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touchofgoddotworld · 1 year
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Your Father's Watchful Care Over You (186) - March 25 2023
LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST We reflect on the goodness of God, His inexhaustible and boundless understanding, as well as His affectionate and watchful care over us. This program covers the following Scriptures from the Amplified Classic version (AMPC): Matthew 18:20; Proverbs 4:20-22; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Psalm 147:3-15; Psalm 103:10. Help us by supporting the program via Podfan 🙂 Contact us for…
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Parable of the Prodigal Son:
Jesus conveyed a profound message about forgiveness, redemption, and the boundless love of God. Let's reframe the narrative within this Christian context, drawing from Luke 15:11-32, and infuse it with additional biblical insights.
A certain man had two sons. The younger son asked for his share of the inheritance and journeyed to a distant land where he squandered his wealth in reckless living. Soon, a severe famine swept through the land, and the young man found himself in dire need.
In his desperation, he sought employment feeding pigs, a job that symbolized his degradation and distance from his upbringing. Yet, in his lowest moment, he came to his senses and decided to return to his father, confessing his sins and seeking forgiveness.
His father, filled with compassion, ran to greet him while he was still far off. Instead of condemnation, the father embraced his wayward son, clothing him in the finest robe and celebrating his return with a lavish feast.
Meanwhile, the older son, who had remained obedient and dutiful, grew resentful at the extravagant welcome given to his brother. But the father, ever merciful, reminded him of the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation.
This parable echoes the essence of divine mercy and the unconditional love of God. Just as the father welcomed back his repentant son, so too does our Heavenly Father eagerly await our return, ready to forgive and restore us to fellowship with Him.
The Prodigal Son reminds us of the importance of humility, repentance, and forgiveness in our Christian journey. It challenges us to examine our attitudes towards others, particularly those who have strayed from the path, and to emulate God's boundless love and compassion.
Broader context:
Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32):
This is the main passage where the parable is found.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation:
Matthew 18:21-22 - Jesus teaches about forgiveness.
Colossians 3:13 - Encouragement to forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another.
Luke 6:37 - Judge not, and you will not be judged; forgive, and you will be forgiven.
God's Unconditional Love:
Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
1 John 4:16 - God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God.
Romans 5:8 - God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Ephesians 2:4-5 - But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.
Repentance and Restoration:
Acts 3:19 - Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.
Joel 2:13 - Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
Isaiah 55:7 - Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Celebration in Heaven over Repentance:
Luke 15:7 - Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Luke 15:10 - Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
God's Provision and Restoration:
Philippians 4:19 - And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Matthew 6:26 - Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
God's Sovereignty and Compassion:
Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Lamentations 3:22-23 - The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
James 5:11 - Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Questions:
How does the parable of the Prodigal Son reflect God's unconditional love and forgiveness?
In what ways do we, like the older brother, struggle with forgiveness and harbor resentment towards others?
How can we cultivate a spirit of compassion and reconciliation in our interactions with those who have gone astray?
What steps can we take to emulate the father's example of mercy and grace in our daily lives?
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the timeless wisdom and grace revealed in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Teach us to extend forgiveness, show compassion, and embrace reconciliation in our relationships, reflecting your boundless love for all your children. Amen.
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yieldfruit · 6 months
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The Gospel
What It Means to Be a Christian
Being a Christian is more than identifying yourself with a particular religion or affirming a certain value system. Being a Christian means you have embraced what the Bible says about God, mankind, and salvation. Consider the following truths found in the Bible.
God Is Sovereign Creator Contemporary thinking says man is the product of evolution. But the Bible says we were created by a personal God to love, serve, and enjoy endless fellowship with Him. The New Testament reveals it was Jesus Himself who created everything (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Therefore, He also owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19). That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.
God Is Holy God is absolutely and perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:3); therefore He cannot commit or approve of evil (James 1:13). God requires holiness of us as well. First Peter 1:16 says, You shall be holy, for I am holy.
Mankind Is Sinful According to Scripture, everyone is guilty of sin: There is no man who does not sin (1 Kings 8:46). That doesn't mean we're incapable of performing acts of human kindness. But we're utterly incapable of understanding, loving, or pleasing God on our own (Romans 3:10-12).
Sin Demands a Penalty God's holiness and justice demand that all sin be punished by eternal death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). That's why simply changing our patterns of behavior can't solve our sin problem or eliminate its consequences.
Jesus Is Lord and Savior Romans 10:9 says, If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. Even though God's justice demands death for sin, His love has provided a Savior who paid the penalty and died for sinners (1 Peter 3:18). Christ's death satisfied the demands of God's justice, and Christ's perfect life satisfied the demands of God's holiness (2 Corinthians 5:21), thereby enabling Him to forgive and save those who place their faith in Him (Romans 3:26).
The Character of Saving Faith True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, confessing your sins to Him, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9), pursue Christ (Matthew 11: 28-30; John 17:3), and obey Him (1 John 2:3). It isn't enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God (James 2:19), but they don't love and obey Him. True saving faith always responds in obedience (Ephesians 2:10).
Source: https://www.gracechurch.org/about/gospel
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God Gives What Is Good
1 The Lord says, “All you who are thirsty, come and drink. Those of you who do not have money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend your money on something that is not real food? Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you? Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies. 3 Come to me and listen; listen to me so you may live. I will make an agreement with you that will last forever. I will give you the blessings I promised to David. 4 I made David a witness of my power for all nations, a ruler and commander of many nations. 5 You will call for nations that you don’t yet know. And these nations that do not know you will run to you because of the Lord your God, because of the Holy One of Israel who honors you.”
6 So you should look for the Lord before it is too late; you should call to him while he is near. 7 The wicked should stop doing wrong, and they should stop their evil thoughts. They should return to the Lord so he may have mercy on them. They should come to our God, because he will freely forgive them.
8 The Lord says, “My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. 9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. 10 Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return without watering the ground. They cause the plants to sprout and grow, making seeds for the farmer and bread for the people. 11 The same thing is true of the words I speak. They will not return to me empty. They make the things happen that I want to happen, and they succeed in doing what I send them to do.
12 “So you will go out with joy and be led out in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees in the fields will clap their hands. 13 Large cypress trees will grow where thornbushes were. Myrtle trees will grow where weeds were. These things will be a reminder of the Lord’s promise, and this reminder will never be destroyed.” — Isaiah 55 | New Century Version (NCV) The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Cross References: Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 4:7; Deuteronomy 4:29; Deuteronomy 32:2; 2 Samuel 7:19; 2 Samuel 22:44; 1 Chronicles 16:33; Psalm 18:43; Psalm 22:26; Psalm 33:11; Psalm 65:12-13; Psalm 96:12; Psalm 103:11; Isaiah 1:16; Isaiah 5:6; Isaiah 14:24; Isaiah 16:5; Isaiah 45:14; Matthew 5:6; Matthew 10:8; Matthew 24:35; John 6:27; Acts 8:22; Acts 13:34; Romans 10:5; 2 Corinthians 9:10
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theprayerfulword · 15 days
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April 18
1 John 5:4 Whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Psalm 103:6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Psalm 46:11 The Lord Almighty is with us…
Psalm 16:1-2 Preserve me, o God, for in You I put my trust. 2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You.”
Psalm 19:9-10 The judgments of the Lord are… 10 more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
May you know that, in the Lord, you are one of many and, together, very powerful and abundantly blessed so that, when you have grown enough to need expansion, you will find that, through God's Word and in God's strength, you are well able to possess the promises He has given. Joshua 17
May you be confident of God's strength and strategy in your life when you are facing spiritual battles which seem too great to win, for He guides you one step at a time. Joshua 17
May you not be satisfied with the ease of a rich land after living in the dry desert for so long, lest you begin dreading the prospect of spiritual battle; for it is not yourselves that you battle for, but those you will shepherd who will need you to have the word of truth and to know the God of promise, so that you will be practiced in ministry, pointing them to the Lord, even as you have been pointed. Joshua 18
My child, do not seek to be separate from the world, but to be devoted and attached to Me. As you learn of Me through My Word and by My Spirit, your heart will draw closer to Me out of hunger for the true Bread of Life and thirst for the true Water of Life, leaving behind, without struggle, the substitutes which the world supplied. Come, My beloved, eat and drink without cost, for I have willingly paid the price for your admittance. Come, and find rest for your soul.
May you remember that wealth and influence alone will still leave a person hungry spiritually, and that God will give you the words of life for those willing and determined to seek them out, and their acceptance will bring fruits of repentance. Luke 19
May you seek for and accept direction and wisdom from the Holy Spirit about how best to invest the abundant gifts our King has given us until His return, so that we may give Him the increase for His kingdom. Luke 19
May you take joy and gladness in your new life as one who is born in the kingdom of God and has become a citizen of the city of God, for that is where He takes His delight. Psalm 87
May the time and effort you put into the work of the kingdom return multiplied blessings and spiritual riches, just as wealth from hard work will grow. Proverbs 13:11
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coffeeman777 · 10 months
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Psalm 103
"1 I bless the holy name of YHWH-God with all my heart! 2 Yes, I will bless the LORD and not forget the glorious things He does for me!
"3 He forgives all my sins. He heals me. 4 He ransoms me from Hell. He surrounds me with loving-kindness and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things! My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! 6 He gives justice to all who are treated unfairly. 7 He revealed His will and nature to Moses and the people of Israel.
"8 He is merciful and tender toward those who don’t deserve it; He is slow to get angry and full of kindness and love. 9 He never bears a grudge, nor remains angry forever. 10 He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sins, 11 for His mercy toward those who fear and honor Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far away from us as the East is from the West. 13 He is like a Father to us, tender and sympathetic to those who reverence Him. 14 For He knows we are but dust 15 and that our days are few and brief, like grass, like flowers, 16 blown by the wind and gone forever.
"17-18 But the loving-kindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting to those who reverence him; His salvation is to children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant and remember to obey Him!
"19 The LORD has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything there is. 20 Bless the LORD, you mighty angels of His who carry out His orders, listening for each of His commands. 21 Yes, bless the LORD, you armies of His angels who serve Him constantly.
"22 Let everything everywhere bless the LORD! And how I bless Him too!"
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pugzman3 · 2 months
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Psalms chapter 103
1 (A Psalm of David.) Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
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tinyshe · 2 months
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Psalm 103  Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.
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walkswithmyfather · 2 years
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“Gratitude isn't only a celebration when good things happen: Gratitude's a declaration that GOD IS GOOD no matter what happens.”
“23 Verses About the Goodness of God” By Dr. David Jeremiah:
“God is good. But what does that mean—that God is good? The more I studied this word in the Bible, the more one central concept seemed to jump out: God’s goodness conveys His generosity. His goodness means far more than His generosity, but it certainly includes His infinitely generous attitude toward us. By nature, He longs to bring joy and blessing to all His creatures. The Bible repeatedly presents goodness as a core quality of our Lord, and I wanted to share just 23 of those occasions. These 23 verses point you to the goodness of our God and what it means for our lives.”
1. “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.” —Exodus 34:6
2. “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” —1 Chronicles 16:34
3. “And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel.” —Ezra 3:11
4. “Good and upright is the Lord.” —Psalm 25:8
5. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” —Psalm 23:6
6. “The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” —Psalm 145:9
7. “No one is good but One, that is, God.” —Mark 10:18
8. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” —James 1:17
9. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” —Matthew 7:11
10. “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” —Psalm 27:13
11. “I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.” —Psalm 145:5-7
12. “He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” —Psalm 33:5
13. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” —Psalm 34:8
14. “Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting.” —Psalm 100:4-5
15. “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” —Psalm 107:8-9
16. “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” —Psalm 103:13-14
17. “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” —Psalm 143:10
18. “The Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” —Psalm 92:15
19. “You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes.” —Psalm 119:68
20. “You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, and did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst.” —Nehemiah 9:20
21. “Hear me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies.” —Psalm 69:16
22. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” —Nahum 1:7
23. “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.” —Psalm 31:19-20
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holy-mountaiin · 9 months
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The Ultimate Bible Reading Plan
About
This list of resources and guided Bible Reading plan was compiled by Ryan Birk. It contains the scriptures to read daily as well as links to each scripture on the Bible App to make it easy for you. You will also see videos and helpful links. For more helpful resources, please visit HolyMountaiin.com
CLICK HERE to learn how to save this page to your phone as an app.
Introductions:
Click here for the: ABOUT VIDEO
Click here for the: FOUNDATIONS page
Click Here to join the: FB GROUP
Before you Begin:
here is a video on “reading/studying God’s Word”
Here is a video on “how to read the Psalms” (the psalms will be spread out throughout this reading plan)
Streetlights New Testament // Physical Copy
Breakdown of each Book of the Bible
"Each Day" our Daily Bread
1        2         3         4         5         6      
 7         8        9        10     11      12       
13      14        15       16        17     18   
19      20        21      22       23      24
25     26       27       28      29      30
31     32     33     34     35     36
37     38     39      40   41     42
43       44        45       46       47     48   
49       50  51      52        53    54
55      56       57      58       59      60    
61      62       63      64       65     66
67      68      69      70     71     72
73       74      75        76      77       
78       79        80        81      82 
83      84       85        86       87   
88       89     90      91      92     93
94     95      96       97     98     99 
100     101      102       103     104
105     106       107       108     109   
110   111      112      113      114    115
116   117     118     119     120    121
122    123    124    125      126    127
128     129      130       131      132
133       134     135     136     137
138      139    140    141     142    143
144       145       146     145       146
147       148     149      150    151
152      153      154      155      156         
153       154      155       156    157
158       159       160    161       162
163      164    165       166       167
168     169      170       171    172
173       174       175     176  
177    178    179     180     181
182     183     184    185    186
187    188    189     190    191    192
193    194     195     196    197    198
199     200     201    202     203    204
205      206     207    208     209     210
211    212    213    214    215     216
217    218    219     220     221     222
223     224     225     226     227    228
229     230      231      232     233
234    235     236     237      238
239     240     241     242      243
244      245     246    247      248
249      250     251     252
253   254     255      256      257     258
259     260      261     262    263    264
265     266    267    268     269     270
271     272     273     274      275     276
277      278     279     280     281    282
283      284     285      286     287
288      289      290      291      292
293     294       295     296     297
298     299     300
301      302     303    304     305     306
307    308     309    310     311     312
313   314      315     316     317    318
319    320     321    322    323    324
325    326    327    328    328    329
330    331    332    333    334     335
336     337    338     339    340    341
342    343     345     346    347    348
349     350     351    352    353    354
355    356     357    358    359    360
361    362    363    364    365
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freebiblestudies · 1 year
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Lessons from Cain Lesson 02: Two Conversations
Did you know the Bible records two conversations between Cain and God?  Today we are going to study these two conversations in-depth.
Let’s read together Genesis 4:6-7.
In our previous lesson we discussed why God rejected Cain's offering, but accepted Abel’s offering.  The offering was a symbol of salvation.  We cannot save ourselves through our own works.  We need a Savior.
Nevertheless, Cain was upset his offering was not accepted by God.  Cain had offered the best fruits and vegetables from his hard work and labor in the fields.
Let’s read together Proverbs 11:2 and 16:18.
God knew Cain’s pride was wounded by this rejection.  When God asked Cain why he was angry, God was warning Cain not to let his pride get the better of him.   God let Cain know if he offered the proper sacrifice, then it would be accepted.
Let’s read together Deuteronomy 30:19; Psalm 139:23-24; 1 Corinthians 10:13; and James 1:12-13.
God saw Cain was at a precipice.  Cain had a fateful decision to make.  He could either give into his pride and resentment, which would lead him down the path of sin, or  Cain could let go of his pride and resentment.  Cain could obtain a sheep from Abel (perhaps for some fruits and vegetables) and offer a proper sacrifice to God.
God foresaw the tragedy that would come if Cain persisted in his pride.  This conversation teaches us that we are only slaves to sin because we choose to commit sin.  We have the power of choice - to do good or evil, right or wrong.
Let’s read together Genesis 4:8.
Tragically, Cain was unable to let go of his pride.  He murdered his brother Abel, who had done nothing wrong.
Let’s read together Genesis 4:9; Psalm  32:5; Proverbs 28:13; and 1 John 1:9.
Why did God ask Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”  God already knew the answer.  Just like with Adam and Eve, God was giving Cain a chance to confess his sins.  However, unlike his parents, Cain remained defiant and lied to God.  Cain basically asked God, “Why should I be concerned about Abel?”
Let’s read together Genesis 4:10-14; Exodus 21:12; and Revelation 6:9-11.
God confronted Cain with his sin.  Cain was a murderer.  Abel was innocent and had done nothing worthy of death.  Justice demanded Cain be put to death. 
However, God did not strike Cain dead.  God instead chose to curse Cain.  The ground would no longer yield good fruit and vegetables as it did before.  Cain would no longer be able to take pride in his ability to till the earth.  Cain would no longer be a farmer, but he would live the life of a nomad, wandering from place to place.  
In the hardness of Cain’s heart, he did not repent of his sin.  Rather, Cain complains about the severity of his punishment.
Let’s read together Genesis 4:15; Leviticus 19:18; Numbers 14:18; and Romans 12:19.
Why did God put a mark on Cain to preserve his life?  God was demonstrating his longsuffering mercy.   God hoped Cain would one day come to his senses as in the parable of the prodigal son.  God wanted Cain to confess his sins, repent, and return to Him. 
The mark of Cain was a precursor to the cities of refuge in the time of Moses.  God does not want us to take vengeance on our own.  He will judge in His own time.
Let’s read together Psalm 103:10-12; Romans 8:12-13; 1 John 1:9; Hebrews 7:25; and Revelation 3:12
God’s conversations with Cain teach us two important lessons.  First, we can have victory over sin!  Jesus Christ can give you victory if you are willing to rely on His strength and not your own.  Secondly, Jesus will forgive any and all sins if you sincerely confess your sins and ask Him for forgiveness.
Friend, will you take these two lessons to heart?
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biblereadingsblog · 2 years
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We will be looking at 1 Corinthians 15:58 for the lesson, and it reads, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” There are so many times when we struggle with something. Maybe you have an illness and you feel as if you’ll never get better. Maybe you lost a loved one and feel like you’ll never be able to continue in life without him/her. Maybe the enemy just keeps kicking your butt everyday and you think there is no longer hope. However, there is hope. Hope of a kingdom that rules over all in the heavens (Psalms 103:19). Hope of a place where there is no more pain or sorrow (Revelation 21:4). Hope of eternal life with the One who loved us so much He died for us (John 3:16; 1 John 5:11). Hope of a home that is prepared for us and is so amazing we can’t even fully understand what it will be like (John 14:2-4). The Word never ceases to provide hope and promises! Which is why we must never give up when we face these trials. We must remain stedfast, continuing to push against the tide no matter how difficult it gets. We must be unmovable, always making sure to keep our feet set firm upon the rock of Christ (Luke 6:47-48). We must also abound in the work of the Lord, always striving to grow in grace, knowledge, and wisdom and continuing to give Him glory (2 Peter 3:18). It’s also encouraging to know that all the labor we toil through has a purpose and is not done in vain! So put your hope in God and His promises, remain stedfast and unmovable, and continue to live for God! All of this labor will bring rejoicing in the end!
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glrosario · 1 year
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How to develop an #AttitudeOfGratitude : PSLAMS 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. More #Bible #scripture to #help you: PSALM 103:1-4 COLOSSIANS 2:6-7 ISAIAH 12:4-5 JAMES 1:17 1 CHRONICLES 16:34 HEBREWS 12:28 PSALM 95:1-5 PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7 COLOSSIANS 3:15-17 1 CHRONICLES 29:13 EPHESIANS 5:18-20 PSALM 107:1-3 HEBREWS 13:15 2 CORINTHIANS 9:15 #AmazingGrace #Thanksgiving #GiveThanks #Gratitude #Positivity #life #love #thanks #Grace #freedom #HappyNewYear #NewYear #USA #GeorgeTheSpeaker #ThankYou #glrosario (at GC Rosario Group) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm6Yshtunar/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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yieldfruit · 1 year
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Tell the whole story of the Gospel not just the part you want to tell.
I'm unsure what you are referring to, but I've shared the whole Gospel many times on here and happy to do so again:
Being a Christian is more than identifying yourself with a particular religion or affirming a certain value system. Being a Christian means you have embraced what the Bible says about God, mankind, and salvation. Consider the following truths found in the Bible.
God Is Sovereign Creator Contemporary thinking says man is the product of evolution. But the Bible says we were created by a personal God to love, serve, and enjoy endless fellowship with Him. The New Testament reveals it was Jesus Himself who created everything (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Therefore, He also owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19). That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.
God Is Holy God is absolutely and perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:3); therefore He cannot commit or approve of evil (James 1:13). God requires holiness of us as well. First Peter 1:16 says, You shall be holy, for I am holy.
Mankind Is Sinful According to Scripture, everyone is guilty of sin: There is no man who does not sin (1 Kings 8:46). That doesn't mean we're incapable of performing acts of human kindness. But we're utterly incapable of understanding, loving, or pleasing God on our own (Romans 3:10-12).
Sin Demands a Penalty God's holiness and justice demand that all sin be punished by eternal death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). That's why simply changing our patterns of behavior can't solve our sin problem or eliminate its consequences.
Jesus Is Lord and Savior Romans 10:9 says, If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. Even though God's justice demands death for sin, His love has provided a Savior who paid the penalty and died for sinners (1 Peter 3:18). Christ's death satisfied the demands of God's justice, and Christ's perfect life satisfied the demands of God's holiness (2 Corinthians 5:21), thereby enabling Him to forgive and save those who place their faith in Him (Romans 3:26).
The Character of Saving Faith True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, confessing your sins to Him, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9), pursue Christ (Matthew 11: 28-30; John 17:3), and obey Him (1 John 2:3). It isn't enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God (James 2:19), but they don't love and obey Him. True saving faith always responds in obedience (Ephesians 2:10).
Source: https://www.gracechurch.org/about/gospel
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The Law of the Lord Is Perfect
1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. — Psalm 19 | English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Cross References: Genesis 1:6-7; Deuteronomy 4:6; Judges 5:31; Nehemiah 9:13; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 18:2; Psalm 33:4; Psalm 51:1-2; Psalm 74:16; Psalm 90:8; Psalm 104:19; Psalm 111:8; Psalm 113:3; Psalm 119:72; Psalm 119:103; Psalm 119:133; Psalm 139:12; Proverbs 23:18; Proverbs 29:18; Isaiah 47:4; Hosea 8:5; Joel 2:16; Romans 1:19-20; Romans 10:18; Revelation 19:2
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steveezekiel · 2 years
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HOW TO PERPETUATE GOD’S BLESSINGS
29. “God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore.
33. He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, small creatures, and fish.
34. And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.”
1 Kings 4:29,33,34 (NKJV)
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• Solomon was supernaturally empowered by God for wisdom. His wisdom was paranormal, it was not an ordinary wisdom. He could speak about all kinds of plants, animals, and other creatures of God.
- God’s wisdom is manifold: many-sided, multifaceted, variegated, and has countless aspects (Ephesians 3:10).
“to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 3:10 (NKJV)
- This wisdom is given to the church of Christ; the people of God, believers, to be displayed, vaunted—to the principalities [rulers] and powers in the heavenly places.
• God reveals a bit or fragment of His wisdom: the different aspect of His person character or attributes to those who love Him.
- The evidence, proof or signs that someone loves God are: Giving of oneself and all that one has, and obedience to His Word, instructions promptly (1 Kings 3:3,4; Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 8:5; Hebrews 11:8).
- If you love God with all your heart, you would want to give yourself, and all you have to Him; and also, you would want to obey Him, in whatever He instructed you to do.
- The reverence and the Love you have for Him would prompt you to do whatever He commanded to do.
• God demands obedience from every child of His. Total obedience to God’s instructions makes a believer the candidate of blessing.
- God reveals His ways, how things are done, to believers who walk with Him in total obedience.
He did reveal His ways to Moses: “He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel" (Psalm 103:7).
- As a believer who claims to love Him, you should strive and endeavour know His ways, not the one looking for signs or acts.
His ways are made known to mature believers, while the acts or signs are made known to babies (1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 5:12-14).
- Obedience to His Word or instructions is a major way to get God’s attention and to know hidden things about Him (1 Corinthians 2:9-14).
- If you walk in rebellion, living contrary to His Word, you may not know much about Him—He reveals, makes Himself known to those who can go to any lengths or a greater extent in obeying Him.
• Giving is also an important way of getting God’s attention.
- Every believer should cultivate the habit of looking for an opportunity to give, and most especially when being prompted to do so—hence, your sensitivity, ability to discern, should be sharpened in order not to miss it, when you are prompted.
- Giving is one of the major ways to attract God’s attention as you walk with Him.
- Abraham used it: he gave to Mechizedek and a blessing was pronounced on him; he also entertained angels without knowing, and that culminated in fulfilment of his long awaited promise—a son (Genesis 18:1-22; 19:1; 14:18-20).
- Solomon also used it: Solomon’s sacrifices attracted God's attention. He made a thousand burnt offerings, and God gave him a blank cheque to fill; God said. “Ask! What shall I give you? (1 Kings 3:5).
He also demonstrated his love towards God by building the Temple which his father David had earlier desired to build for God (1 Kings 6:9-13).
• Having said that, whatever God gives as a blessing to any of His children is conditional, that is, the fulfilment, perpetuity or continuity of the Blessing is subject to certain conditions (1 Kings 6:11-13; 9:2-7).
11. “Then the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying:
12. “Concerning this temple which you are building, IF YOU WALK IN MY STATUTES, EXECUTE MY JUDGMENTS, KEEP ALL MY COMMANDMENTS, AND WALK IN THEM, THEN I WILL PERFORM MY WORD WITH YOU, which I spoke to your father David.
13. “And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel.”
1 Kings 6:11-13 (NKJV)
2. “that the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon.
3. And the LORD said to him: “I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.
4. “NOW IF YOU WALK BEFORE ME AS YOUR FATHER DAVID WALKED, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments,
5. “THEN I WILL ESTABLISH THE THRONE OF YOUR KINGDOM OVER ISRAEL FOREVER, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’
6. “But if you or your sons at all turn from following Me, and do not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them,
7. “then I will cut off Israel from the land which I have given them; and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My sight. Israel will be a proverb and a byword among all peoples.”
1 Kings 9:2-7 (NKJV)
- God gave conditions to Solomon: promised to dwell among the children of Israel, will not forsake them, and will establish the throne of Solomon—if he did obey or keep to the conditions of the covenant (1 Kings 6:12,13; 9:4,5).
- Every necessary condition for the fulfilment and perpetuity of God’s blessings in your life should be kept.
• Some have trivialised, take for granted or disregarded the conditions given to them by God prior to the blessing He gave to them.
- Samson disregarded the conditions given to him as a Nazarite of God (Judges 13:4,5,12-14,24,25; 14:5-9; 16:15-17; Leviticus 11:26,27).
- Samson shortened his ministry life, ended up abruptly, and died with shame, even with the enemies; because he did not pay attention to the rule of life given to him about his work—the assignment (Judges 13:12).
- Solomon also derailed, his heart turned from the LORD who had appeared to him twice; he disobeyed God’s Word, and served other gods (1 Kings 11:9,10).
- Solomon married from foreign nations which the LORD had told the Israelites not to intermarry with; and those women he married turned his heart away from God after other gods (1 Kings 11:1-8).
• Do not allow pleasure, wealth, fame, or whatever to make you forget the conditions given to you by God about your life and the assignment.
- If you disobeyed and disregarded the rule of life or the condition given to you by God, you become empty, lose the blessing, and consigned to oblivion—obscurity (1 Kings 11:11).
“Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.”
1 Kings 11:11 (NKJV)
• Solomon had a great wisdom, but he messed it up, because of sin, he had insatiable appetite, thirst or desire for women—likewise Samson.
- There is no fun in sexual sin; fornication and adultery; it will only lead to your downfall and destruction—unfulfillment.
- Wisdom of Solomon became nothing, because he forsook God, turned his heart away from God.
- In addition, the anointing of Samson left, he became powerless, and was ridiculed and died with the enemies—because of indiscipline, he permitted the lust of the flesh (Ephesians 5:3-6; James 4:4,5; 1 Peter 2:11,12; 1 John 2:15-17).
3. “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
4. neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6. LET NO ONE DECEIVE YOU WITH EMPTY WORDS, FOR BECAUSE OF THESE THINGS THE WRATH OF GOD COMES UPON THE SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE.”
Ephesians 5:3-6 (NKJV)
15. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
17. AND THE WORLD IS PASSING AWAY, AND THE LUST OF IT; BUT HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF GOD ABIDES FOREVER."
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
- Whatever the blessing, gift, or the anointing God may have given you, it could be rubbished if you yield to the desires, lust of the flesh!
• You will finish your journey and the assignment gloriously in Jesus name.
Peace!
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