies are explained in a simple manner. Softaire, I hope you would scan this link because I know you have asked about several of these issues previously. "Five reasons Calvinism is a false doctrine" medium.com |
|||||||
|
VF <The phrase "Christ and Him crucified" refers to the central message of the Christian faith, particularly emphasized by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:2, where he states he resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. This highlights the significance of Christ's crucifixion as the foundation of Christian belief, symbolizing salvation and the core of the Gospel message. In essence, it underscores the importance of focusing on the person and work of Jesus Christ in the context of faith and teaching.> |
|||||||
|
Your welcome for this rule of thumb advice when we're caught up "in the weeds". Thank you. However, growing up in the faith should include advancing in our knowledge of God 💖, which is also according to the Bible. Philippians 1:9 / And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, Colossians 1:9 / For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the [a]knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, [a] real knowledge Ephesians 1:17 / 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the [a]knowledge of Him. [a] true knowledge In my efforts to obey Scriptural admonitions to gain more knowledge of God 💖 I made a wrong turn W/O realizing it. |
|||||||
|
Proverbs 16:2-3 / Inviting God's Blessings vs. Ignoring His Help But the Lord weighs the [a]motives. 3 [b]Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established." Short video explores the win/win proposition for inviting God 🙏 to our work. "Humans are satisfied for whatever looks good, but God probes for what is good." ~ Eugene Peterson God wants us to work with him, not just for him. This Teaching Clip made me think of you. Watch Proverbs 16:3 by CCV Music: www.bible.com (1:31) From the YouVersion Bible study App Guided Scripture for today |
|||||||
|
Hebrews 11:1 / "How Your Faith Can Produce Results" Great Bible study on a vital faith principle for inviting God 🙏, and partnering with him in building the kingdom of Jesus Christ 🙏. "Effective faith calls FOR AN ACT OF YOUR WILL. It's a choice you make to fully embrace what God says in His Word." Confident assurance app.wordforyou.com |
|||||||
|
1 John 1:2,4 / How To Avoid Regrets At the End of Our Lives Today's Daily Bread devotional puts a spotlight on the experience of a nurse caring for people who are nearing the end of their life. Often the people express regrets for the life choices that they have made. “Facing our own inevitable death is a fabulous tool for joy-filled living,” Ware writes. That’s sound advice, but what is the source of such joy? Where do we find ultimate meaning?" What regrets do you have? What’s keeping you from letting Jesus make your joy complete? Heavenly Father, I regret ____________. Please step into this pain in my life. I need the joy that comes from being united with You. Wishing for Joy odbm.org |
|||||||
| ||||||||
