#exhortation in righteousness

[thinkingonscripture]

God Uses Bible Teachers to Help Us Grow Spiritually

Almost anyone can be used by the Lord to communicate divine revelation. Even a jackass can be the mouthpiece of God (Num 22:28-30). Biblically, Christians are directed to “teach and admonish one another” (Col 3:16), which shows that all believers can teach and counsel one another with the Word of God. Of course, this assumes they’ve been “constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the…

[coffeeman777]

What do you do when prayers feel like they’re hard to pray? My prayer life has always been tumultuous and recently, I’ve found it hard to pray out loud. I’m so exhausted and nothing is changing. I know God will fulfill His holy will in my current situations, but I’m struggling to trust Him. When I pray, I feel such a heaviness and have so many doubts. Others are praying for me, but I do not feel helped or loved. I feel so alone and yet I know I am not. I’m not depressed, I’m not hopeless, but there are long moments where I just feel so alone and fearful and heavy.

Romans 8:26-28

"26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."

John 15:1-2

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."

Hebrews 12:3-11

"3 Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,

nor be weary when reproved by Him.

6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves,

and chastises every son whom He receives.”

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

When I'm in that place, I go to the Scriptures to be reminded that God is in control and knows what He's doing, that He is faithful, and good, and compassionate, and that He knows what I'm going through and that He loves me.

These are the times when prayer is most important. When you feel empty, exhausted, and heavy, like you're pinned down under a gargantuan weight, that's when prayer really matters. You have to fight through the feelings and pray anyway. I know, that's much easier said than done. It's so hard to do when it feels so useless. But we have to walk by faith and not by sight. We can't let our feelings dictate our behavior. The purest worship we can offer the Lord comes out in moments like these.

If you can't form the words to pray dynamically, then pray traditional prayers, or pray the psalms. Be honest with the Lord and tell Him what you feel. And confess that you're going to trust Him anyway. No matter how you feel, stay the course. This time will come to an end, it won't last forever. At the right time, God will move. He will answer you, He will keep His promises and show you His faithfulness, and you'll come out better than when you went in. And when He does, publicly thank and praise Him for all He's done.

I know it's hard, believe me, I feel for you. But hang in there. The Lord will come through for you, and be glorified in you. I'm praying for you too!

Be blessed!

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Our God is a Consuming Fire

1 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,

2 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 throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

29 For our God is a consuming fire. — Hebrews 12 | King James Version (KJV) The King James Version Bible is in the public domain. Cross References: Genesis 4:10; Genesis 18:25; Genesis 25:33; Genesis 27:30; Exodus 15:17; Exodus 19:12-13; Exodus 19:16; Exodus 19:18; Exodus 20:22; Numbers 16:22; Deuteronomy 8:5; Deuteronomy 9:19; Deuteronomy 29:18; 2 Samuel 7:14; Job 5:17; Psalm 34:14; Psalm 109:24; Psalm 110:1; Psalm 119:75; Proverbs 4:26; Proverbs 24:10; Isaiah 19:22; Isaiah 24:23; Isaiah 34:4; Romans 13:12; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 5:7

Notes: Hebrews 12 is a powerful chapter encouraging believers to persevere in their faith, emphasizing the importance of endurance, focusing on Jesus, and embracing God's discipline. It highlights the example of Jesus, the "author and finisher of faith," who endured the cross for the joy set before him. The chapter also warns against neglecting spiritual blessings and emphasizes the superior nature of the New Testament covenant.

[hiswordsarekisses]

“Oh… that’s just Old Testament” they said… “Oh,” replied the New Testament:

“And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.” Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭32‬-‭38‬

“And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭

“Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬-‭11‬

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭16‬-‭23‬

“It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. Your Word is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.” Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭71‬-‭72‬

“Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word. You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes.” Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭67‬-‭68

“Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5‬

“or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭10‬

[walkwithgod07]

12 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,

2 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 throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

29 For our God is a consuming fire.

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for November 18, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 28:13-14 (KJV): 13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. 14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 28:13-14 (AMP): 13 He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy. 14 Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is the man who reverently and worshipfully fears (the Lord) at all times (regardless of circumstances), but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

Thought for the Day

Verse 13 - Anyone who thinks he has not sinned is deceived. The Bible says that all have sinned and come short of God's glory. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God" (Romans 3:23-25). By His death, Jesus made atonement for the sins of all mankind. Anyone can be pardoned if he turns to Christ and repents. When two Christians cannot fellowship, it is because one or both of them are walking in darkness in some area of their lives. "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (John 1:5-10).

We can have fellowship with Christ only by dealing with our sins. When we sin, we are not to hide, ignore, or excuse it. We are to confess and turn from it. Only then will we be cleansed from our unrighteousness by the blood of Jesus.

Verse 14 - The reverential fear of God brings blessing, but a hard heart brings ruin. If we do not respond to God in obedience when He speaks to us, our hearts will begin to harden. Each time we refuse to obey God, our hearts become a little harder. A person who continues resisting the Holy Spirit will make their hearts insensitive to God, and they will have no rest in their souls.

"Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, today if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, they do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So, I sware in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called to day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end" (Hebrews 3:7-14).

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, we are grateful that we can always come to You and confess our sins, and You will never turn us away, but will always extend mercy to us and deliver us from evil. Father, may we always be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings, and obey You when You tell us to do something. We never want any hardness in our hearts toward the things of God. May we always stand before You with a reverential fear, knowing that You are all powerful and all wise. Lord, we declare, we will have no fear of what man can do to us, because our faith and trust are in You. We are grateful we can call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and his Father. Amen.

[walkswithmyfather]

“Lately, I've come across a few people who don't know what the armor of God is.

The phrase “full armor of God” comes from Ephesians 6:13-17: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Ephesians 6:12 clearly indicates that the conflict with Satan is spiritual, and therefore no tangible weapons can be effectively employed against him and his minions. We are not given a list of specific tactics Satan will use. However, the passage is quite clear that when we follow all the instructions faithfully, we will be able to stand, and we will have victory regardless of Satan’s strategy.

The first element of our armor is truth (Ephesians 6:14). This belt immediately sets the believer apart from the world, since Satan is the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Deception is high on the list of things God considers to be an abomination. A “lying tongue” is one of the things He describes as “detestable to Him” (Proverbs 6:16-17). We are therefore exhorted to put on truth for our own sanctification and deliverance, as well as for the benefit of those to whom we witness.

Also in verse 14, we are told to put on the breastplate of righteousness. A breastplate shielded a warrior’s vital organs from blows that would otherwise be fatal. This righteousness is not works of righteousness done by men. Rather, this is the righteousness of Christ, imputed by God and received by faith, which guards our hearts against the accusations and charges of Satan and secures our innermost being from his attacks.

Verse 15 speaks of the preparation of the feet for spiritual conflict. In warfare, sometimes an enemy places dangerous obstacles in the path of advancing soldiers. The idea of the preparation of the gospel of peace is that we need to advance into Satan’s territory, aware that there will be traps. The message of grace is essential to winning souls to Christ, and we must be prepared with the gospel. Satan has many obstacles placed in the path to halt the propagation of the gospel.

The shield of faith in verse 16 “can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” When we bear the shield of faith, Satan can cast all the aspersions, doubt, and dismay he wants, but they will be ineffective. Our faith—of which Christ is “the author and perfecter” (Hebrews 12:2)—is like a shield, solid and substantial.

The helmet of salvation in verse 17 is protection for the head, keeping safe a critical part of the body. We could say that our way of thinking needs preservation. The head is the seat of the mind, which, when it has laid hold of the sure hope of eternal life, will not receive false doctrine or give way to Satan’s temptations. The unsaved person has no hope of warding off the blows of false doctrine because he is without the helmet of salvation and his mind is incapable of discerning between spiritual truth and spiritual deception.

Verse 17 interprets the sword of the Spirit as the Word of God. While all the other pieces of spiritual armor are for defense, the sword of the Spirit allows us to take the offense. The sword analogy speaks of the holiness and power of the Word of God. There is no greater spiritual weapon. In Jesus’ temptations in the desert, the Word of God was always His overpowering response to Satan. What a blessing that the same Word is available to us!

In verse 18, we are told to pray in the Spirit (that is, with the mind of Christ, with His heart and His priorities) in addition to wearing the full armor of God. We cannot neglect prayer, as it is the means by which we draw spiritual strength from God. Without prayer, without reliance upon God, our efforts at spiritual warfare are empty and futile. The full armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer—are the tools God has given us, through which we can be spiritually victorious. Satan is a defeated foe.”

[From Got Questions via “Inspirational Bible Verses, FB”]

[albertfinch]

Exhortation - March 30, 2025

Matthew 16:24 - "Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Luke 14:27 - "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." Luke 13:3 - "No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."

This is a time when we must move into a new dimension of prayer, where we are praying bold prayers based upon God’s covenant with us as we seek to bring forth the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). Believe and His Spirit will make you bold so you will be effective in equipping and sending out other Believers so they will bear fruit that remains for His advancing Kingdom! Watch His fire fall upon your words! Hear the Spirit of the Lord declaring to you today, "Come forth!"  -- see in your spirit a sudden surge of God's power.

Affirming and meditating that you are the righteousness of God in Christ will cause all the blessing you seek to come after you and overtake you. You are standing at the threshold of God's glory!

The Lord Jesus was lifted up on the cross for the sake of giving spiritual life to men; likewise, if we desire to cause people to have spiritual life, we, too, must be lifted up on the cross so that we die to the self life so the Holy Spirit may flow out of us into the lives of others.

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[reckoningeverymile]

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐀 𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞

There are moments in life when standing for truth or righteousness can feel like standing alone. Opposition may even come in groups, making it seem as if you’re outnumbered. But Scripture reminds us that numbers do not determine truth or strength—God does.

“𝙄𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣.”

This thought echoes the biblical reality that standing alone for righteousness is often the mark of true strength. In 2 Kings 6:16, Elisha tells his servant, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Though visibly outnumbered, God had sent His angelic army. Similarly, when David faced Goliath, he stood alone, yet he declared, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47).

Being alone in doing right may look weak to the world, but in God’s eyes, it’s a display of courage and faith. Jesus Himself stood alone before the cross, abandoned and betrayed, yet His obedience changed the course of history. His example reminds us that being alone does not mean being powerless—especially when we are standing with God.

“𝙀𝙫𝙞𝙡 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙪��𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢.”

The Bible also warns about the influence of silent or complicit bystanders. Romans 1:32 says, “Though they know God’s righteous decree… they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” When people remain silent in the face of wrongdoing or even justify it, they empower sin to grow.

King Ahab’s wicked reign was greatly fueled by the enabling influence of his wife Jezebel and the false prophets who told him what he wanted to hear (1 Kings 21). Meanwhile, prophets like Elijah who spoke the truth were often in the minority. Evil thrives where truth is suppressed and accountability is absent.

As believers, we are called not only to stand against evil but to refuse to be enablers of it. Ephesians 5:11 exhorts us: “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

Conclusion:

Standing alone may be God’s way of showing how much strength He has already given you. And allowing evil to persist through silence or passive support is a responsibility we must not take lightly. May we be like the lone warrior who stands for truth and never be among the crowd that enables evil. For in Christ, even one person, fully surrendered, is more powerful than a multitude in the wrong.

[antiochianorthodoxcumberlandmd]

Tamara, Queen of Georgia

Saint Tamara was the only child of King George III. Upon his death in 1184, she became Queen at the age of twenty-four. Despite her youth, she ruled the country with such wisdom and godliness - leading it to unprecedented military triumphs over the neighbouring Moslem countries in defence of her kingdom, fostering arts and letters, and zealously strengthening Orthodoxy - that her reign is known as the Golden Age of Georgia. After her coronation, she convoked a local council to correct disorders in church life. When the bishops had assembled from all parts of her kingdom, she, like Saint Constantine at the First Ecumenical Council, honoured them as if she were a commoner, and they Angels of God; exhorting them to establish righteousness and redress abuses, she said in her humility, "Do away with every wickedness, beginning with me, for the prerogative of the throne is in no wise that of making war against God." Saint Tamara called herself "the father of orphans and the judge of widows," and her contemporaries called her "King" instead of "Queen." She herself led her army against the Moslems and fearlessly defeated them; because of the reverence that even the enemies of Georgia had for her, entire mountain tribes renounced Islam and were baptized. She built countless churches and monasteries throughout her kingdom, and was benefactress also to the Holy Land, Mount Athos, and holy places in Greece and Cyprus. She has always been much beloved by her people, who have memorialized her meekness, wisdom, piety, and obedience, and peace loving nature in innumerable legends, ballads, and songs; the poem written in her honour by Shota Rustaveli, "The Knight in the Panther Skin," is the masterpiece of Georgian literature. The great Queen Tamara departed the earthly kingdom for the heavenly in the year 1212.

© Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA

[christianbelievers]

PREPARE TO BECOME GOD’S NEW MINISTERS

PREPARE TO BECOME GOD’S NEW MINISTERS (NOW…AND IN THE 1000 YEARS REIGN)

If you are a born again believer, the Bible says that you will rule and reign with Christ. Are we prepared for that? I don’t think many of us can truly fathom what that means, but it still remains a fact written in God’s Word.

Perhaps I should have asked “Is God preparing you for that?” I believe that’s exactly what He’s doing. There are parables that God uses to help us understand how He’s doing it. You can find one of them in Matthew 25:14-30, and there is a similar parable in Luke 19:11-27, among others.

In the Parable of the Talents, from Matthew’s Gospel, a man going on a journey left three of his servants with some of his money, presumably to care for their master’s estate while he was gone. Each was given a certain amount “each according to his ability”. One man was given 5 bags of gold, the second 2 bags, and the third 1 bag.

"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.” (Matthew 25:19) The first man used his 5 bags of gold to gain another 5. The second man used his 2 bags to gain 2 more. The master was thrilled. To both he said 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” In the parable from Luke, the 2 men were given charge of cities, 5 for the one, and 2 for the second man.

In both of the parables, the 3rd men that were called in said that they had buried, or hidden the money that they were entrusted with. They both called their master a “hard man”, and claimed to be “afraid” of him. They said “I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.” (Matthew 25:24) Both of these men’s share of the money was taken from them and given to the ones who had gained 5 bags more. But, not only were the bags of gold taken from the two men, they were also thrown out of their masters estates, and considered “worthless”.

So, what can we learn from these two parables? What did Jesus want the disciples, and us, to understand?

I believe the Lord wants us to understand first, that He wasn’t really talking about money, but knowledge, wisdom, and gifts that are to be used for His kingdom, such as evangelizing, and teaching. These gifts will help us to increase and build God’s kingdom. But there are many other gifts that God has endowed us with, but each according to our abilities. The list is long, but here are some of the gifts that some say are available within God’s Kingdom.

Prophecy, Pastor, Teaching, Wisdom, Knowledge, Exhortation, Discerning of Spirits, Giving, Helps, Mercy, Missionary, Evangelist, Hospitality, Faith, Leadership, Administration, Miracles, Healing, Tongues, Interpretation, Voluntary Poverty, Celibacy, Intercession, Exorcism, and Service. (This list is taken from the Wagner-Modified Houts Questionnaire)

Several of these gifts are disputed among some denominations, such as Miracles, Healing, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues. But I’m not going to debate any of the gifts. I only want to show the different ways that God uses us. One thing that I was surprised to see, is that Prayer was not in the list above. I personally think it’s one of the most important gifts of all. And is truly something that each of us can do, no matter what our abilities are.

In our preparation for ruling and reigning with Christ, I believe that these gifts will somehow help us now, and in the millennium, and perhaps even throughout eternity, but that is purely speculation on my part.

The first gifts that every believer receives from God are…the Holy Spirit, righteousness, grace, and eternal life. Glory to God and Amen for these wonderful gifts!

The Apostle Paul wrote on some of these gifts listed above. He said…

“In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."(Romans 12:5-8)

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” (1st Corinthians 12:27-31)

In that 12th chapter from 1st Corinthians, Paul also tells us how important it is for all of us to work together, as one body in Christ. We all need each other, and the gifts that each of us has. That’s why he said “Are all prophets? Are all teachers?” God’s Kingdom needs ALL the gifts, not just those of prophet and teacher, and so on. And there are no small gifts in God’s Kingdom. Now, no matter how inconsequential your gift might seem, it is priceless to God, and should be used to the best of your ability. To do this, we must remain open and connected to the Holy Spirit who works in us to accomplish these things. One thing that we should remember, is that it is God who is accomplishing our good works in the Spirit. So, as the Word says…

“It is because of him (God) that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord." (1st Corinthians 1:30-31)

Notice the last verse of chapter 12… “And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” Now, turn the page… “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1st Corinthians 13:2)

Probably the most important trait that you and I can have as members of the Body of Christ is love, especially when it comes to using our gifts. We must try to have the same compassion for people that Jesus had.

God’s love often tears down barriers between people. And one important thing to remember, is that many in this world have not experienced a lot of love in their lives. I think that’s why Jesus was so successful when He talked with “tax collectors and sinners”. He didn’t look down on them, and neither should we. At one time we were all sinners, so we should have sympathy for others, no matter what.

Now, the man who went on the journey is a picture of Jesus when he ascended to Heaven. As Matthew Henry pointed out, these men knew that the “master” would be coming back, so they wanted to make sure that whether he came back in a couple of days, or a couple of months, they would be able to show him how diligent they were in putting his money to work.

I believe the Lord wants us to realize that being a Christian is not about just reading the Bible. It’s about becoming the Bible. It’s about learning to become more like Jesus. We should pray that our faith will be expressed in good deeds toward our fellow man, and especially towards our brothers and sisters in Christ, and for God’s glory, not our own. I remember being on a repair job several years ago, when a woman, in her 80’s, walked up and gave me a glass of water. She knew I was a Christian so she said…

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward." (Matthew 10:42)

It may not seem like a lot, but in God’s eyes she was being obedient to His Word. This is all that He asks us to do…to be obedient to His Word. Remember…

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30)

Many think that being a Christian means “rules and regulations”. The men who were only given one talent must have thought their masters were the same, all about “rules and regulations”, hard men. So they hid their talents, so they wouldn’t lose them. (Matthew Henry) Why these men thought this way about their masters is hard to say. But in this parable Jesus is comparing these men to people in the world who think being a Christian is hard, and that God is a God who throws lighting bolts at us every time we goof up. If that were the case I would be scorched beyond recognition.

But our God is a God of love. So, as the chapter about love says…

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1st Corinthians 13:4-8)

As I said, God’s love breaks down barriers. Perhaps you and I can break down a few of them before it’s all over.

The Apostle Peter wrote…

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1st Peter 4:7-11)

Note Peters first words above… “The end of all things is near.” How much closer can we be now to the end of all things if Peter said the end was near almost 2000 years ago?

It’s time for us to be preparing for God’s Eternal Kingdom. We can start by spending quality time with God each day in prayer and Bible study. I say study, because we need to go beyond just reading what the Word says, now we need to understand how to apply its teachings to our lives. The more we do that, the more we will begin to look and act like Jesus.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Are you one of the few? Are you ready? Are we preparing ourselves for what God has planned for us? Will we rule over 10 cities, or maybe 5? With Christ in us we will rule and reign with love and compassion.

Right now, take a moment to pray. Ask the Lord how you can use your gifts. Is it by helping others, teaching them, encouraging them? The Lord knows the plans that He has for you.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Ask Him to show you where, to whom, and how you can use your gifts. It won’t be long now until we hear those words… “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master's happiness!”

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1st Corinthians 13:13)

God Bless!

[evangelistsampsonbello]

AMAZING NEW REVELATION AND MANIFESTATION OF POWER

The Power of God is beyond human understanding, for its manifestation amazes even the Faithful and marvels many committed to the service of the LORD because the ways and thoughts of our Heavenly Father are higher than ours (Is. 55:8-9). Witnessing the manifestation of the Father's great works in our lives and that of others, makes us channels of God's Word, testifying of His goodness as we share our encounters with others who need to be exhorted for help with their spiritual growth (1 Cor. 14:3).

Therefore, seeing signs and wonders done by the Father through the Holy Spirit at the authority of His Word, we should be encouraged to continue in the path of Truth and Righteousness - shown by Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, mercifully remaining intact vessels of His miraculous works, assigned to reveal the Love of the Father to all, proven to continue through the acts of His Disciples.

PRAYER: In Jesus' Name, thank You, LORD, Wonder-working God, for making me a channel of Your Word and marvelous works on Earth through the Holy Spirit who lives in me, keeping all who hear amazed, marveling at the awesomeness of Your Power. Blessed be Your Holy Name, for revealing afresh the great things You have done;

Hallelujah!

From Acts 2:7-11

https://thefountainoflifegospelministry.blogspot.com/2025/03/amazing-new-revelation-and.html

[nem0c]

Test example: Using ChatGPT to write a short sermon with suggested hymns:

Sermon: "The Sacred Spark of Individualism"

Dearly beloved, today we gather to reflect upon a gift as divine as it is challenging: the gift of our individual selves. In Romans 12:4-5, Paul tells us that "as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ." This, my friends, speaks to the unity of creation, but also to the diversity within it. Each of us is a singular expression of God’s will, endowed with unique talents, perspectives, and responsibilities. To embrace our individuality is not to stray from God’s purpose but to fulfill it. Indeed, when we celebrate our sacred distinctiveness, we reflect the infinite creativity of the divine.

Paul’s letter to the Galatians adds another layer to this truth: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1). The freedom Paul speaks of is not merely freedom from sin but freedom to become who we are meant to be. It is in this spirit that the philosopher Aleister Crowley, in Liber al vel Legis, exhorted his readers to "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. Love is the law, love under will." While we may quibble with his phrasing, the heart of this principle aligns with our understanding of Christian love: to act in accordance with our God-given will, guided always by love, is to live authentically and righteously. This authenticity is the soil in which our faith grows.

Lastly, let us turn to that curious modern parable, Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein. In this tale, the protagonist, a man raised on Mars, brings a fresh perspective to Earth, reminding us of the sacredness of individuality and the power of understanding one another deeply. He challenges those around him to "grok"—to truly and deeply comprehend one another. Let this serve as a call to us as well: our individualism does not separate us but enables us to enrich one another through our differences. To honor our individuality is to honor the divine image within us and to become a blessing to the world.

Let us now turn our hearts to worship through song. I suggest we sing the following hymns, drawn from the discography of Current 93, whose works often explore the delicate interplay of individuality and spirituality:

"All the Pretty Little Horses" – a reminder of the innocence and purity at the heart of our being.

"Black Ships Ate the Sky" – a reflection on the tension between unity and individuality.

"Soft Black Stars" – a meditative hymn inviting us to ponder the unique light we each bring to the world.

May these songs uplift your spirits as we go forth, cherishing the gift of ourselves and one another. Amen.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Grace of God teaches Us

11 For the grace of God, which brings salvation for all men, has appeared; 12 Teaching us that, having denied ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live moderately and righteously and godly in this present world, 13 Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our Savior and great God, Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave Himself for us, so that He might redeem us from all lawlessness, and might purify for Himself a unique people, zealous of good works. 15 Speak these things, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. — Titus 2:11-15 | A Faithful Version (AFV) Holy Bible, A Faithful Version © 2020 A Faithful Version. All Rights Reserved. Cross References: Exodus 15:16; Exodus 19:5; Psalm 67:2; Matthew 12:32; Acts 17:30; Acts 24:25; Romans 8:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Timothy 4:12-13; Titus 1:13

Read full chapter

"How Grace Works" Titus 2:11-15

[hiswordsarekisses]

“Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.” Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬

“But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:” John‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬-‭8‬

“And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭5‬-‭13‬

[walkwithgod07]

4 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.